Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Gravesend
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Services we offer in Gravesend
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Gravesend
Maintaining off-mains drainage systems in Gravesend, UK, is vital for meeting environmental regulations and ensuring the sustainability of local ecosystems.
Given the distinctive landscape of Gravesend, managing off-mains drainage systems effectively is essential to safeguard the environment and ensure full regulatory compliance. Proper care and maintenance of septic tanks and sewage treatment systems are crucial to prevent pollution and protect local water resources.
Following both national and local wastewater regulations is key to sustaining a reliable drainage system. This not only helps avoid environmental harm but also plays an important role in preserving Gravesend’s valuable water supplies.
At Boxall Ward, we provide expert advice and comprehensive support to homeowners, businesses, and property developers in Gravesend, ensuring that all off-mains drainage requirements are met. Our services include detailed system assessments, expert installations, and ongoing maintenance to ensure full compliance with legal obligations.
Rely on Boxall Ward to guide you through the complexities of drainage regulations, helping to protect Gravesend’s environment. Explore our range of services to learn how we can assist with your drainage needs. Additionally, visit our blog for helpful tips on maintaining your drainage systems.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Gravesend
Septic tanks, despite their simple construction, have a limited lifespan and can encounter several issues as they age. One of the leading causes of septic tank failure is structural damage, which can result in leaks and inefficient wastewater containment. When this happens, untreated sewage can infiltrate the surrounding soil, causing contamination and violating the General Binding Rules outlined by the Environment Agency.
Furthermore, recent updates to regulations, specifically the 2020 rules on septic tanks discharging into surface water, require careful attention. Since 1st January 2020, septic tanks that discharge into water bodies such as streams, rivers, ponds, or ditches must be replaced with a sewage treatment system to comply with updated legislation. For detailed information about these changes, visit our comprehensive guide on the 2020 Septic Tank Regulations.
Boxall Ward specialises in delivering high-quality septic tank installation and replacement services, tailored to the individual needs of clients in Gravesend. Our experienced team stays fully informed of the latest regulatory developments to ensure that your septic system remains both compliant and environmentally sound. For further guidance on the latest septic tank regulations and how they may affect your property, you can also consult the Environment Agency’s waste management resources.
Contact us today to find out how we can assist in maintaining a reliable and legally compliant septic system for your property in Gravesend.
Septic Tank Repairs Gravesend
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 Gravesend
For comprehensive septic tank surveys in Gravesend, rely on Boxall Ward. Our expert team conducts thorough inspections to evaluate the condition and functionality of your septic tank system.
We identify any potential structural issues and ensure environmental compliance, offering detailed reports to help you make informed decisions about maintenance or replacement. With our tailored services, you can be confident that your septic tank in Gravesend operates efficiently and meets all necessary regulations.
Get in touch with us today for expert septic tank surveys and personalised guidance to suit your specific needs.
Groundworks Gravesend
In Gravesend, we offer comprehensive groundworks services. Our experienced team is adept at 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 commitment to top-quality craftsmanship and a focus on precision, we ensure that your groundworks project is completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
For further 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 discover all the solutions we offer.
Contact us today for professional groundworks services and tailored advice for your project.
Certified Installers Gravesend
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
Gravesend 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.
