Septic tanks

Septic tanks take wastewater from your toilet and grey-water from your bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

Permits and general binding rules

See septic tanks and treatment plants: permits and general binding rules on GOV.UK, to check you meet the general binding rules, if you do not, you must apply for a permit. To comply with the general binding rules you may want to replace a septic tank with a new treatment plant. Building regulations class replacing a septic tank with a new treatment plant as building work, which means you will need to submit a building control application.

See building control applications for more information.

Septic tank emptying

We do not empty septic tanks, you will need to find a private contractors to empty a septic tank. Empty septic tanks annually, to prevent a build-up of sludge.

Flood water affecting a septic tank

Read about what to do if flood water is affecting your septic tank.