Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Ashurst
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Services we offer in Ashurst
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Ashurst
Ashurst sits right on the edge of the New Forest, with homes, cottages, larger plots, woodland-side properties and nearby rural lanes where drainage arrangements can vary from property to property. Some homes may be connected to mains drainage, while others may rely on septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, cesspits, pumps, drainage fields or older private pipework.
Boxall Ward helps homeowners, buyers, sellers, landowners and property professionals in Ashurst understand whether a private drainage system is working properly and whether it is likely to meet current requirements. We can inspect existing arrangements, advise on off-mains drainage compliance and explain any issues in clear, practical terms.
This can be especially useful when buying or selling a property, planning building work, dealing with repeated drainage problems or trying to understand whether an older system is still acceptable. The General Binding Rules may affect what needs to happen if a septic tank discharges to surface water or the system is no longer suitable for the property.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in Ashurst
Private drainage systems around Ashurst can become unreliable for a number of reasons. Older tanks may have been installed for a smaller household, a different pattern of use or before today’s environmental rules were such a major consideration. Tree roots, access constraints, damaged pipework, poor drainage falls and failing soakaway areas can all create problems over time.
If an existing septic tank is damaged, overloaded, discharging incorrectly or no longer suitable, replacement may be the right long-term solution. In many cases, this means considering a modern sewage treatment plant or another compliant off-mains drainage system designed around the property and the site.
Boxall Ward can assess the current drainage arrangement, explain the options and carry out installation work for Ashurst properties. Where suitable, we can advise on Matrix sewage treatment plants and other treatment systems that fit the ground conditions, access and expected level of use.
Septic Tank Repairs Ashurst
Septic tank and sewage treatment plant problems often start with small warning signs: slow drains, unpleasant smells, wet ground, overflowing inspection chambers, treatment plant alarms or blockages that keep coming back. In a New Forest-edge location such as Ashurst, it is worth getting these issues checked before they become more disruptive.
Boxall Ward provides practical repairs for septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, cesspits and private drainage systems in and around Ashurst. We can investigate the fault and identify whether the problem is likely to be with the tank, pump, pipework, drainage field, discharge point or wider condition of the system.
Some faults can be solved with a straightforward repair or servicing visit. Others point to a system that is failing, unsuitable or no longer compliant. We will explain the situation clearly so you can make a sensible decision about the next step.
Septic Tank Survey Ashurst
A septic tank survey is a sensible step when buying a property in Ashurst or the surrounding New Forest area, particularly where the home is older, set back from the road, close to woodland or has land, outbuildings or unclear drainage records. Private drainage systems can look unremarkable on the surface while hiding expensive defects.
Boxall Ward carries out septic tank surveys and homebuyer surveys for properties with off-mains drainage. We help buyers, sellers, estate agents and solicitors understand the condition, suitability and likely compliance position of the system before the sale moves too far forward.
A survey can highlight whether servicing, repair, replacement or further investigation is needed. It can also give buyers useful information before they commit to a property with a private drainage system.
Groundworks Ashurst
Good groundworks are essential for reliable off-mains drainage. Around Ashurst, access, tree cover, ground conditions, levels, pipe routes, drainage falls and reinstatement can all affect how smoothly the work goes and how well the finished system performs.
Boxall Ward provides groundworks for septic tank, sewage treatment plant and private drainage projects in Ashurst and nearby New Forest areas. This can include excavation, trenching, pipework preparation, drainage installation support and making good once the work is complete.
Whether the project involves replacing an old tank, installing a treatment plant or improving a wider private drainage arrangement, careful groundwork helps reduce disruption and supports a more reliable long-term result.
Certified Installers Ashurst
A private drainage system needs to be selected and installed properly. The right solution depends on the property, the number of users, available space, access, ground conditions, discharge options and the relevant compliance requirements.
Boxall Ward works with trusted treatment plant manufacturers and is a distributor of Matrix sewage treatment plants. We can advise on suitable systems for Ashurst properties and help ensure the chosen installation is practical, reliable and appropriate for the site.
Once a system is installed, ongoing care still matters. Boxall Ward can also advise on servicing and maintenance, helping homeowners and property managers keep their private drainage systems working properly over time.
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
Ashurst 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.
