Homeowners Guide to Cesspits and Septic Tanks
When a household can't connect to the central sewer system, wastewater can be managed through a septic tank or cesspit.
In this article, learn more about how these systems work and what they mean for your water usage. We’ll also share some simple tips for using and maintaining your septic tank or cesspit with minimal hassle.
Remember, it’s your responsibility to maintain your septic tank or cesspit properly. Discover more information on your septic tank responsibilities in our article ‘Septic tank maintenance – What you need to know’.
How do septic tanks work?
A septic tank is designed to collect sewage and wastewater. Inside, it separates the waste into different chambers. Solids settle at the bottom and decompose, while liquids flow out into the environment.
As a septic tank owner, it's essential to follow the 'general binding rules' set by the Environment Agency. If you don't meet these rules, you'll need to apply for a permit.
These rules specify that the sewage must come from domestic sources and must not cause pollution.
What are the general binding rules in the UK?
Depending on how your septic tank releases waste, you must adhere to different guidelines.
The official general binding rules are on the GOV.uk website. The UK outlines what constitutes domestic sewage and describes how to check for pollution.
If your septic tank discharges into a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1), you will need a permit. Refer to the GOV.UK guidance to see if this applies to you.
Additionally, there's a significant rule change to note that took effect on January 1st, 2020. Under this change, septic tanks can no longer discharge directly into watercourses. Instead, you must either connect to the leading sewer network, create a drainage field, or upgrade your system to a complete sewage treatment plant.
While this rule has been in place for newly built properties for some time, it now also applies to existing owners of septic tanks. Getting this wrong could result in a fine of up to £100,000.
Different parts of the UK have varying regulations about how to register your septic tank under these updated rules.
To maintain your septic tank, it should be emptied and inspected once a year by a qualified company like Lanes.
Ensure that the waste is sent to a registered disposal site, and keep records of all services performed for your reference.
How do cesspits work?
A cesspit is a sealed, fully enclosed tank that collects and stores sewage without treating it in any way.
If you have a cesspit on your property, you don’t need to register it. However, if you plan to install a new one, you will need planning permission and building regulations approval.
When you have a cesspit, you must have it emptied regularly by a registered waste handler, who will dispose of the contents in a specialised waste disposal site.
Depending on your household size and water usage, this could mean monthly, quarterly, or yearly emptying. You must ensure you employ a registered waste handler to do this and receive bona fide paperwork noting the disposal site.
Cesspits are usually buried underground, so they won’t take up room on your property, except for one manhole, which is needed for access. Discover more about access chambers in our article ‘The ultimate guide to inspection chambers and manholes’.
In rural areas, special equipment is often needed for safe work. For example, if there are weight restrictions on a nearby bridge, we may need to operate from the opposite side of the river where the septic tank is located, especially if it's on a private estate.
Find out more information about our specialist equipment in our article ‘Nowhere off limits for the 8x8 off-road jet vac tanker’.
Rural locations need the right equipment to enable us to complete the works safely, at this location there was a weight restriction on the bridge so we had to work from the opposite side of the river to where the septic tank was located on a private estate
Septic tank water usage habits
How much water you use will determine whether you need a permit for your septic tank:
If your septic tank discharges more than two cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day to the ground or more than five cubic metres (5,000 litres) daily to surface water, you’ll need a permit.
There are two different permit prices: one for people who use five cubic metres (5,000 litres) or less per day and one for those who use more.
Use the government sewage discharges calculator for domestic properties to determine whether your tank discharges this amount per day, or, for commercial properties, use British Water’s ‘Flows and Loads’ guidance.
Cesspit water usage habits
You don’t need a permit for a cesspit and don’t have to comply with the general binding rules. However, you need to ensure it doesn’t leak or overflow, so the amount that goes into it is essential.
Tips: How to save water
- Consider installing water-saving devices, such as dual-flush toilets, water butts, tap flow regulators, and economical shower heads.
- If you notice a leak or drip, have it fixed as soon as possible to prevent water waste.
- When it’s time to replace your washing machine or dishwasher, the Energy Saving Trust recommends you do so with products bearing the new ‘Water Efficient Product’ label and/or the ‘Waterwise Recommended Checkmark’. These products have been designed to help you save money, energy, and water.
- Choose a shower over a bath; showering could save you water and money as long as you keep it to around five minutes. Alternatively, consider investing in a smaller-capacity bath.
Care and maintenance for your septic tank
- At least once a month, check the area where you release water for signs of pollution and contact the Environment Agency if you spot any. The EA can and will prosecute when pollution incidents occur.
- Use biologically friendly household cleaning products – don’t let commercial chemicals or bleach get into the tank.
- Don’t let medicines get into the tank.
- Have the septic tank emptied and cleaned regularly by a licensed company.
Care and maintenance for your cesspit
- Check the tank's level regularly. Letting it overfill is an offence under the 1936 Public Health Act.
- Have the cesspit emptied regularly by a registered waste handler. Use biologically friendly household cleaning products. Don’t let hazardous or flammable liquids get into the tank.
- Don’t let medicines get into the tank.
- Keep the area surrounding the maintenance hole clear for easy access.
Need help with septic tank or cesspit emptying?
At Lanes Drainage Services, we have the technology and equipment to provide a wide range of services, including septic tank and cesspit emptying.
Contact our team today to find out how we can deliver you a bespoke solution to any waste-emptying problem.