Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Chatham
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Services we offer in Chatham
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Chatham
Maintaining off-mains drainage systems in Chatham, UK, is crucial for meeting environmental guidelines and preserving local ecosystems’ health and longevity.
Given Chatham’s distinctive terrain, it is imperative to effectively manage off-mains drainage systems to protect the environment and ensure adherence to the latest regulatory requirements. Regular upkeep of septic tanks and sewage treatment systems plays a significant role in avoiding pollution and maintaining the quality of the area’s water resources.
Following national and local wastewater guidelines is essential to maintaining a sustainable drainage infrastructure. This not only mitigates environmental harm but also supports the protection of Chatham’s vital water reserves.
At Boxall Ward, we provide expert advice and full support for homeowners, businesses, and developers in Chatham to ensure they meet all off-mains drainage requirements. Our services include detailed system inspections, professional installations, and ongoing maintenance to help you remain compliant with all legal obligations.
Rely on Boxall Ward to help you navigate complex drainage regulations while safeguarding Chatham’s natural environment. Check out our comprehensive services to see how we can assist with your drainage solutions. For additional insights, visit our blog for helpful advice on maintaining your drainage systems.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Chatham
Septic tanks, while straightforward in design, have a finite lifespan and can encounter a range of issues as they age. One of the primary causes of septic tank failures is structural damage, which often leads to leaks and improper wastewater containment. When a tank becomes compromised, untreated sewage can seep into the surrounding soil, causing contamination and violating the General Binding Rules enforced by the Environment Agency.
In addition, recent legislative updates, particularly the 2020 regulations regarding septic tanks that discharge into surface water, demand close attention. Since 1st January 2020, any septic tank discharging into water bodies like streams, rivers, ditches, ponds, or lakes must be replaced or upgraded to a sewage treatment system to comply with the new legal standards. For more in-depth information on these changes, please refer to our detailed guide on the 2020 Septic Tank Regulations.
At Boxall Ward, we specialise in offering top-tier septic tank installation and replacement services, customised to the unique needs of our clients in Chatham. Our experienced team is well-versed in septic system maintenance and keeps fully updated on regulatory changes, ensuring that your system remains compliant and environmentally friendly. For more guidance on the latest septic tank rules and how they may affect your property, explore the Environment Agency’s waste management section.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain a dependable and legally compliant sewage system for your Chatham property.
Septic Tank Repairs Chatham
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 Chatham
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Chatham, rely on Boxall Ward. Our skilled team conducts thorough inspections to evaluate the condition and efficiency of your septic tank system.
We pinpoint any potential structural issues and assess environmental compliance, delivering detailed reports that help guide your maintenance or replacement decisions. With our tailored services, you can ensure your septic tank in Chatham operates smoothly and meets all necessary regulations.
Contact us today for professional septic tank surveys and expert guidance designed to suit your specific needs.
Groundworks Chatham
In Chatham, we offer comprehensive groundworks services. Our expert team is highly skilled in handling a wide range of groundworks projects, including excavation, landscaping, drainage, and more. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, we provide customised solutions to meet your specific needs. With a focus on precision and a commitment to top-quality workmanship, we ensure your groundworks project is completed on time and to the highest standards.
For more information on how we can support your drainage requirements as part of a groundworks project, visit our detailed 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 Chatham
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
Chatham 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.
