What Is a Septic Tank Compliance Survey – and Who Needs One?

What Is a Compliance Survey?

A septic tank compliance survey is the assessment of a private drainage system, usually a septic tank, sewage treatment plant, or cesspit. This septic tank compliance survey is carried out to ensure it meets the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules (GBR). 

Septic tank compliance surveys are not a regulated or accredited process, meaning that there’s no certification body behind it. However, when seeking the appropriate contractor, they should have extensive knowledge about drains, the GBR, and years of experience.

WCI holds over 40 years of experience with these systems, conducting drainage compliance surveys across Somerset and Devon. Our surveyors are Wastewater Engineers who have a full understanding of the GBR and can confidently carry out surveys.

When Is It Required?

When you need a septic tank compliance survey, it is normally because you fit one of the following conditions:

• Selling a property with a septic tank or sewage treatment plant
• Buying a property with off-mains drainage, especially where a mortgage is involved
• Following an Environment Agency notice or enforcement query
• Following a mortgage condition set by the lender

A homebuyer septic tank survey is the easiest way to ensure the drainage is following current UK regulations. It is also important to spot any issues with the drainage before buying or selling, so that the property exchange is honest and leaves no room for costly remediation works later on.

What Does a Septic Tank Compliance Survey Involve?

1. Site Visit

The surveyor visits the site and conducts a visual inspection of the tank/plant, pipework, and the outlet.

2. Full Drainage Check 

Checks are carried out against the GBR requirements, assessing the discharge point, condition, and capacity.

3. Written Report of Results 

You receive a written report that details what was done, what was found, and what can be done to remedy any issues.

The Three Possible Outcomes

After a septic tank compliance survey, there are three possible outcomes:

• Pass: The system is compliant, and no action is needed
• Advisory: The system is compliant currently, but there are some issues to address (minor maintenance needed, approaching the end of life, etc.)
• Fail: The system is non-compliant and requires remedial work or a full replacement.

What Happens If It Fails?

If your drainage system isn’t compliant and it fails the assessment, normally you will receive a written report that details why it didn’t pass. This could be because it needs immediate remedial work, an upgrade, or a full replacement.

A septic tank compliance survey report gives you the details you need, as well as advice on the next potential steps to take. For example, a recent case with WCI had a recently sold home that had a failed septic tank system, which a compliance survey confirmed and a solution was suggested. WCI were able to identify the problem and install a new sewage treatment plant, and the new property owner was guided through the system on-site.

If your septic tank fails the compliance survey, we’re also able to remedy the problem if you choose to continue working with us.

What Is The Cost of a Septic Tank Compliance Survey?

A foul drainage report cost won’t be the same for every property, because there are different types of systems to assess, like a septic tank, sewage treatment plant, or cesspit. 

To receive a quote on a septic tank compliance survey, please reach out to our team to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a compliance survey a legal requirement?

No – a septic tank compliance survey is not a legal requirement. However, under the GBR, as a property owner, you are legally liable for any off-mains drainage pollution. Having a survey is the best way to ensure your system is compliant and prevent potential fines in the future.

What’s the difference between a septic tank, a sewage treatment plant, and a cesspit?

• A septic tank is a system that separates solids from liquids and treats the water before releasing it into a drainage field.
• A cesspit is a sealed underground holding tank that holds raw sewage and needs frequent emptying by a professional.
• A sewage treatment plant purifies wastewater by using a blower and aeration system to break down sewage.

What areas does WCI cover

Our WCI team covers the South West of England, Devon & Somerset for compliance surveys.

Will a failed survey affect a sale?

Yes – but a failed septic tank survey won’t stop the sale on its own; it may require some additional terms. The seller, buyer, and mortgage lender may need to discuss the next steps to determine how they want to proceed with the property sale, which could affect price negotiations.

Is WCI accredited to do a septic tank compliance survey?

Compliance surveys are unregulated, meaning that accreditation is not necessary to carry one out. However, WCI’s team is fully trained, holding 40+ years of experience with drainage systems and surveys, and is familiar with GBR.