Septic Tank Surveys - Areas Covered

Septic Tank and Cesspit Pre-Purchase/Home Buyer Surveys, Soakaway Inspection

Septic Tank and Soakaway Surveys can be undertaken in a number of ways, we can advise on the correct type of septic tank survey you require. Pre-Purchase septic tank and soakaway surveys will be carried out by a degree-qualified civil engineer.

The most common type of survey we offer is a visual septic tank inspection and soakaway survey with a full report and any recommendations if the system is not compliant with the current regulations.

Septic tank surveys are commonly used during the process of buying and selling a property. In January 2020, new regulations came into force regarding the suitability of any septic tank system. It is important that your septic tank and soakaway are compliant and meet the current General Binding Rules.

Our survey will include:

  • A written pre-purchase septic tank inspection or cesspit and soakaway survey
  • A layout plan of the system.
  • A zone protection check in case of any local drinking water abstraction.
  • Suitable photographic details.
  • In the event of non-compliance, an advice survey for a possible new drainage scheme, a new septic tank/treatment plant or alterations to a building.
  • Costings of upgrading your septic tank, cesspit or cesspool.

New 2020 Septic Tank Regulations

Environmental Permitting Regulations 2014 came into force on 1 January 2015 and created General Binding Rules (GBRs) for septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants for domestic use. These rules are designed to reduce the level of pollution from sewage in the nation’s watercourses.

Under the new General Binding Rules, if you have a septic tank that discharges directly to surface water, i.e., a water ditch, stream,river, etc, this should have been upgraded to a full sewage treatment plant system by 1 January 2020. In reality, there are many systems that have not been improved, therefore it is vital that you ensure the tank on the property you are purchasing meets all the current regulations.

Further information on the new regulations can be found on the Government website.

In addition, you may want to review the Government’s permits and general rules for Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plants.

With over 35 years’ experience of working with septic tanks and cesspits, surveys will be provided in a comprehensive but easy to understand format. Many septic tanks and cesspits are old. However, this does not mean they are not compliant. We will offer a true professional report on the system we are surveying.