Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Sittingbourne
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Services we offer in Sittingbourne
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Sittingbourne
Maintaining off-mains drainage systems in Sittingbourne, UK, is essential for adhering to environmental regulations and ensuring the health of local ecosystems.
Due to the unique landscape of Sittingbourne, proper management of off-mains drainage systems is crucial to protect the environment and guarantee regulatory compliance. Regular maintenance and care of septic tanks and sewage treatment systems are necessary to prevent pollution and preserve local water quality.
Complying with both national and local wastewater regulations is fundamental in maintaining a dependable drainage system. This not only helps avoid environmental damage but also supports the preservation of Sittingbourne’s valuable water resources.
At Boxall Ward, we offer expert advice and full support to homeowners, businesses, and property developers in Sittingbourne, ensuring all off-mains drainage requirements are met. Our services include comprehensive system assessments, expert installations, and regular maintenance to ensure you stay compliant with all legal obligations.
Trust Boxall Ward to navigate the complexities of drainage regulations, helping to safeguard Sittingbourne’s environment. Explore our range of services to find out how we can meet your drainage needs. You can also visit our blog for useful advice on maintaining your drainage systems.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Sittingbourne
Septic tanks, while straightforward in their design, have a finite lifespan and can experience a range of issues as they age. One of the most common causes of septic tank failure is structural damage, which can lead to leaks and ineffective wastewater management. When this happens, untreated sewage may infiltrate the surrounding soil, causing contamination and breaching the General Binding Rules enforced by the Environment Agency.
Additionally, updates to regulations, particularly the 2020 laws concerning septic tanks that discharge into surface water, require attention. Since 1st January 2020, any septic tank that discharges into bodies of water such as streams, rivers, ponds, or ditches must be upgraded to a sewage treatment system to comply with the new standards. For more detailed information on these changes, visit our comprehensive guide on the 2020 Septic Tank Regulations.
Boxall Ward specialises in providing premium septic tank installation and replacement services, tailored to the specific needs of clients in Sittingbourne. Our experienced team stays current with all regulatory updates to ensure your septic system remains fully compliant and environmentally sound. For more guidance on the latest septic tank regulations and their potential impact on your property, you can also explore the Environment Agency’s waste management section.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you maintain a reliable and legally compliant septic system for your property in Sittingbourne.
Septic Tank Repairs Sittingbourne
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 Sittingbourne
For detailed septic tank surveys in Sittingbourne, trust Boxall Ward. Our skilled team performs comprehensive inspections to assess the condition and performance of your septic tank system.
We identify any structural concerns and ensure your system complies with environmental regulations, delivering detailed reports to guide your decisions on repairs, maintenance, or replacements. With our tailored services, you can have peace of mind knowing your septic tank in Sittingbourne operates efficiently and meets all required standards.
Contact us today for professional septic tank surveys and personalised advice tailored to your needs.
Groundworks Sittingbourne
Certified Installers Sittingbourne
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
Sittingbourne 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.
