Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage New Forest
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Services we offer in New Forest
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance New Forest
Properties in the New Forest often rely on private drainage systems rather than a connection to the mains sewer. That can include older septic tanks, modern sewage treatment plants, cesspits, drainage fields and associated pipework. When these systems are not installed, maintained or upgraded correctly, they can create pollution risks, property sale delays and potential compliance problems.
Boxall Ward helps homeowners, landowners, developers and property professionals understand whether an off-mains drainage system in the New Forest is suitable, safe and compliant. We can advise on off-mains drainage compliance, inspect existing systems, explain likely issues in plain English and recommend practical next steps where repairs, servicing or replacement may be needed.
If you are buying, selling, renovating or managing a rural property in the New Forest, it is worth checking the drainage system before a small issue becomes a larger and more expensive problem.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in the New Forest
Many rural homes and commercial sites in the New Forest depend on septic tanks or sewage treatment plants for wastewater management. Older systems can eventually fail through age, ground movement, poor installation, damage, blocked drainage fields or changes in how the property is used. In some cases, the existing tank may no longer be suitable for the number of people using the property.
Septic tank replacement is also an important compliance issue. Septic tanks that discharge directly into a ditch, stream, river, pond or other surface water are unlikely to meet current requirements and may need to be replaced with a compliant sewage treatment plant or an alternative approved solution. This is especially important when a property is being sold, surveyed or upgraded.
Boxall Ward can assess your existing system, discuss the best replacement options and carry out the installation work needed to provide a reliable off-mains drainage solution for your New Forest property. Where appropriate, we can also advise on Matrix sewage treatment plants and other suitable treatment systems.
Septic Tank Repairs New Forest
If your septic tank, cesspit, sewage treatment plant or drainage field is showing signs of a problem, it is better to get advice early. Warning signs can include slow-draining toilets and sinks, unpleasant smells, wet or boggy ground near the tank or drainage field, alarms sounding on a treatment plant, or wastewater appearing where it should not.
Boxall Ward provides practical off-mains drainage repairs for properties in and around the New Forest. We can investigate the issue, identify whether the problem is with the tank, pipework, pump, drainage field or treatment plant, and explain the most sensible repair options.
Where a repair is not the right long-term answer, we will say so clearly and advise whether replacement, upgrading or further compliance work is likely to be needed.
Septic Tank Survey New Forest
A septic tank survey is strongly recommended when buying a property in the New Forest with any form of private drainage. Even if the system appears to be working, there may be hidden problems with the tank, drainage field, discharge point, access covers, pipework or overall compliance.
Boxall Ward carries out homebuyer septic tank surveys and off-mains drainage inspections for rural and semi-rural properties. These surveys help buyers, sellers, estate agents and solicitors understand the condition of the system before a sale progresses too far.
A clear survey can reduce uncertainty, support negotiations and help avoid unpleasant surprises after completion. If we find a problem, we explain it in plain English and advise what may need to happen next.
Groundworks New Forest
Off-mains drainage work often involves more than simply fitting a tank. Access, excavation, drainage falls, soil conditions, pipe routes, landscaping and reinstatement all matter. Poor groundworks can lead to future drainage problems, unnecessary disruption and costly remedial work.
Boxall Ward provides groundworks services for off-mains drainage projects in the New Forest, including excavation, drainage preparation, pipework, installation support and making good after works are completed. We work carefully and methodically, with a focus on long-term reliability rather than quick fixes.
Whether the project involves a domestic septic tank replacement, a sewage treatment plant installation or wider drainage improvements, our team can help plan and carry out the groundwork needed for a properly functioning system.
Certified Installers New Forest
Choosing the right installer matters when replacing or upgrading an off-mains drainage system. A sewage treatment plant or septic tank installation needs to be suitable for the property, correctly positioned, properly installed and compliant with the relevant requirements.
Boxall Ward are certified installers and suppliers for Harlequin Manufacturing and Marsh Industries. We are also distributors of Matrix sewage treatment plants.
For New Forest properties, this means we can advise on suitable treatment options, install systems to a professional standard and help ensure the finished installation is appropriate for the site, the property and the expected level of use.
More About Our Core Services
Areas We Serve In New Forest
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.
| Totton | Lymington | New Milton |
| Ringwood | Fordingbridge | Hythe |
| Lyndhurst | Brockenhurst | Beaulieu |
| Burley | Milford on Sea | Ashurst |
All Areas We Cover:
West Sussex | East Sussex | Surrey | Hampshire | Kent | New Forest
Check out our Homebuyer Surveys (Septic Tank Surveys)
Happy Customers
New Forest 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.
