Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Folkestone
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Services we offer in Folkestone
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Folkestone
Maintaining off-mains drainage systems in Folkestone, UK, is vital for complying with environmental regulations and protecting the long-term health of local ecosystems.
Due to Folkestone’s unique landscape, it is crucial to properly manage off-mains drainage systems in order to safeguard the environment and ensure adherence to the most up-to-date regulatory standards. Regular maintenance of septic tanks and sewage treatment systems is essential for preventing pollution and preserving the quality of local water resources.
Following both national and local wastewater guidelines is key to maintaining a sustainable drainage infrastructure. This helps minimise environmental damage and supports the conservation of Folkestone’s critical water reserves.
At Boxall Ward, we offer expert guidance and comprehensive support to homeowners, businesses, and developers in Folkestone, ensuring all off-mains drainage requirements are met. Our services range from thorough system inspections and professional installations to ongoing maintenance, helping you stay compliant with all legal requirements.
Trust Boxall Ward to assist you in navigating complex drainage regulations while protecting Folkestone’s natural environment. Explore our full range of services to see how we can help with your drainage needs. For more tips and guidance on maintaining your drainage systems, visit our blog.
Additionally, you can find further details about wastewater treatment on the UK Government website for in-depth guidelines
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Folkestone
Septic tanks, although simple in design, have a limited lifespan and can develop various issues as they age. A major cause of septic tank failures is structural damage, which can result in leaks and ineffective wastewater containment. When a septic tank is compromised, untreated sewage can seep into the surrounding ground, leading to contamination and breaching the General Binding Rules set by the Environment Agency.
Additionally, recent changes to legislation, particularly the 2020 regulations concerning septic tanks discharging into surface water, require careful attention. Since 1st January 2020, septic tanks that discharge into watercourses such as streams, rivers, ditches, ponds, or lakes must be replaced or upgraded to a sewage treatment system to meet the new legal standards. For further details on these updates, check out our comprehensive guide on the 2020 Septic Tank Regulations.
At Boxall Ward, we specialise in providing high-quality septic tank installation and replacement services, tailored to the specific requirements of our clients in Folkestone. Our skilled team is highly experienced in septic system maintenance and remains fully informed on all regulatory updates, ensuring your system stays compliant and environmentally sound. For further insight into the latest septic tank regulations and how they may affect your property, visit the Environment Agency’s waste management section.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in maintaining a reliable and legally compliant sewage system for your Folkestone property.
Septic Tank Repairs Folkestone
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:
Septic Tank Survey Folkestone
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Folkestone, trust Boxall Ward. Our expert team performs detailed inspections to assess the condition and performance of your septic tank system.
We identify any potential structural concerns and evaluate environmental compliance, providing in-depth reports to help inform your maintenance or replacement decisions. With our personalised services, you can ensure that your septic tank in Folkestone operates efficiently and adheres to all relevant regulations.
Get in touch with us today for professional septic tank surveys and expert advice tailored to your specific requirements.
Groundworks Folkestone
In Folkestone, we provide comprehensive groundworks services. Our experienced team is proficient in managing a wide variety of groundworks projects, including excavation, landscaping, drainage, and more. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, we offer bespoke solutions to meet your specific requirements. With a commitment to precision and high-quality workmanship, we ensure your groundworks project is completed on time and to the highest standards.
For further details on how we can assist with your drainage needs as part of a groundworks project, visit our dedicated drainage services page. You can also explore our full range of services to discover the complete solutions we provide.
Get in touch with us today for expert groundworks services and tailored advice to suit your project.
Certified Installers Folkestone
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
Folkestone 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.
