Septic Tank Systems, Regulations and Information

New Septic Tank Regulations

Septic Tank News: The UK Environment Agency requires all existing septic tanks that discharge, either intentionally, or by accident into a watercourse, to be replaced by a sewage treatment plant, and mandatory at the point of sale of the property.

Failure to comply will result in Prosecution.

What is the Answer?

The cheapest solution is to replace the Septic Tank with a Sewage Treatment Plant. It is much cheaper and less disruptive than installing a new Soakaway Drainfield and over 70% of sites cannot have one anyway, due to failing the Mandatory Tests.

In the past, if you had an old existing Consent to Discharge, it was automatically transferred to a valid Permit , but this is no longer the case. Ireland is also enforcing the new rules..

Sewage treatment plants do not need an expensive septic tank soakaway drainfield, as they can Legally discharge directly to a ditch, stream or surface water drain.

Septic Tank Products All septic tank installations must conform with the Environment Agency General Binding Rules. It is estimated that over 70% of sites will fail the Exemption tests and will not be allowed to have a septic tank, so be warned. Septic tanks are also not allowed in Groundwater Source Protection Zones or in Flood Plains. Other wastewater treatment systems must be used. Septic Tanks We no longer make septic tanks, as they are not allowed in the vast majority of areas in the UK Septic Tank Conversion Units These add-on tanks convert septic tank systems into full sewage treatment unit. Drain-X Septic Tank Filters for Protection of the Soakaway   These are placed in the vertical part of the 'T' pipe inside the septic tank at the outlet end. They prevent small solids, hair, lint, etc. from exiting the septic tank and blocking or clogging the soakaway drainfield.   It is estimated that they reduce suspended solids in the final effluent by around 60%.   WTE Ltd. sells them in boxes of 12, but single Septic Tank Drain-X filters are available from;  http://www.sapphireservicing.com/drain-x-septic-tank-filter.html   Simply follow the above link and order online.

Septic Tank Information Sewage treatment options - All the options for treatment and disposal of sewage. Septic tank design - How a septic tank works. Septic tank problems - Typical problems  with septic tank systems and soakaways. Septic Tank inspections and Surveys. DIY Septic Tank Surveys. Septic tank soakaways - How to design and install a septic tank soakaway. SODIUM - Its role in septic tank soakaway failure. Septic tank care and maintenance - How to look after your Septic Tank. Sewage smells inside or outside the house - Smelly drains and what to do about them. Reports and Septic Tank Surveys. Some 'Disaster' photos here. DIY Septic Tank Surveys - How to do a septic tank survey yourself Septic tank emptying - How to find out if your septic tank needs emptying. Can a farmer empty my septic tank system? Septic Tank Dangers. Septic tanks are dangerous - learn the dangers. Why soakaway crates and tunnels are not allowed for sewage soakaways Above ground mound soakaway systems for clay and high water table sites Home-made cleaning products for septic tanks Groundwater Source Protection Zones

Permits and exemptions These have been superceeded by the General Binding Rules and are only required for certain sites or larger populations. Wales still requires registration. See Natural Resources Wales Septic Tank Registration Form Download Advice and Information On this website you will find details and advice on any septic tank, sewage system or drainage problem you may have. Whatever your septic tank and drainage needs, we strive to give a first class service. We supply both domestic and commercial customers with first class professional drainage services throughout the UK. Specialist pages have been created, explaining your off-mains sewage treatment options, explaining the design and operation of the septic tank and soakaway, plus what to do if you have drainage or sewage problems. A septic tank is rarely the best solution for a sewage system as sewage treatment plants are ALWAYS a better and cheaper option.

The Environment Agency has told us that soakaway crates are NOT acceptable for septic tank soakaways as they do not conform to the Building Regulations or the BS 6297 2008.   Crates are only allowed for rainwater soakaways. Report the Cowboy Traders to Trading Standards.   WTE is a family firm with over 30 years experience of designing, installing, repairing and replacing wastewater and septic tank systems.

Solutions for failing soakaway drainfields

WTE offers septic tank, soakaway and drainage inspections, surveys and reports. 

The picture on the right is typical of a 'backed-up' septic tank system, with the sewage almost to the top of the septic tank.

We cover all the UK and will explore all your sewage and treatment options with you to find the most suitable system for your site. It might not be a septic tank system.

See our customer testimonials.

Surveys and Reports for homebuyers and problem sites

Regulations have been set for minimum treatment standards, construction and replacement of brick, concrete and plastic septic tanks and drainfield systems. These are covered in the Building Regulations H2 and BS 6297 2007. Most solicitors require the vendor to show the status and location of the treatment system when a house is sold and many systems, particularly septic tank systems and cesspits, do not pass the survey. Septic tank systems that fail the survey have, usually, to be replaced with sewage treatment plants, but we have had a couple of sites where even this is not possible.

If you are buying a house with a septic tank, ALWAYS have an independent specialist septic tank and drainage survey done on your septic tank system before purchase. It can save you a lot of grief and money later.

Septic Tank Specialists