Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Dartford
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Services we offer in Dartford
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Dartford
Ensuring off-mains drainage systems in Dartford, UK, meet both environmental and legal requirements is essential.
The unique landscape of Dartford requires meticulous maintenance of off-mains drainage systems to protect the area’s natural beauty while remaining compliant with all relevant regulations.
Whether managing septic tanks or sewage treatment facilities, it’s vital to follow both local and national guidelines for effective wastewater management. This approach helps prevent pollution and plays a crucial role in safeguarding groundwater resources.
Boxall Ward is committed to assisting homeowners, businesses, and developers in Dartford in understanding and adhering to off-mains drainage regulations. Our skilled team provides customised solutions, from comprehensive assessments and installations to routine maintenance, ensuring that your system complies with all legal requirements.
Rely on Boxall Ward to navigate off-mains drainage regulations, protecting Dartford’s environment for future generations. For more details on our services, visit our Services page.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Dartford
Septic tanks, while straightforward in their design, have a finite lifespan and may encounter several issues over time. Structural damage often leads to septic tank failures, resulting in leaks and improper containment of wastewater. These problems can cause untreated sewage to infiltrate the surrounding soil, leading to pollution and violating the General Binding Rules established by the Environment Agency.
Additionally, recent legislative changes, particularly the 2020 regulations concerning septic tanks discharging into surface water, demand careful attention. As of 1st January 2020, any septic tank that discharges into a ditch, river, stream, pond, or lake must be upgraded to a sewage treatment plant to align with the new standards. For detailed information on the 2020 Septic Tank Rules and their impact on your property, be sure to read our comprehensive article.
At Boxall Ward, we specialise in delivering high-quality septic tank replacement and installation services, tailored to the specific requirements of clients in Dartford. Our knowledgeable team possesses in-depth expertise in septic systems and stays updated with the latest regulations to ensure both compliance and environmental responsibility. Get in touch with us today to explore our services and discover how we can assist you in maintaining a dependable and compliant sewage system for your Dartford property.
Septic Tank Repairs Dartford
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 Dartford
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Dartford, trust Boxall Ward. Our skilled team conducts thorough inspections to evaluate the condition and functionality of your septic tank system.
We pinpoint potential structural concerns and assess environmental compliance, offering detailed reports to guide your maintenance or replacement decisions. With our customised services, you can ensure your septic tank in Dartford operates effectively and adheres to all regulatory standards.
Contact us today for professional septic tank surveys and expert advice tailored to your specific requirements.
Groundworks Dartford
In Dartford, we offer a full range of groundworks services. Our expert team specialises in various groundworks projects, including excavation, landscaping, drainage, and more. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, we provide customised solutions designed to meet your specific needs. With an emphasis on outstanding craftsmanship and close attention to detail, we ensure your groundworks project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Get in touch with us today for professional groundworks services and personalised advice tailored to your unique needs.
Certified Installers Dartford
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
Dartford 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.
