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The basics
What is a septic tank survey?
If a property isn’t on the mains sewer, its owner is responsible for making sure the septic tank or treatment plant works properly, doesn’t cause pollution and meets the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules.
We can empty the tank on the same visit so we can see inside it. If it needs upgrading under the General Binding Rules, we can fit a new sewage treatment plant or replace a failed drainage field.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
A septic tank survey checks the tank, the pipework and where the effluent goes, and tells you whether the system is in good condition and likely to meet the rules. It’s especially important when buying or selling, because the rules have tightened in recent years.
Quick checker
Does your system meet the rules?
Answer a few questions for a quick idea of whether your septic tank or treatment plant is likely to meet the General Binding Rules in England.
It’s a guide, not a legal assessment. Plenty of people don’t know where their system drains to, or how old it is. That’s exactly what a survey finds out.
A quick guide to the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules for England, not a legal assessment. A survey will tell you for certain.
What we check
What’s included in a septic tank survey
The tank
Condition, size, lids, inlet and outlet, and signs of leaks or damage.
The pipework
A CCTV survey of the drains into and out of the tank.
Where it discharges
Drainage field, soakaway or watercourse, and whether it’s working.
The rules
An assessment against the General Binding Rules.
Maintenance
When it was last emptied or serviced, and what it needs now.
The report
Clear findings and recommendations, useful for a sale or purchase.
On the day
What happens on a septic tank survey
Find and open up
We locate the tank, chambers and discharge point.
Inspect
We inspect the tank and survey the pipework with a camera.
Assess
We check how the system is working and whether it’s likely to meet the rules.
Report
You get a clear report with any work needed to put it right.
Why Clearmasters
Why choose us for your septic tank survey?
We empty, service, repair and install off-mains systems, so we know what a healthy one looks like and what it costs to put a failing one right.
Ask us a questionClear evidence
HD footage, stills and a plan, so you can see exactly what we saw.
Plain-English reports
No jargon. We tell you what’s wrong, how serious it is and what we’d do about it.
We can fix it too
Lining, excavation and repairs by the same team, so the survey leads straight to a solution.
Survey and empty in one visit
We can empty the tank on the same visit, which also lets us inspect it properly.
What our customers say
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Questions answered
Septic tank survey FAQs
What is a septic tank survey?
An inspection of a septic tank or treatment plant, its pipework and where it discharges, with an assessment against the General Binding Rules and a written report.
What are the 2020 septic tank rules?
Under the General Binding Rules, septic tanks that discharged straight into a ditch, stream or river had to be upgraded or replaced by 1 January 2020, and a septic tank must not discharge to a watercourse. The rules also cover how much you can discharge, how the system is maintained and emptied, and drainage fields.
Do I need a survey when buying a house with a septic tank?
It’s strongly recommended. If the system doesn’t meet the rules, putting it right can be expensive, and it becomes your responsibility once you own it.
I’m selling. What do I have to tell the buyer?
You must tell the buyer in writing that there’s a sewage discharge, describe the treatment and drainage system, and pass on its location and maintenance records. A recent survey makes this much easier.
What happens if my system doesn’t meet the rules?
You’ll need to upgrade it, for example by replacing a soakaway with a drainage field or converting to a treatment plant. We can advise and carry out the work.
Can you empty the tank on the same visit?
Yes, and it often helps, because an empty tank is easier to inspect properly.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message. You can also read the rules on GOV.UK.
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