Septic Tanks
Country Drainage was established in 1984. Since then we have been installing septic tanks all over Kent as well as Sussex and Surrey.
A large percentage of Kent and Sussex is Wealden clay, however there are also large areas of chalk and broken sand stone. These areas are usually porous enough for the discharge from a septic tank or a sewage treatment plant to soak away into the subsoil.
A porosity test will quickly determine the suitability of the sub-soil. This test will also enable us to calculate the size of soakaway required. However, in a great many cases visual analysis of the sub-soil is enough to determine the square meterage that will be required.
The liquid discharged from a septic tank is effectively raw sewage minus the solid matter.
The Environment Agency, therefore will only allow the discharge from a septic tank to soak into the sub-soil via perforated irrigation pipework laid in a shingle bed.
The liquid discharged from a septic tank is effectively raw sewage minus the solid matter. The Environment Agency, therefore will only allow the discharge from a septic tank to soak into the sub-soil via perforated irrigation pipework laid in a shingle bed.
We install these sewage treatment plants in the Tunbridge Wells area and outlying Kent villages including Brenchley, Matfield, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Horsemonden, Paddock Wood, Biddenden and Benenden. We also cover theSussex and Surrey villages of Wadhurst, Hawkhurst, Ticehurst, Mayfield, Hurst Green, Robertsbridge, Heathfield, Battle, Uckfield, Buxted, Crowborough, Lingfield, Godstone, Oxted, Redhill, Reigate, and Horley.
Please go to our products page to access the range of sewage treatment plants, septic tanks and pump chambers that we supply and install.
Please call us if we cover your area for help and advice on any of the phone numbers at the top of the page.
Environment Agency Legislation for New & Existing Sewage Treatment Systems & Septic Tanks
Use the correct treatment system
You must use a small sewage treatment plant to treat the sewage if you’re discharging to a surface water such as a river or stream. A small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant) uses mechanical parts to treat the liquid so it’s clean enough to go into a river or stream.
Note: Discharges from septic tanks directly to a surface water are not allowed under the general binding rules.
If you have a septic tank that discharges directly to a surface water you will need to replace or upgrade your treatment system by 1 January 2020. Where properties with septic tanks that discharge directly to surface water are sold before 1 January 2020, responsibility for the replacement or upgrade of the existing treatment system should be addressed between the buyer and seller as a condition of sale.
If the Environment Agency finds evidence that your septic tank discharging to a surface water is causing pollution, you will need to replace or upgrade your system earlier than 1 January 2020.