Home Buyer Surveys (Septic Tank Surveys) for Off-Mains Drainage Systems
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Septic Tank Surveys: Comprehensive Home Buyer Surveys for Off-Mains Drainage Systems
When purchasing a property with off-mains drainage, a survey is essential to ensure the system is in good working order and meets current regulations. While often referred to as “septic tank surveys,” these inspections cover all types of off-mains drainage systems, including septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, and cesspits. Understanding the condition of these systems can prevent unexpected repair costs and legal issues. Whether it’s a septic tank, a modern sewage treatment plant, or a cesspit, our comprehensive surveys provide you with the insights needed to make informed property decisions.
Understanding Off-Mains Drainage Systems
Off-mains drainage systems are common in rural properties and are vital for managing wastewater when mains sewage is unavailable. The main types of systems include septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, and cesspits. Each system has distinct functionalities and maintenance requirements, which our surveys are designed to assess thoroughly.
Septic Tank Surveys
Septic tanks are underground chambers that allow wastewater to separate into solids and liquids. These systems rely on a drainage field to disperse the treated liquid safely. Regular maintenance, such as emptying the tank annually, is vital to avoid blockages and ensure efficiency. Our septic tank surveys thoroughly assess the tank’s condition, the functionality of the drainage field, and compliance with the latest environmental regulations.
If you’re buying a property with a septic system, it’s worth reviewing this guide from Which? which highlights what to look for and potential red flags.
For more about maintaining your system, visit our septic tank maintenance guide.
Sewage Treatment Plant Surveys
Sewage treatment plants treat wastewater to a much higher standard than septic tanks. Using mechanical components, they aerate wastewater, encouraging the breakdown of organic matter. Treated effluent is cleaner and can often be discharged into watercourses, subject to approval. Our surveys evaluate the condition of these systems, ensuring they meet both operational and regulatory standards. Learn more about these advanced systems on our sewage treatment plants page.
Cesspit Inspections
Cesspits, or cesspools, are sealed tanks that store untreated wastewater. Unlike septic tanks and sewage treatment plants, cesspits do not discharge treated water and require frequent emptying. Our surveys check the structural integrity of the cesspit, ensure proper alarm functionality (if installed), and assess any potential environmental risks. For more details, visit our cesspit management page.
Why Choose a Septic Tank Survey?
Referred to as “septic tank surveys,” these inspections are invaluable when buying a property with any off-mains drainage system. They assess the condition of the system, identify necessary repairs, and ensure compliance with regulations. This proactive approach can save you from costly surprises and environmental issues after purchase. Visit our home buyers surveys page for more details.
Regulatory Compliance
From January 2020, septic tanks can no longer discharge directly into surface water. Properties with outdated systems must upgrade to a sewage treatment plant or modify discharge methods to comply with environmental standards. Our surveys ensure your drainage system is fully compliant with current regulations and ready for the future.
Learn more about the full requirements in the
General Binding Rules for septic tanks and small sewage discharges.
Our surveys are carried out in accordance with the
Environment Agency’s septic tank guidance.
Contact Us for Expert Septic Tank Surveys
Make your property purchase with confidence. At Boxall Ward Ltd, we specialize in septic tank surveys and inspections for all off-mains drainage systems. Contact us today to schedule a survey or learn more about our services. Visit our contact page or call us at 01903 815377.
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Areas We Cover
We provide septic tank surveys across the South East and surrounding counties. Our coverage includes:
We also operate in neighbouring areas — get in touch to check coverage for your property.
West Sussex 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.
South East UK: Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent
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.
