Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Sevenoaks
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Services we offer in Sevenoaks
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Sevenoaks
Maintaining off-mains drainage systems in Sevenoaks, UK, is essential for adhering to environmental regulations and promoting the health of local ecosystems.
Given the unique topography of Sevenoaks, proper management of off-mains drainage systems plays a critical role in protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Regular upkeep and maintenance of septic tanks and sewage treatment facilities are fundamental in preventing pollution and safeguarding local water quality.
Complying with both national and local wastewater guidelines is essential for maintaining a sustainable drainage system. This not only helps prevent ecological harm but also contributes to the preservation of Sevenoaks’ essential water resources.
At Boxall Ward, we provide expert guidance and support for homeowners, businesses, and property developers in Sevenoaks, helping them meet all off-mains drainage requirements. Our services include detailed system assessments, professional installations, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.
Rely on Boxall Ward to navigate the intricacies of drainage regulations and help protect Sevenoaks’ environment. Browse our extensive range of services to discover how we can assist with your drainage requirements. Additionally, explore our blog for valuable insights into drainage system upkeep and care.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Sevenoaks
Septic tanks, despite their straightforward design, have a finite lifespan and can encounter various issues as they age. A common cause of septic tank failure is structural damage, which can result in leaks and ineffective wastewater containment. In such cases, untreated sewage may leak into the surrounding soil, leading to contamination and violating the General Binding Rules set by the Environment Agency.
Additionally, legislative updates, particularly the regulations introduced in 2020 concerning septic tanks that discharge into surface water, require close attention. From 1st January 2020, any septic tank that discharges into a water body like a stream, river, ditch, pond, or lake must be upgraded to a sewage treatment system to meet the new legal standards. For an in-depth look at these updates, see our detailed guide on the 2020 Septic Tank Regulations.
Boxall Ward specialises in offering top-tier septic tank installation and replacement services, customised to the specific requirements of clients in Sevenoaks. Our skilled team is well-versed in septic system maintenance and stays informed about all regulatory changes, ensuring your system remains compliant and environmentally friendly.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you maintain a reliable and compliant sewage system for your Sevenoaks property.
Septic Tank Repairs Sevenoaks
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 Sevenoaks
For thorough septic tank assessments in Sevenoaks, trust Boxall Ward. Our skilled team conducts comprehensive inspections to evaluate the condition and functionality of your septic tank system.
We pinpoint any structural issues and check for environmental compliance, delivering detailed reports to support your maintenance or replacement decisions. With our tailored services, you can be confident that your septic tank in Sevenoaks operates efficiently and meets all relevant regulations.
Reach out to us today for expert septic tank assessments and personalized advice designed to suit your specific needs.
Groundworks Sevenoaks
In Sevenoaks, we offer a full range of groundworks services. Our expert team is skilled in handling various groundworks projects, from excavation and landscaping to drainage and beyond. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, we provide bespoke solutions to meet your specific needs. Committed to exceptional craftsmanship and precision, we ensure your groundworks project is completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
For more information on how we can support your drainage requirements as part of a groundworks project, take a look at our drainage services page. You can also explore our comprehensive range of services to discover the full suite of solutions we offer.
Contact us today for professional groundworks services and personalised guidance tailored to your project’s unique requirements.
Certified Installers Sevenoaks
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
Sevenoaks 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.
