The UK's Independent Private Drainage Resource
Private drainage made simple.
Independent guidance on septic tanks, sewage treatment plants and off-mains drainage — plus access to specialists operating in your area.
System compliance checker
Private drainage can be complicated. Finding the right help shouldn't be.
Around 1 in 5 rural UK properties rely on a septic tank, treatment plant or cesspit instead of the mains sewer — and the rules, costs and options can be hard to untangle on your own. Private Drainage UK explains how these systems work, what the regulations mean for you, and connects you with an independent specialist when you're ready to take the next step.
Serving Rural & Off-Mains Properties Across England
How It Works
From question to specialist, in four steps.
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01
Tell us about your system
Septic tank, treatment plant, cesspit — or not sure yet. We start wherever you are.
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02
Explain what you need
A repair, a replacement, a survey, or just advice on compliance.
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03
We identify an appropriate specialist
Matched to your location, system and the scale of the work involved.
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04
The specialist contacts you
An independent specialist operating in your area gets in touch to discuss your project directly.
Essential Reading
Start with the questions everyone asks.
Buying & Selling
Buying a House With a Septic Tank
Rules & Regulations
Is My Septic Tank Compliant?
Costs
Septic Tank Replacement Cost
Rules & Regulations
Septic Tank Discharging Into a Ditch
Septic Tanks
Septic Tank vs Sewage Treatment Plant
Signature Tool
Is your septic system compliant?
Since 2020, general binding rules have set out what's expected of septic tanks that discharge to a ditch, stream or other watercourse. Answer a few short questions to understand where your system may stand — and what to do next.
Check Your System →Two Minutes
- — What system do you have?
- — Where does wastewater discharge?
- — When was it installed or last modified?
- — Are you buying or selling the property?
What a specialist survey typically covers
- — System type, age and general condition
- — Discharge point and consent/permit status
- — Capacity against the property's occupancy
- — Obvious signs of failure or non-compliance
Buying a Property
Buying a property with private drainage?
A specialist survey can establish the type, condition and compliance of a system before you complete — helping you negotiate with confidence or avoid an expensive surprise.
Arrange a Specialist Survey →Replacement & Installation
Need to replace an old or failed system?
Failed drainage fields, cracked tanks and non-compliant discharge points don't tend to improve on their own. We'll help you understand your options and find a specialist to design and install the right replacement.
Find a Specialist →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private drainage.
What's the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant? + −
A septic tank settles solids and relies on a drainage field to finish treating the liquid, while a sewage treatment plant actively treats the wastewater itself — usually clean enough to discharge straight to a ditch or stream. The right choice depends mainly on whether your site can accommodate a drainage field.
Do I need a septic tank survey before buying or selling a property? + −
Many buyers' solicitors ask for one, particularly where the system's compliance hasn't been checked recently. A survey confirms the system's condition, capacity and where it discharges to, which can inform negotiations or simply give you peace of mind.
How do I know if my septic tank is compliant with the General Binding Rules? + −
The General Binding Rules, in force in England since 2015, set out conditions most small septic tank and treatment plant discharges need to meet. Our free compliance checker walks through the questions that matter most in a couple of minutes.
Do you carry out septic tank installation, repairs or emptying yourselves? + −
No — we're an independent information and specialist-matching service. We don't carry out drainage work ourselves; instead we help you find an appropriate independent specialist operating in your area.
How much does a septic tank survey or repair cost? + −
Costs vary by specialist, your location and the scope of work involved. We'll help you understand what's typical for your situation, and any specialist you're matched with will confirm pricing before anything is booked.
Septic tank surveys by area
All areas →Get Help
Need professional help with private drainage?
Tell us what's happening and we'll help you find an appropriate specialist.