Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Heathfield
On this page (click arrow to view):
Services we offer in Heathfield
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Heathfield
Proper maintenance of off-mains drainage systems in Heathfield, UK, is vital to meeting environmental and legal standards.
The distinct landscape of Heathfield demands careful attention to off-mains drainage systems to preserve the area’s natural beauty and ensure adherence to all relevant regulations.
Whether you are managing septic tanks or sewage treatment plants, it is essential to comply with both local and national guidelines for effective wastewater management. This proactive approach not only helps prevent contamination but also plays a significant role in protecting valuable groundwater resources.
Boxall Ward is dedicated to supporting homeowners, businesses, and developers in Heathfield with a thorough understanding of off-mains drainage regulations. Our experienced team offers customised solutions, from comprehensive assessments and installations to ongoing maintenance, ensuring your system remains fully compliant with legal requirements.
Trust Boxall Ward to navigate the complexities of off-mains drainage regulations, safeguarding Heathfield’s environment for future generations.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Heathfield
Septic tanks, while simple in design, have a limited lifespan and are prone to various issues over time. Structural damage is one of the most prevalent problems, potentially leading to leaks and insufficient wastewater containment. When such damage occurs, untreated sewage can seep into the surrounding soil, causing environmental harm and breaching the General Binding Rules set forth by the Environment Agency.
Moreover, recent legislative updates, especially the 2020 regulations affecting septic tanks that discharge into surface water, demand careful consideration. Since 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 comply with new legal standards. For a comprehensive overview of the 2020 Septic Tank Rules and their impact on your property, please refer to our in-depth article.
At Boxall Ward, we specialise in providing top-tier septic tank replacement and installation services, customised to meet the specific needs of clients in Heathfield. Our skilled team possesses extensive knowledge of septic systems and remains informed about the latest regulations to ensure both compliance and environmental preservation. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and find out how we can help you maintain a reliable and compliant sewage system for your property in Heathfield.
Septic Tank Repairs Heathfield
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 Heathfield
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Heathfield, rely on Boxall Ward. Our experienced team conducts thorough inspections to evaluate the condition and performance of your septic tank system.
We identify potential structural issues and assess environmental compliance, providing detailed reports to support your maintenance or replacement decisions. With our tailored services, you can ensure that your septic tank in Heathfield operates efficiently and meets all regulatory standards.
Reach out to us today for professional septic tank surveys and expert advice designed to meet your specific needs.
Groundworks Heathfield
In Heathfield, we provide comprehensive groundworks services. Our skilled team is experienced in handling a wide array of groundworks projects, including excavation, landscaping, drainage, and more. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements. With a focus on exceptional craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, we ensure your groundworks project is executed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Contact us today for expert groundworks services and personalised advice to fulfil your unique needs.
Certified Installers Heathfield
More About Our Core Services
All Areas We Serve in East Sussex
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 dicsuss your needs and our solution.
| Eastbourne | Hastings | Bexhill-on-Sea |
| Brighton | Crowborough | Hailsham |
| Uckfield | Newhaven | Rye |
| Peacehaven | Polegate | Wadhurst |
| Telscombe | Heathfield | Rottingdean |
| Lewes | Robertsbridge | Forest Row |
| Ringmer | Winchelsea | Mayfield |
| Withyham | Battle | Herstmonceux |
| Jevington | Catsfield | Alfriston |
| Pevensey | Northiam | Wartling |
All Areas We Cover:
West Sussex | East Sussex | Surrey | Hampshire | Kent
Check out our Homebuyer Surveys (Septic Tank Surveys)
Heathfield 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.
