Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage Reading
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Services we offer in Reading
Septic Tanks & Off-Mains Drainage Reading
Boxall Ward provides specialist septic tank and off-mains drainage services in Reading and the surrounding Thames Valley area. We work with homeowners, property buyers and sellers, landowners, developers, estate agents and other property professionals who need expert help with private drainage systems.
While much of central Reading is connected to mains drainage, the picture changes as you move into the villages, larger properties and more rural areas surrounding the town. Properties around the wider Reading area may rely on septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, cesspits or drainage fields for the disposal and treatment of wastewater.
Whether you need a septic tank survey, advice about off-mains drainage compliance, repairs to an existing system or a complete replacement installation, Boxall Ward can help.
Off-Mains Drainage Compliance Reading
If a property is not connected to the mains sewer, the owner is responsible for ensuring that its private drainage system operates correctly and that the way it discharges wastewater meets the relevant requirements.
This can be particularly important when buying or selling a property. An older septic tank may appear to be functioning normally but still have issues with its outlet, drainage field, pipework or discharge arrangement.
Boxall Ward can inspect private drainage systems and advise on their condition and likely compliance. Where a problem is identified, we explain what it means in straightforward terms and recommend a practical way forward.
Our off-mains drainage compliance service is designed to give property owners, purchasers and sellers a much clearer understanding of an existing system before a problem becomes an expensive surprise.
Septic Tank Installation and Replacement Reading
A properly designed and installed septic tank can provide an effective drainage solution for a property that cannot connect to the mains sewer. However, septic tanks and their associated drainage fields do not last indefinitely.
Age, structural damage, ground movement, unsuitable drainage conditions, damaged pipework or changes in the number of people using a property can all affect the performance of an existing system.
The method of discharge is also important. Older septic tanks that discharge directly into surface water may need to be upgraded or replaced in order to meet current requirements.
Boxall Ward can assess an existing septic tank and advise on the most appropriate replacement solution. Depending on the site, this may involve a new septic tank and drainage field or the installation of a modern sewage treatment plant.
Sewage Treatment Plants Reading
Modern sewage treatment plants treat wastewater to a higher standard than a traditional septic tank and can be an appropriate solution when an older private drainage system needs replacing or upgrading.
Choosing the correct treatment plant is important. The size and specification of the system need to take account of the number of people using the property, available space, ground conditions, the proposed discharge arrangement and access for installation and future servicing.
Boxall Ward can manage the process from initial assessment and system selection through to excavation, installation, pipework and reinstatement.
We are also distributors of Matrix sewage treatment plants, with systems available for domestic properties and much larger applications.
Septic Tank Repairs Reading
Problems with an off-mains drainage system do not automatically mean that the entire installation needs replacing. Depending on the cause and condition of the system, repairs may provide a practical and cost-effective solution.
Signs that a septic tank, sewage treatment plant or drainage field may need attention can include:
- Slow-draining sinks, baths or toilets
- Unpleasant smells around the drainage system
- Wet or boggy ground around a drainage field
- Wastewater appearing at ground level
- Repeated blockages or backing-up drains
- Alarms sounding on a sewage treatment plant
- Pumps or other mechanical components failing
Our off-mains drainage repair service covers septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, cesspits, pumps, pipework and associated drainage systems.
We aim to identify the cause of the problem before recommending work, rather than assuming that complete replacement is necessary.
Septic Tank Surveys Reading
If you are considering buying a property in the Reading area with private drainage, a specialist septic tank survey can provide valuable information before you commit to the purchase.
Simply knowing that the toilets flush and the drains appear to work does not tell you whether the tank, treatment plant, drainage field or discharge arrangement is in satisfactory condition.
Boxall Ward carries out homebuyer septic tank surveys covering septic tanks, sewage treatment plants and cesspits.
Our inspections can help buyers and their professional advisers understand the type of system serving the property, its apparent condition and any issues that may require further investigation, repair or replacement.
Groundworks Reading
Off-mains drainage installations frequently require much more than simply supplying a new tank. Excavation, levels, pipe routes, ground conditions, access, drainage fields and reinstatement all have an important part to play in the finished system.
Boxall Ward provides the associated groundworks needed for private drainage projects, helping to ensure that the complete installation is properly coordinated.
Our work can include excavation, drainage preparation, pipework, installation support and reinstatement following completion of the drainage works.
Experienced Off-Mains Drainage Specialists
Boxall Ward specialises in private off-mains drainage and works with septic tanks, cesspits and modern sewage treatment plants across southern England.
Our work ranges from surveys and compliance inspections to repairs, replacement systems, new installations and the associated groundworks. We can recommend solutions based on the individual property and site rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Boxall Ward is part of the PJ Cole Group and provides services throughout the Thames Valley as well as Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent and the New Forest.
For advice about septic tanks or off-mains drainage in Reading, call 01903 815377 or contact Boxall Ward.
Areas We Cover Around Reading
Our Reading coverage extends beyond the town itself into surrounding areas where private drainage is more likely to be required. This includes communities around Tilehurst and Purley, Theale, Burghfield, Mortimer, Pangbourne, Sonning, Shinfield and other rural and semi-rural locations around Reading.
If your property is outside these areas, please contact us as we cover a wide area across the Thames Valley. You can also visit our septic tanks and off-mains drainage Thames Valley page for more information about our regional coverage.
Reading Off-Mains Drainage FAQ
Are there properties with septic tanks around Reading?
Yes. Although most properties in central Reading are served by mains drainage, septic tanks and other private drainage systems can be found in villages, rural properties and larger sites around the wider Reading area where a mains sewer connection is not available or practical.
Should I have a septic tank survey when buying a property near Reading?
Yes. If the property relies on private drainage, a specialist inspection can help establish what type of system is installed, its apparent condition, where it discharges and whether there are issues that could result in repair or replacement costs after purchase.
What happens if an old septic tank discharges into a stream or ditch?
A septic tank that discharges directly to surface water may not meet current requirements. Depending on the circumstances, the system may need to be altered or replaced, often with a suitable sewage treatment plant. Boxall Ward can assess the existing arrangement and advise on the appropriate solution.
Can Boxall Ward replace a septic tank in the Reading area?
Yes. We can assess the existing system, recommend an appropriate replacement and undertake the installation and associated groundworks.
Do you install sewage treatment plants near Reading?
Yes. Boxall Ward installs sewage treatment plants for domestic properties and larger applications. We can advise on the most suitable system according to the property’s requirements, ground conditions, available space and discharge arrangements.
How do I know if my septic tank or drainage field is failing?
Possible warning signs include unpleasant smells, slow drains, repeated blockages, wet or unusually boggy ground, wastewater appearing at the surface or alarms from a treatment plant. These symptoms should be investigated before the problem becomes more serious.
Which areas around Reading do you cover?
We cover Reading and surrounding areas including locations around Tilehurst, Purley, Theale, Burghfield, Mortimer, Pangbourne, Sonning and Shinfield, as well as other parts of the wider Thames Valley. Contact us if you are unsure whether your property falls within our coverage area.
More About Our Core Services
Areas We Serve In Thames Valley
If your area isn’t listed, we may still be able to do the work – just call us on
01903 815 377
and we’ll be delighted to discuss your needs and our solution.
| Newbury | Reading | Wokingham |
| Bracknell | Maidenhead | Windsor |
| Henley-on-Thames | Marlow | Ascot |
| Twyford | Wargrave | Crowthorne |
All Areas We Cover:
West Sussex | East Sussex | Surrey | Hampshire | Kent | New Forest | Thames Valley
Check out our Homebuyer Surveys (Septic Tank Surveys)
Happy Customers
Reading 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.
