Private Drainage Explained

Septic Tanks

How septic tanks work, what the rules require, and what to do when yours needs attention.

A septic tank is an underground chamber that separates solids from wastewater before the liquid passes on to a drainage field for further treatment in the soil. Around a fifth of UK homes not connected to the mains sewer rely on one. Modern rules focus heavily on where that liquid ultimately discharges — which is why so many septic tank conversations today start with compliance rather than plumbing.

A domestic septic tank installed in a garden

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