Do you know that a drainage compliance survey is essential whether you’re buying or selling a property? Are you aware that non-compliant drainage or septic tank can lead to unexpected costs, legal issues, and even reduce property value? As a property owner, you are responsible for keeping septic tanks and drainage system in your home compliant with local regulations.
Do you really know what you are buying?
Purchasing a home with non-compliant drains could lead to unexpected fines or even legal action from local authorities. At Rescue Rod, we specialize in drainage compliance for home buyers, offering a detailed survey that highlights any needed remedial actions. Our report provides clear insights to ensure the drainage system meets legal standards, helping you avoid hidden liabilities and start off with peace of mind in your new property.
Are you selling your property?
Boost buyer confidence and avoid costly setbacks. Buyers today seek peace of mind, and non-compliant drainage system can be a deal-breaker. Our Home Seller Drain Survey not only identifies any potential issues but also assures prospective buyers of your property’s compliance. It’s a proactive step that sets your home apart, keeping you ahead in the competitive housing market and helping you move swiftly towards closing that sale.
Simple answer – A septic tank survey also known as a drainage survey is carried out to assess the condition of a drainage system, checking how efficiently it handles wastewater without leaking into nearby land or waterways. It also evaluates if the tank’s size meets your household’s needs and if stormwater or groundwater is entering the system.
Regular inspections of your septic tank are essential, as these systems can become hazardous if left unchecked. However, recent government updates to septic tank regulations make it even more important than ever to schedule a septic tank survey if yours hasn’t been inspected recently.
Since the General Binding Rules were introduced in 2015 to regulate small sewage discharges, a septic tank survey or drainage survey has become essential, especially for prospective home buyers and home sellers. These regulations ensure that septic tanks and similar systems comply with environmental standards to avoid pollution risks, and many homebuyers have become aware of the potential financial and legal implications of non-compliant systems.
A survey provides a comprehensive assessment, flagging any issues before they escalate. Additionally, mortgage lenders and solicitors increasingly request drain surveys and septic tank surveys to confirm compliance before approving loans or completing contracts. It’s important to note that while general home surveys may check for the presence of a septic tank if specifically requested, they typically do not assess its operational status, compliance, or check the surrounding drains for damage.
Our range of septic tank surveys and health checks can help you keep your system in top condition, whether you’re a homeowner looking for peace of mind, buying or selling a property with a septic tank, or addressing specific concerns. With services designed for homeowners and property managers across Dorset Wiltshire and Hampshire, we take the guesswork out of understanding your drainage system. Working with experienced professionals ensures you know the condition of your system, catching any issues early. Since drainage is typically hidden underground, our inspections offer valuable insights to avoid potential problems and keep everything running smoothly.
We are accredited and qualified to conduct drainage compliance surveys
We bring over 40 years experience in the drainage industry
We communicate clearly about the survey process, costs, and timelines
We provide a well detailed report that clearly shows condition of every aspect of your drain
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Getting a drainage compliance survey is a smart step to ensure your property’s drainage meets UK regulations. Here’s what our surveys check to give you confidence in your drainage system:
Full System Check
We thoroughly examine everything from pipes to sewer connections, looking for damage, blockages, or any signs of wear. With all parts checked, you get a clear picture of the system’s overall condition.
Compliance with Regulations
We verify that your drainage setup follows local and national standards. This includes checking proper installation and ensuring it meets safety and environmental regulations, so you won’t run into surprises.
Capacity Review
A drainage system needs to handle the property’s rainwater and wastewater efficiently. We assess if the system has the capacity it needs or if there’s any risk of overflow or back-up that could lead to future problems.
Structural Integrity
Beyond functionality, we make sure everything is built to last. We inspect manholes, access points, and all critical components for strength and stability to avoid structural issues down the road.
Detailed Findings and Next Steps
After our survey, you’ll get a clear, easy-to-understand report. It includes photos, diagrams, and practical advice for any repairs or upgrades to keep your drainage system compliant and efficient.
Are you in Bournemouth or Poole area? Anywhere around Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire? Not sure if you need a drain survey? Call us today!
A drainage survey uses CCTV cameras to inspect a property’s drainage system for any issues like blockages, cracks, or root ingress. It provides detailed insights into the condition and layout of the drains, which is particularly valuable for homebuyers or those planning construction work on their property.
Usually a drainage survey is not included in a standard house survey. A thorough drain inspection can only be carried out by a professional trained for the job and practically involves CCTV drain survey that reveals hidden problems, such as collapsed drains, root blockages, or pipe misalignments and more, while identifying any upgrades required to keep a property’s drainage system within legal standards. Identifying these issues early can help buyers negotiate repairs or adjust the property price, ensuring there are no unpleasant surprises post-purchase.
To determine if your septic tank is compliant with UK regulations, you should conduct a septic tank survey. Compliance depends on several factors, including whether the tank discharges into a watercourse or if it meets the General Binding Rules (GBR) for sewage treatment. These rules apply to all septic tanks installed after 1 January 2015 and specify that all septic tanks must not discharge untreated sewage into rivers, lakes, or streams. If your septic tank discharges to surface water, it must have been upgraded to a treatment plant that complies with the new rules.
A professional survey will assess your tank’s condition, check its discharge and capacity, and determine if it complies with current environmental standards. If your tank is older and hasn’t been updated, you may need to invest in repairs or upgrades to make it compliant.
The cost of septic tank survey or a pre-purchase drain survey varies depending on the survey’s scope and the property’s size. You can give our office a quick call at 01202393541 with the details of the property and someone from our friendly team will provide you a free quote.
A septic tank survey is essential when purchasing a property because it checks that the system is compliant, functional, and safe. With the 2015 General Binding Rules and more recent regulations, all septic tanks must meet environmental standards to avoid fines or legal action. A survey can identify issues such as leaks, blockages, or capacity problems, saving you from costly repairs or upgrades after purchasing.
A septic tank becomes non-compliant if it fails to meet the standards set by the General Binding Rules (GBR) or local regulations. Some common reasons for non-compliance include:
A compliant system should treat sewage effectively, minimize environmental impact, and meet the required capacity standards.
Selling a house with an old septic tank is not inherently illegal, but the septic tank must meet current environmental standards to avoid issues during the sale process. If the septic tank doesn’t meet the legal requirements, particularly if it discharges untreated sewage directly into a watercourse, it can cause significant complications, including fines or enforcement actions from your local authority. If you like to make further enquiries call our office today at 01202393541.
Septic tanks should generally be surveyed every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if there are signs of malfunction (e.g., slow drainage or odors). Regular surveys ensure the tank stays compliant with regulations and functions properly, preventing costly issues. Mortgage lenders and insurers may also require surveys at specific intervals to maintain coverage.