Septic tanks: Is your rural property complying with the rules?

Septic tanks can become a nuisance to local communities in numerous ways, not least by causing thousands of pounds to be spent trying to fix issues created, as some rural dwellers in the UK are experiencing.

But what about septic tank issues that revolve around a specific change to UK law? Many buyers are unknowingly purchasing properties in rural areas with septic tanks that aren’t compliant with these law changes around septic tanks, which came into effect in 2015.

What is a septic tank?

It’s estimated that over half a million homes in the UK have septic tanks. But what actually are they? A septic tank is an underground chamber, where domestic wastewater flows through for basic sewage treatment. It’s made from concrete fiberglass or plastic and uses biological decomposition and drainage, utilising natural processes. The waste treated comes from various areas of the house, such as bathrooms, kitchens, drains and more. Septic tanks tend to sit around 50 metres away from the household and are commonly found in rural areas.

If you own a rural property, is your septic tank complying?

Reports indicate that there’s never been a better time to consider selling a rural property, due to high demand. House prices have risen by 29% since 2018 and Google searches for ‘rural homes for sale’ are up 900% in the last three months, showcasing a huge demand for the rural lifestyle. 

But something that may not be top of people’s agenda is whether or not their septic tank complies with changes to UK law in 2015. Homeowners with septic tanks that do not comply with these specifications are required to upgrade or replace them, as of 1st January 2020. You should be made aware of this at the buying stage, however, this has not always been the case.

What happens if it’s not compliant?

If you have a septic tank that does not comply with recent regulations, you could be at risk of a fine of up to £100,000from the Environment Agency, or up to three months in prison if convicted in a magistrates’ court.

Solicitors firm, Been Let Down, has been experiencing a growing number of septic tank conveyancing negligence, with estimated damages from between £10,000-50,000 per case, averaging at £18,000. Head of Professional Negligence, Tony Hill, explains that more rural homeowners and house-hunters need to be made aware ahead of their selling and buying journeys. Not all solicitors are aware of the law changes, which came to fruition in 2015, resulting in unintentionally negligent services. 

If you plan to buy in a rural area, be sure to stay diligent. And if you feel you have received negligent services, remember that you can seek legal advice to help get the issue resolved.