Septic Tank Legislation Update Homeowners Need to be Aware of
Drainage and wastage systems and plumbing help, advice and answers

GreasyGoose
Labourer
Labourer
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:51 am

Septic Tank Legislation Update Homeowners Need to be Aware of

by GreasyGoose » Wed Jun 28, 2017 12:27 pm

The legislation surrounding septic tanks on residential properties is changing. By January 1st 2020, all homes that currently do this must either connect to the main sewage network, create a drainage field or replace the existing septic tank system with a sewage treatment plant.

I work in the industry however, and have found that despite the law change, it doesn't seem to be very well circulated and therefore, new homebuyers are at risk of hefty costs. Someone I know actually bought a house with a septic tank recently but their surveyor didn't pick up on the fact it had an old septic tank, so she ended up spending nearly £2k to upgrade it to a sewage treatment plant!

Anyway, thought I'd try and circulate so other people don't get caught out.

Some useful links on the topic below:

DEFRA guide to legilslation update - https://consult.defra.gov.uk/water/reform-regulatory-system-small-sewage-discharges/results/your-sewage-your-environment-leaflet-july-2015.pdf

Best practice guide to septic tanks including legislation update from a drainage company: https://www.lanesfordrains.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Septic-Tank-Best-Practice-Series-leaflet-v1.pdf

It is currently Sat Jan 11, 2025 12:06 pm