Septic tank regulations change 2020.

The first of January 2020 potentially brought with it a deadline to change your septic tank. However, this information is not widely known.

It has the knock-on effect of creating a problem during the ‘search’ stage of a house sale. Causing, at best a delay that could lead to the sale falling through, and at worst large fines from the Environment Agency.

The good news is that we at ASHBROOK can help you out of this pickle. In a matter of 2 days (depending on size), we can ensure that your septic tank is in line with current regulations and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.

Am I affected by the change in septic tank regulations?

Firstly, as the homeowner, you are legally responsible for the installation, maintenance and impact that the property’s sanitation system may have on the surrounding environment.

Secondly, if you live in England or Wales and your septic tank discharges liquid effluent into surface water, it is no longer allowed to.  By surface water, it means a stream, river, ditch, surface water drains etc.

Thirdly, the septic tank fitted must have enough capacity to handle the maximum amount of waste generated by the household. So, if your house has been recently extended then you may need to consider the capacity of your tank before you can sell your home.

Finally, if the sewage treatment system is not in use anymore, you are required to remove it without causing any pollution.

ASHBROOK can undertake all three of these areas of work- contact our knowledgeable team.

I have a septic tank that discharges into a drainage field, am I affected?

With this type of septic tank liquid effluent is released through a network of pipes in surrounding sub-soils. This, therefore, provides an additional form of treatment for the waste from the tank. Thus, ensuring that the sewage water being dispersed does not cause pollution to the surrounding area.

Septic tanks discharging into a drainage field are not affected by 2020 septic tank regulations.

What should I do if I have a surface water discharge septic tank?

The consequence of this legislation is that surface water discharge septic tanks are no longer allowed.

There are three ways of rectifying this:

1.  Connect your house to the mains sewage. This is possible if you live within 30metres of a sewer.
2. Install a drainage field to the outlet of the existing septic tank. This involves installing an infiltration system so that the liquid effluent is discharged into a drainage field rather than surface water. (This option is dependent on a percolation test and the available area to install the drainage field)
3. Replace the tank entirely with a more modern version. This upgrade will mean that your septic tank will be replaced with a sewage treatment plant, eliminating the need for any additional filtration.

The ASHBROOK groundworks team would be able to undertake any of these options for you- call our knowledgeable team today for more information or a no-obligation quote.

Read the general binding rules: small sewage discharge to a surface water from the Environment Agency.