Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Herne Bay
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Services we offer in Herne Bay
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Herne Bay
Maintaining off-mains drainage systems in Herne Bay, UK, is crucial for complying with environmental regulations and protecting local ecosystems.
Given the distinct landscape of Herne Bay, effective management of off-mains drainage systems is essential to ensure environmental preservation and meet regulatory requirements. Regular upkeep and care of septic tanks and sewage treatment systems play a vital role in preventing pollution and safeguarding local water quality.
Adhering to both national and local wastewater regulations is key to sustaining a reliable drainage system. Not only does this prevent environmental harm, but it also helps to protect Herne Bay’s valuable water resources.
At Boxall Ward, we provide expert guidance and comprehensive support for homeowners, businesses, and property developers in Herne Bay, ensuring that all off-mains drainage requirements are fulfilled. Our services include detailed system evaluations, expert installations, and regular maintenance, helping you stay fully compliant with all legal obligations.
Trust Boxall Ward to help you navigate the complexities of drainage regulations, ensuring the protection of Herne Bay’s environment. Explore our services to see how we can assist with your drainage needs. You can also check out our blog for helpful tips on maintaining your drainage systems.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Herne Bay
Septic tanks, while straightforward in design, have a finite lifespan and can develop various issues as they age. A common cause of septic tank failure is structural deterioration, which can lead to leaks and inefficient wastewater management. When this happens, untreated sewage can leak into the surrounding ground, causing contamination and breaching the General Binding Rules set by the Environment Agency.
Moreover, changes to regulations, particularly the 2020 laws regarding septic tanks discharging into surface water, need careful attention. Since 1st January 2020, septic tanks that release wastewater into water bodies like streams, rivers, ponds, or ditches must be upgraded to a sewage treatment system to comply with the latest regulations. For more detailed information, visit our detailed guide on the 2020 Septic Tank Regulations.
At Boxall Ward, we specialise in offering high-quality septic tank installations and replacements, tailored to meet the specific needs of clients in Herne Bay. Our expert team stays updated with all regulatory changes to ensure your septic system remains compliant and environmentally friendly. To learn more about the latest regulations and their potential impact on your property, visit the Environment Agency’s waste management section.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you maintain a reliable and legally compliant septic system for your Herne Bay property.
Septic Tank Repairs Herne Bay
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 Herne Bay
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Herne Bay, rely on Boxall Ward. Our expert team conducts thorough inspections to evaluate the condition and efficiency of your septic tank system.
We pinpoint any potential structural issues and ensure your system adheres to environmental regulations, providing detailed reports that help guide your decisions on repairs, maintenance, or potential replacements. With our customised services, you can feel confident that your septic tank in Herne Bay operates effectively and complies with all necessary standards.
Get in touch with us today for professional septic tank surveys and tailored advice to suit your specific requirements.
Groundworks Herne Bay
In Herne Bay, we offer comprehensive groundworks services. Our highly skilled team is experienced in handling a wide variety of groundworks projects, including excavation, landscaping, drainage, and more. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, we provide bespoke solutions tailored to your specific needs. With a focus on top-tier craftsmanship and precision, we ensure that every groundworks project is completed on schedule and meets the highest standards.
To learn more about how we can assist with your drainage requirements within a groundworks project, visit our dedicated drainage services page. You can also explore our full range of services to see the complete solutions we offer.
Contact us today for professional groundworks services and personalised advice tailored to your project.
Certified Installers Herne Bay
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
Herne Bay 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.
