There are many upsides to living in and around the Northeast, North Lincolnshire, and Greater Manchester. All our beautiful countryside and vibrant cities, along with a friendly community, and a rich cultural and culinary scene.
But there are other things to think about if you are contemplating a move to the more rural parts of our region, one of those being Drainage. Probably not your daily topic of conversation, but we all need it! Drainage for rural homes is often very different to what you might be used to if it’s off mains.
Main drain vs being connected to private drainage
If your property connects to a main drain, there will be a pipe which takes the waste from your property to the nearest main drain. You will pay sewerage rates to the local Water and Sewerage Company. Typically, once a drainage line passes your property boundary it becomes the responsibility of the Water Authority to maintain. However, there are exceptions to this, and one common misconception is that just because a drainage pipe is on your land it is your responsibility – this is not always the case.
If a property is off mains (private drainage), then typically you will be responsible for maintaining it. This may become a shared responsibility where several properties connect together. Private drainage lines can take many forms, from septic tanks to treatment plants, to pumping stations and are more common in rural areas where connecting to the main sewer line is not possible. If you’re not sure what type of system you have the team here at TWC Draincare would be happy to help.
Unlike connecting to a main drain, with private drainage you are responsible for the whole drainage system, even if it’s on someone else’s land. So, if it needs upgrading or repairing, the costs will fall to you.
So, what do you need to know when buying a house with private drainage?
First, don’t buy a property with private drainage, unless you know exactly what condition it’s in. There are complex rules and regulations that govern the condition and structure of off-mains systems. As a property owner you are responsible for ensuring the system is compliant and if it isn’t there can be significant implications.
Our Compliance Check CCTV drainage survey will tell you all you need to know about the type of system, its condition, and compliance with regulations to help protect you against any unpleasant surprises.
Legislation and regulations
The Environment Agency have introduced a set of regulatory rules known as the General Binding Rules which govern the installation and operation of septic tanks and sewerage treatment plants which discharge into the environment.
This is to ensure that watercourses are not polluted with untreated sewerage. The general binding rules provides a set of rules to follow depending on:
- When the tank was installed.
- How much wastewater is produced daily.
- Where the system discharges to.
- The type of waste flowing into the system.
Differences between a Septic Tank and Sewage Treatment Plant
Septic Tank
- Function: Separates solid waste from liquid waste using gravity.
- Process: Liquid waste flows into a drainage field (soakaway) where soil bacteria naturally treat it.
- Power: Typically, does not require electricity.
- Maintenance: Requires regular emptying and maintenance of the tank.
- Effluent: Cannot be discharged into watercourses.
Sewage Treatment Plant
- Function: Treats wastewater to a higher standard.
- Process: Uses mechanical parts and an air pump to introduce oxygen and encourage aerobic bacteria to break down organic matter, producing cleaner effluent.
- Power: Requires electricity for the air pump and other mechanical components.
- Maintenance: Requires annual servicing and maintenance of its electrical and mechanical components.
- Effluent: Much cleaner and can be legally discharged into watercourses.
How do I maintain my septic tank or treatment plant?
Your septic tank will require regular emptying by a professional — you can contact the TWC Draincare team to book a maintenance visit. Emptying the tank helps to keep the layers in the tank functioning properly by removing excess scum and sludge, which can lead to blockages or contamination of the surrounding groundwater.
If you have a treatment plant, you should also ensure to get this serviced annually. Just like with a car, regular servicing will prolong the life of the system and will ensure that the system is not polluting the environment.
Next steps
- Conduct a Professional Survey
This is essential to uncover potential underground problems that may not be visible.
- Check the Condition:
The survey will assess the condition of the tank, pipework, and drainage field, identifying any existing or potential issues.
- Confirm Location and Rights:
A survey can determine if any part of the drainage system is outside the property boundary which means you will need access rights for maintenance and repair.
Ask Key Questions
- Emptying Schedule and Cost:
How often is the system emptied, what does it cost, and can the current owners provide typical local prices?
- Shared Systems:
If the system is shared, what agreements are in place for emptying, maintenance, and repair? What is the relationship with the other property owners?
- Space for Replacement:
If the property has a drainage field, is there enough room for a replacement to be installed if the current one fails, as they are often not repairable?
Check Compliance
- Legal Requirements:
Ensure the system complies with current environmental protection legislation and General Binding Rules.
- Environmental Permits:
A property discharging into a watercourse may need a permit, and operating without one is illegal and can lead to significant fines.
Can TWC Draincare help?
Of course! Our team are fully trained in the maintenance of septic tanks and treatment plants. We are proud to provide a friendly, efficient, and fully guaranteed service to clients across the North East, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire areas.
Our engineers will make sure that you are fully informed and confident at every step of the process. We strive to provide helpful, accessible draincare information to our clients — you can check out previous guides we have created on how to tell if your septic tank is full, and common septic tank FAQs.
To talk to the TWC Draincare team about your septic tank needs, you can contact us at 0333 305 2243, or fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote.
