Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Gillingham
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Services we offer in Ashford
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Ashford
Ensuring that off-mains drainage systems in Ashford, UK, comply with environmental and legal standards is essential.
Ashford’s beautiful landscape and surroundings makes it imperative that off-mains drainage systems are properly maintained according to regulations to protect the area’s natural charm.
From septic tanks to sewage treatment plants, following local and national guidelines is crucial for effective wastewater management. This approach helps prevent pollution and protects groundwater resources.
Boxall Ward is dedicated to assisting homeowners, businesses, and developers in navigating the complexities of off-mains drainage compliance in Ashford. Our skilled team offers tailored solutions, including detailed assessments, installations, and ongoing maintenance services, ensuring your system meets all regulatory requirements.
Rely on Boxall Ward to manage off-mains drainage regulations efficiently, preserving Ashford’s environment for future generations.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Ashford
Are you seeking professional septic tank replacement and installation services in Ashford?
Septic tanks, despite their straightforward design, have finite lifespans and can encounter various problems over time. Structural damage often leads to septic tank failures, resulting in leaks and improper wastewater containment. Such issues can cause raw sewage to leak into the surrounding soil, leading to pollution and violating the General Binding Rules established by the Environment Agency.
Moreover, recent legislative updates, particularly the 2020 regulations on septic tanks discharging into surface water, require careful attention. Since 1st January 2020, any septic tank discharging into a ditch, river, stream, pond, or lake must be replaced with a sewage treatment plant to comply with the new regulations. For more detailed information on the 2020 Septic Tank Rules and their impact on your property, read our comprehensive article.
At Boxall Ward, we excel in delivering top-tier septic tank replacement and installation services tailored to the unique needs of clients in Ashford. Our experienced team possesses in-depth knowledge of septic systems and keeps abreast of the latest regulations to ensure compliance and environmental protection. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain a reliable and compliant sewage system for your property in Ashford.
Septic Tank Repairs Ashford
If you have a previously installed sewage treatment system, cesspit, septic tank or, other form of wastewater storage, which requires attention please contact us in the first instance:
Home Buyer Septic Tank Survey Ashford
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Ashford, rely on Boxall Ward. Our expert team conducts detailed inspections to evaluate the condition and functionality of your septic tank system.
We identify potential structural issues and assess environmental compliance, providing you with in-depth reports to inform your maintenance or replacement decisions. With our customised services, you can ensure your septic tank in Ashford operates efficiently and remains compliant with all regulations.
Contact us today for professional septic tank surveys and expert advice tailored to your needs.
Groundworks Ashford
In Ashford, we provide extensive groundworks services. Our skilled team specialises in a variety of groundworks projects, including excavation, landscaping, drainage, and more. Whether you are working on a residential, commercial, or industrial project, we offer tailored solutions to suit your specific needs. With a dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and careful attention to detail, we ensure your groundworks project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Contact us today for professional groundworks services and personalised advice tailored to your unique requirements.
Certified Installers Ashford
More About Our Core Services
All Areas We Serve in Kent
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.
| City/Town | City/Town | City/Town |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford | Chatham | Gillingham |
| Royal Tunbridge Wells | Margate | Folkestone |
| Maidstone | Dartford | Canterbury |
| Gravesend | Sittingbourne | Herne Bay |
| Faversham | Sevenoaks | Ramsgate |
| Whitstable | Deal | Southborough |
| Northfleet | Broadstairs | Tonbridge |
| Hythe | West Malling | Hawkhurst |
| Paddock Wood | New Romney | Snodland |
| Swanley | Edenbridge | Tenterden |
| Cranbrook | Westgate-on-Sea | Lydd |
All Areas We Cover:
West Sussex | East Sussex | Surrey | Hampshire | Kent
Ashford 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.
