septic tank regulations

Kopparberg321

New environmental rules which came into force in 2015 created a deadline of 1 January 2020, which require all systems to treat waste water and sewage or connect to the mains.

If you currently have a septic tank that discharges to surface water then your sale of the property automatically triggers the requirement on you to replace or upgrade the system.

im in the middle of purchasing a property which has a septic tank, my solicitor has enquired whether the tank drains to a watercourse or a soakaway or whether the tank is exempt from registration with the EA, the seller has responded to each with unknown. Where do I even start to find this information out please, my solicitor has advised me to get a drainage survey and drain the tank, both at my expense, is it my responsibility to find out if Im buying a property which potentially doesnt meet the new regulations?

thanks

G_M

If the seller can't, or won't, tell you (eg a probate sale the seller may well not know), then you can

a) walk away
b) make investigations yourself
c) make investigations yourself but ask the seller to pay (he'll agree or refuse)
d) buy without investigating and deal with it later

As for investigations, 1st stop (after the sellers) is the neighbours - surprising how much they'll know and reveal

If you can find out (from the seller or, again, the neighbours) who (if anyone) has been emptying the tank (usually every year or 2), then phone that company. They may well knoww much about the tank and possibly where the run-off goes. Even if they don't, they are a good starting point for a quote to get the tank emptied and inspected.

Failing thaat, google local companies that install/maintain septic tanks.

As for the regs, have you read them? All on the EA website.

todayisagreatday

Had exactly the same.wirh my purchase, septic tank and had no idea on condition or whether it complied with general binding rules (and more concerning was we adjoin a canal.and didn't know if it was discharging to there). Paid £200 and had a septic tank survey, hebputncamera down inspected tank and drains, compiled a report. Ended up getting £10k off price as likelihood is new soakaways and septic tank needed (which if I'm honest we were going to replace anyway as we are completely remodelling and extending the prooerty).

Really useful to have.

Davesnave

The text you quote relates to old systems which do not treat the waste by percolation through the ground, but run off directly into a ditch, stream etc. There won't be too many of these left.

You should be able to look around the property, find out where the tank is and then make some educated guesses as to where the liquid drains. If there are no water courses or ditches in the area, it's extremely likely to be a percolation system.

That said, a drainage survey and speaking with neighbours would seem like good things to do. Neighbours will usually know if the system has been problematic!

G_M

todayisagreatday wrote: »

.......Paid £200 and had a septic tank survey,......
Really useful to have.

Who did you use for this? I don't mean name the copany, I mean how did you find them? Standard drainage company (likes of D/Rod?). Septic tank instaler? Tank emptying contractor?

todayisagreatday

I asked our RICS surveyor if he knew anyone and then contacted a few peoole. The chap who inspected mine was Alex Taysum-Hunter and the company link is http://www.hh-drainage.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d11_Home_Buyers_Drain_Survey.html

We got a full report afterwards, and just looked at a couple of local companies. Some variation in price, was pleased with this and we got peace of mind exactly what needs doing in future and condition.

Guy had worked for the water company for over 25 years. There was nothing he couldn't tell us about drains or sewage!