Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Ringwood
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Services we offer in Ringwood
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Ringwood
Ringwood sits on the western edge of the New Forest, with a mix of town properties, rural homes, larger plots, smallholdings, commercial premises and outlying properties that may not be connected to the mains sewer. In these settings, private drainage systems such as septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, cesspits and drainage fields need to be properly maintained, suitable for the property and compliant with current requirements. Boxall Ward helps homeowners, landowners, developers and property professionals in Ringwood understand whether an off-mains drainage system is working as it should. We can advise on off-mains drainage compliance, inspect existing systems, identify possible problems and explain what needs to happen next in clear, practical language. As Ringwood is part of our wider New Forest off-mains drainage service area, we can also support properties in the surrounding villages, lanes and rural locations where access, ground conditions and system suitability may all need careful consideration.Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Ringwood
Older septic tanks around Ringwood can become unsuitable for a number of reasons. The tank may be too small for the current use of the property, the drainage field may no longer perform properly, pipework may have failed, or the system may no longer meet the rules that apply to private drainage discharges. Replacement is often considered when a property is being sold, extended, renovated or brought back into reliable long-term use. It may also become necessary if a septic tank discharges directly into a ditch, stream, river, pond or other surface water. In many cases, this type of discharge will need to be replaced with a compliant sewage treatment plant or another suitable approved solution. Boxall Ward can assess the existing system, explain the practical options and carry out the installation work needed for a dependable off-mains drainage solution in Ringwood. Where suitable, we can also advise on Matrix sewage treatment plants and other treatment systems appropriate to the site.Septic Tank Repairs Ringwood
Septic tank and sewage treatment plant problems are often easier to deal with when they are investigated early. Slow-draining toilets, unpleasant smells, wet ground, standing water, sewage backing up, pump issues or alarms on a treatment plant can all indicate that something is not working properly. Boxall Ward provides practical off-mains drainage repairs for properties in and around Ringwood. We can investigate whether the fault lies with the tank, pipework, pump, drainage field, soakaway or treatment plant, then recommend the most sensible repair route. For rural and semi-rural Ringwood properties, we also look at the bigger picture. A quick repair is useful only if it solves the real problem. If the system is failing because it is overloaded, badly positioned, no longer compliant or simply at the end of its useful life, we will explain that clearly and advise on the next practical step.Septic Tank Survey Ringwood
A septic tank survey can be especially important when buying or selling a property around Ringwood, where homes may have older private drainage systems, outbuildings, extended accommodation, large gardens or drainage arrangements that are not immediately obvious during a normal viewing. Boxall Ward carries out homebuyer septic tank surveys and off-mains drainage inspections for buyers, sellers, estate agents and solicitors. We check the visible and accessible parts of the system, consider possible compliance issues and explain whether further investigation, repair or replacement may be needed. A clear drainage survey can help prevent delays during a sale and reduce the risk of expensive surprises after completion. If there is a problem, we explain it in plain English so everyone involved can understand the likely implications.Groundworks Ringwood
Off-mains drainage projects in and around Ringwood often need careful groundworks planning. Access for machinery, pipe routes, levels, drainage falls, soil conditions, existing landscaping and reinstatement can all affect how smoothly the job runs and how reliable the finished system will be. Boxall Ward provides groundworks services for septic tank replacements, sewage treatment plant installations, drainage improvements and associated off-mains drainage work in Ringwood and the surrounding New Forest area. Our team works with a practical, methodical approach, aiming to keep disruption under control while making sure the system is installed correctly. Whether the project is a straightforward replacement or part of a wider drainage upgrade, good groundworks are essential to long-term performance.Certified Installers Ringwood
Choosing a properly experienced installer matters when replacing or upgrading a septic tank or sewage treatment plant. The system needs to be correctly specified, positioned, installed and connected, with the finished work suitable for the property and expected level of use. Boxall Ward are certified installers and suppliers for Harlequin Manufacturing and Marsh Industries. We are also distributors of Matrix sewage treatment plants. For Ringwood properties, this means we can advise on suitable treatment options, explain installation requirements and carry out the work to a professional standard. We can also support properties across the wider New Forest area where private drainage systems need careful, compliant attention.More About Our Core Services
Areas We Serve In New Forest
If your area isn’t listed, we can still do the work – just call us on
01903 815 377
and we’ll be delighted to discuss your needs and our solution.
