General binding rules
General binding rules is a term given to legal requirements in regulations that set the minimum standards for which to apply. In this case, the regulations are the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2014. The purpose of the regulations is to prevent pollution and ensure that sewage is properly disposed of.
The regulations apply to you if you own a septic tank to get rid of your sewage. Rural properties are more likely to have septic tanks as they are unable to connect to a public sewer.
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Buying/selling a property with a septic tank or sewage treatment plant
If a property you wish to buy still has a non-compliant waste management system, ask the seller whether they intend to replace or upgrade it—agree to this as a condition of sale. Alternatively, consider lowering your offer to make up for the future costs of improving it yourself.
If you are selling the property, it is your responsibility to install a sewage treatment system compliant with the general binding rules. Being non-compliant will not only detract potential buyers but you may also be subject to enforcement action by the Environment Agency.
You must also provide the following information to the buyer:
- a description of the treatment plant and drainage system
- the location of the main parts of the treatment plant, drainage system and discharge point
- details of any changes made to the treatment plant and drainage system
- details of how the treatment plant should be maintained, and the maintenance manual if you have one
- maintenance records if you have them
- VAT Registered
- Insurance Checked
- Interviewed by Checkatrade
- ID Checked
- References Checked
- Checkatrade Standard Signed
Sewage discharge into a watercourse, January 2020 deadline
If your septic tank discharges directly to a watercourse, you must upgrade or replace your septic tank as soon as possible—the deadline for doing so has already passed.
How to comply with the general binding rules for septic tank regulations
1. CONNECT TO A MAINS SEWER
Check with your local water company to find out if there is one nearby. You must then apply and pay for your property to be connected to the sewer system through your local water company.
If your property is within 30 metres of a public sewer, you will not be able to replace your septic tank with a small sewage treatment plant. If you’re within 30 meters of a public sewer but can’t connect to it, (e.g. there is a river in the way) you will need to apply for a permit to be granted use of a small treatment plant.
2. SEWAGE DISCHARGE INTO THE GROUND
Your septic tank or small sewage treatment plant must treat the sewage before discharging it into the ground via a drainage field, you cannot use a soakaway. Drainage fields allow wastewater to be safely dispersed into the ground and prevent pollution—they must meet British standards.
A small sewage treatment plant works in a similar way to a septic tank but treats the waste liquid to a higher degree. In both instances, the solids sink to the bottom forming a sludge that needs to be professionally disposed of, usually once a year.
Groundwater source protection zones
Check to see whether your intended drainage field falls within a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1). These zones determine whether the groundwater beneath your drainage field is used for drinking water, which must not be polluted with sewage effluent.
3. UPGRADE TO A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
To discharge wastewater into a watercourse, you must install a small sewage treatment plant and have building regulations approval to do so. They treat sewage to a higher standard than a septic tank and cause less pollution.
CANNOT COMPLY WITH THE RULES?
If you believe you are unable to follow the general binding rules then you will have to apply for a permit. You can get help from the Environment Agency and it is recommended you contact them before making any changes to your discharge system to ensure you comply correctly.
Drainline Services Limited have replaced many old septic tanks with more up to date sewage treatment plants.
We have experienced groundworkers that are used to working in all conditions, from a sunny dry summers day to a very wet winters day.
Please get in contact if you would like a FREE quotation to upgrade your system.
We recommend suitable septic tanks that meet your specific requirements
Our Sewage Treatment Options
When you first reach out to our team regarding sewage treatment solutions, they will first need to consult with you to outline your specific requirements. We will then introduce you to the range of septic tanks we have available and advise you on which model would be most suitable for your property. The type of septic tank you require will depend on the current drainage system you have in place. Rest assured that our team will help you to choose a suitable model of tank.
Our septic tank installation process is quick and efficient. We understand how disruptive the fitting of such tanks can be, which is why our team go above and beyond to deliver swift service. Your septic tank is likely to be situated on the outside of your home, so our team will do their best to make sure it is protected sufficiently. The septic tank you receive will be tested thoroughly to make sure that it is functioning correctly and meets our high standards.
What are septic tank drainage fields?
Septic tank drainage fields are an integral part of a septic system. Often incorrectly called soakaways, a drainage field is much more than just a soakaway. A drainage field is a specifically designed arrangement of perforated pipework, laid in trenches to allow the effluent to filter into the ground. They are designed to ensure aerobic contact between effluent and the subsoil. Drainage fields need to be designed to individual requirements taking into consideration ground conditions, flows, property boundaries and many more factors.
A drainage field has two principal purposes:
1. To allow infiltration of treated / partially treated effluent into the ground at a controlled rate.
2. To allow further treatment of partially treated effluent before it reaches the groundwater level.
The phrase soakaway is often, wrongly, used in relation to septic tank and sewage treatment plant discharges to ground:
A soakaway is used for surface water (rainwater from roofs, paved areas etc)
A soakaway is typically a hole or structure filled with rubble / drainage crates)
Why Choose Us for Sewage Treatment?
We have been providing property owners of all kinds with sewage treatment solutions for many years. Our knowledgeable team have taken on a plethora of septic tank installation projects and have managed to complete all to a high standard, so they’re confident in being able to help all clients. Thanks to our long history of success, we’re considered by many to be the number one contractor for effective sewage treatment solutions.
So, if you’re in need of competitively priced expert drainage solutions, look no further than Drainline Services.
- Local family company
- Checkatrade approved
- Hundreds of positive reviews
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- Trading for over 20 years
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- 1hr call out time for emergency enquiries