Specialists in the Installation & Maintenance of Off-Mains & Land Drainage

Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage West Sussex

Septic Tanks & Off Mains Drainage West Sussex

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Services we offer in West Sussex

Falcon Sewage Treatment Plant, Angmering, West Sussex

Off-Mains Drainage Compliance West Sussex

Ensuring Off-Mains Drainage Compliance in West Sussex, UK, is imperative for upholding environmental integrity and legal obligations alike. With the idyllic expanse of West Sussex’s landscape, maintaining off-mains drainage systems in strict accordance with regulations stands as a pivotal measure in preserving the region’s natural allure. From septic tanks to sewage treatment plants, adhering to both local and national standards is paramount, ensuring the effective management of wastewater and the prevention of pollution, thus safeguarding groundwater reservoirs.

At Boxall Ward, we excel in guiding homeowners, businesses, and developers through the intricate realm of off-mains drainage compliance in West Sussex. Our proficient team specialises in tailoring solutions to your specific needs, offering comprehensive assessments, seamless installations, and diligent maintenance services to guarantee your system’s alignment with all regulatory mandates. Rely on Boxall Ward to expertly navigate the complexities of off-mains drainage regulations, contributing to the preservation of West Sussex’s pristine environment for generations to come.

Septic Tank Installation and Replacement in West Sussex

Are you in need of professional septic tank replacement and installation services in West Sussex? Septic tanks, while straightforward in design, have a finite lifespan and can encounter various issues over time. One common cause of septic tank failure is structural deterioration, leading to leaks and improper containment of wastewater. When this occurs, the basic treatment function of the tank is compromised, resulting in raw sewage seepage into the surrounding ground, causing pollution and violating the General Binding Rules set by the Environment Agency. Another critical factor necessitating septic tank replacement is recent legislative changes, particularly the 2020 regulations regarding septic tanks discharging into surface water. Since January 1st, 2020, any septic tank discharging into a ditch, river, stream, pond, or lake must be replaced with a sewage treatment plant to comply with the updated regulations. For detailed information on the Septic Tank Rules of 2020 and how they may affect your property, refer to our comprehensive article. At Boxall Ward, we specialise in providing expert septic tank replacement and installation services tailored to the specific needs of clients in West Sussex. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of septic systems and stays updated on the latest regulations to ensure compliance and environmental responsibility. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in maintaining a reliable and compliant sewage system for your property in West Sussex.

Septic Tank Repairs West Sussex

If you have a previously installed sewage treatment systemcesspitseptic tank or, other form of wastewater storage, which requires attention please contact us in the first instance:

Septic Tank Survey West Sussex

For comprehensive septic tank surveys in West Sussex, rely on Boxall Ward. Our skilled team performs meticulous inspections to evaluate the condition and functionality of your septic tank system.

From pinpointing potential structural concerns to assessing environmental adherence, we furnish detailed reports to inform your maintenance or replacement choices. With our customised services, you can guarantee the effective and compliant operation of your septic tank in West Sussex.

Contact us today for professional septic tank surveys and expert advice tailored to your needs.

Groundworks West Sussex

In West Sussex, we provide meticulous groundworks services. Our seasoned team specialises in various groundworks projects, encompassing excavation, landscaping, drainage, and beyond. Whether you’re embarking on a residential, commercial, or industrial endeavour, we offer bespoke solutions tailored to your requirements. With an emphasis on superior craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, we guarantee the efficient and exemplary completion of your groundworks project.

Contact us today for expert groundworks services in West Sussex, and let us help you bring your vision to life.

Certified Installers West Sussex

We are the certified installers, suppliers for Harlequin Manufacturing and Marsh industries. Both are recognised and certified by the British Waterways as compliant foul water treatment plants.
 
We are also distributors of Matrix Sewage Treatment Plants.

More About Our Core Services

Areas We Serve In West Sussex

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 dicsuss your needs and our solution.

WorthingCrawleyBognor Regis
LittlehamptonShoreham-by-SeaHorsham
East GrinsteadHaywards HeathBurgess Hill
SouthwaterSteyningLancing
BillingshurstSelseyMidhurst
PetworthStorringtonAngmering
FernhurstWarnhamSouthwick
WashingtonRudgwickPulborough
FindonHenfieldWestergate

All Areas We Cover:

West Sussex | East Sussex | Surrey | Hampshire | Kent

Check out our Homebuyer Surveys (Septic Tank Surveys)

Happy Customers

West Sussex 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.

South East UK: Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent

There are three different types of tanks:

  1. Septic Tanks
  2. Cesspits
  3. 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.