| Totton | Lymington | New Milton |
| Ringwood | Fordingbridge | Hythe |
| Lyndhurst | Brockenhurst | Beaulieu |
| Burley | Milford on Sea | Ashurst |
All Areas We Cover:
West Sussex | East Sussex | Surrey | Hampshire | Kent | New Forest
Check out our Homebuyer Surveys (Septic Tank Surveys)
Happy Customers
Ringwood Off Mains Drainage FAQ
In order for wastewater to be taken away from your property, it will be connected either to a network of pipes leading to a main sewer, or to its own private drainage system, also known as off mains drainage. These properties are typically situated in more rural locations where a connection to a main sewer is not possible.
Your sewage treatment plant has to be 5 metres away from trees, fences and hedges, 10 metres away from a watercourse or stream, and 50 metres away from any lake or foreshore. Last but not least, it has to be 7 metres away from your housing and 4 metres away from a wall or a building.
Areas we serve include: West Sussex, East Sussex, Hampshire, the New Forest, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire and parts of Wiltshire and Dorset. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise.
There are three different types of tanks:
- Septic Tanks
- Cesspits
- Sewage Treatment Plants
Septic tank:
A septic tank does not have any mechanical parts, and it doesn’t perform any ‘treatment’ of the waste. Instead, the waste enters the tank from the property, then separates into three different layers. The middle layer of separated waste water then leaves the tank, typically into a soakaway system.
A soakaway system is typically a network of slotted or perforated pipes, which allow the waste water to percolate through the sub soils without causing a pollution.
The remaining contents of the tank are then removed at regular intervals by a tank emptying company.
Cesspit:
A cesspit is literally just a holding tank for the waste from your property. Waste goes in and stays there until the tank is emptied. There is no treatment of the waste that goes in. A cesspit will need emptying on a regular basis.
Sewage Treatment Plant:
A sewage treatment plant is the most modern form of off mains drainage tank.
Powered by an electricity supply, a sewage treatment plant provides treatment of the waste. This means that the waste water that leaves the tank is cleaner than that which would come from a septic tank. For this reason, it is allowed for a sewage treatment plant to discharge straight to a ditch or watercourse. An STP will also require emptying, but not as regularly as a cesspit.
Septic Tank: approx. every 3 years.
Cesspit: between every 6 weeks to every 12 months, depending on usage.
Sewage Treatment Plant: approx. once every 12 -18 months.
The manufacturers’ guarantee gives the lifespan of 25 years
No, all will need emptying at some point.
If you’re installing a new septic tank in a domestic or commercial property, you will need planning permission from your local authority. If you’re simply replacing an old one, however, there’s no need to seek further permission.
Government’s General Binding Rules.
You can read more about planning permission for drainage systems on the official Planning Portal.
The installation of new sewage treatment plants and associated drainage. We also specialize in all forms of groundworks.
From single house applications to multi-user commercial sites, we undertake all aspects of the installation from system design, excavations, electrical installation through to final landscaping.
We offer a tailored annual service agreement to provide scheduled service visits and call-out cover in the event of a problem.
South East UK: Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent (South of the M25)
We have over 30 years’ experience in the drainage industry.
We are a relatively small, family run firm, and like to think we give a very personal service to our customers. Giving genuine advice without pressure to purchase.
Yes, all our installations are carried out to the very highest standards and fully comply with Building Control and Environment Agency requirements. All installations are completed using the government’s General Binding Rules https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/small-sewage-discharges-in-england-the-general-binding-rules/general-binding-rules-for-small-sewage-discharges-ssds-with-effect-from-2-october-2023
Certainly, we have installed a number of bespoke tanks which have had to be customized due to a lack of space or access issues.
All our tanks are installed to the correct manufacturers’ recommendations, surrounded in concrete with all the drainage laid to the correct fall for the site on a bed of 10mm shingle. An on-going service contract is offered with all new installations.
Call the office on 01903 815377 (or email on enquiries@boxallward.co.uk) and speak to our office staff who will be able to take your details. We can then arrange for Andrew Boxall to visit your site and discuss your specific requirements. After his visit a quote will be produced to provide a solution to your needs.
This is part of the annual service agreement. If the client does not have a service agreement we can attend as a one-off call-out for a fee. We work 5 days a week – Mon-Fri and commit to attend an emergency within 48 hours of the initial call.
