Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for answers about septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, drainage systems or compliance requirements? We've answered some of the most common questions we receive from homeowners, buyers, estate agents, solicitors and commercial clients across Devon and Cornwall.

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Septic Tank & Treatment Plant FAQs

  • Not necessarily. However, if your septic tank discharges directly to a watercourse (such as a stream, river, ditch or brook), it is unlikely to comply with current regulations and may need to be replaced or upgraded. During a property sale, solicitors and buyers often request evidence that the system complies with current requirements. We can carry out a survey and advise on any necessary upgrades.

  • Since January 2020, under the General Binding Rules in England, septic tanks are no longer permitted to discharge directly to surface water such as streams, rivers, ditches or drains. If your system does, it must be upgraded to a sewage treatment plant or redirected to a compliant drainage field.

  • We offer septic tank and treatment plant surveys that assess your system against current Environment Agency General Binding Rules and Building Regulations. You'll receive a clear report outlining compliance status and any recommended improvements.

  • Potentially, yes. Mortgage lenders, surveyors and solicitors may request information about private drainage systems during a property purchase. If a system is found to be non-compliant, it can delay a sale or result in requests for repairs or upgrades before completion.

  • A septic tank separates solids from wastewater but provides only limited treatment. A sewage treatment plant uses additional biological processes to treat wastewater to a much higher standard. This allows the treated effluent, where permitted, to discharge directly to a watercourse or drainage field in accordance with current regulations.

  • Costs vary depending on the size of the property, ground conditions and the type of system required. We provide site-specific quotations following a survey.

  • In some situations, yes. However, many properties are better suited to a sewage treatment plant, particularly where environmental regulations or site conditions make a septic tank unsuitable.

  • A drainage field (sometimes called a soakaway or infiltration system) is a network of perforated pipes that allows treated wastewater to soak safely into the ground. It forms an essential part of many septic tank systems.

  • Yes. Most new sewage treatment plant installations require Building Control approval and must comply with current Building Regulations.

Survey & Compliance FAQs

  • A septic tank compliance survey is a professional assessment of your wastewater system, including the tank, drainage field and associated components. The survey checks whether the system meets current environmental regulations and identifies any issues that may require attention.

  • While not a legal requirement, a septic tank survey is highly recommended when purchasing a rural property. It can help identify hidden defects, non-compliance issues and potential upgrade costs before you commit to the purchase.

  • Yes. We regularly work with solicitors, surveyors, estate agents and property buyers, providing the information and reports needed to help keep property transactions moving smoothly.

  • We aim to offer prompt survey appointments across Devon and Cornwall. Timescales vary depending on location and availability, but we always strive to provide reports as quickly as possible.

  • Yes. We provide clear, professional reports that can be shared with mortgage lenders, solicitors and prospective buyers to help demonstrate the condition and compliance status of the system.

  • Our reports typically include details of the existing system, discharge location, drainage field assessment, compliance observations, photographs where appropriate, and recommendations for any remedial work or upgrades.

Services & Remedial Work FAQs

  • Yes. We provide septic tank replacements, sewage treatment plant installations, drainage field construction and system upgrades to help ensure your wastewater system complies with current regulations.

  • We understand that drainage and wastewater issues can be urgent. We offer prompt inspections and remedial works where possible and will always do our best to respond quickly to urgent situations.

  • We work across Devon and Cornwall, providing septic tank surveys, treatment plant installations, drainage repairs and wastewater solutions for both domestic and commercial clients.

  • The cost depends on factors such as the size of the property, the type of system and the level of inspection required. Contact us for a no-obligation quotation tailored to your property.

  • Yes. In many cases, an existing septic tank can be replaced with a modern sewage treatment plant. We will assess your site and recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution to achieve compliance.

  • Most domestic sewage treatment plant installations do not require planning permission, but they must comply with Building Regulations and Environment Agency requirements. We can advise based on your property and location.

  • Most domestic installations can be completed within a few days, although timescales vary depending on ground conditions, access and the complexity of the project.

  • In some cases, yes. We can assess the condition of your drainage field and advise whether repair, extension or replacement is the most suitable option.

  • If issues are identified, we'll provide clear recommendations and can undertake any necessary remedial works, repairs or upgrades to help bring the system into compliance.

General FAQs

  • We recommend arranging a septic tank compliance survey as early as possible in the sales process. This can identify any issues before they delay conveyancing and provide buyers, solicitors and lenders with the information they need.

  • Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotations for surveys, inspections, installations and remedial works across Devon and Cornwall.

  • Yes. We are fully insured and have extensive experience working with septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, drainage systems and wastewater compliance requirements. Our work is carried out in accordance with relevant Building Regulations and environmental standards.

  • Yes. We install systems that meet current UK requirements and are certified to the relevant standards, including BS EN 12566 where applicable.

  • Our standard business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm. If you have an urgent drainage or wastewater issue, please contact us and we'll do our best to assist.

  • Yes. You can contact us through our website, submit an enquiry form or call us directly to arrange a survey, inspection or site visit.

  • You can contact our team by phone, email or through our website contact form.