Pro Drainage Group is the UK’s leading drainage company with over 20 years of experience, installing and emptying thousands of septic tanks every year.
If you are a homeowner in the Midlands or on the South Coast and you are dealing with septic tank installation, emptying or ongoing maintenance, you might be wondering: “Are there new 2025 rules for septic tank installation homeowners should know?” The short answer is yes, there are important changes to be aware of when installing or servicing septic tanks, and staying on the right side of regulation matters if you want a smooth, compliant system that will not cause problems down the line.
Get in TouchThe rules governing primary sewage systems for properties not connected to mains drainage have tightened significantly. Under the Environment Agency and the framework of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and associated General Binding Rules, homeowners must ensure their septic tank installation or system upgrade meets strict standards.
Key updates for 2025 include:
If your septic tank discharges directly into a watercourse, you must either upgrade the system or redirect the discharge to ground via a drainage field.
Systems must no longer discharge to surface water if they do not meet required treatment standards.
Drainage fields and soil percolation systems must meet current British Standards, for example BS 6297:2007, and be designed correctly.
You will need documentation of maintenance, inspections, emptying and the system’s performance, for example when your property is sold or if you are installing new.
Whether you are looking at septic tank installation Dorset or septic tank installation Hampshire, the rules mean you cannot simply install a system and forget it. You will need to think about the full lifecycle of the system including installation, inspection, service, emptying and future upgrades or replacement.
For example, a system that was acceptable in the 1990s may now be out of compliance if it discharges to the wrong place or lacks records of regular emptying or inspection. Getting on top of this now with a company like Pro Septic Service means you protect yourself from future enforcement and ensure the system works efficiently.
Learn MoreMaintaining compliance is not just about installing a compliant system. It is about looking after it.
Here are some helpful maintenance tips:
Make sure the tanker has full access to the tank for emptying as ease of access matters.
Keep records of when the septic tank was last emptied or pumped, who did the work, and what was done.
Choose a service provider that checks everything such as the scum layer, sludge levels, pipework and drainage field condition.
For installations, ensure the system was sized appropriately for the number of people in the property and soil or percolation conditions.
Stay ahead of issues as a system leaking or discharging improperly can not only pollute but also trigger costly upgrades.
How often should my septic tank be emptied and pumped?
While it depends on household size and usage, many tanks need emptying every one to three years. For high usage properties or systems with issues, more frequent service may be required.
If I am installing a new system in Dorset or Hampshire, what must I check?
Make sure the system complies with 2025 rules. There should be no direct discharge to watercourses unless specially treated, the drainage field or treatment plant must meet standards, documentation must be in place, and the installation should be done by a competent provider.
What happens if my system is non compliant?
You risk enforcement action from the Environment Agency, fines, and may be forced to upgrade or replace your system. It is far better to act proactively.
Does my system need an inspection even if I am not selling the property?
Yes. Regular inspection ensures the system is working correctly, prevents environmental harm and helps you maintain records for longevity and compliance.
Does using a professional service cover all my septic tank needs?
Choosing a full service specialist means you get help with installation, pumping, emptying, cleaning, inspection and compliance to ensure the system runs smoothly.
If you are a homeowner in the Midlands or on the South Coast and you are thinking about your septic tank installation, emptying or ongoing service, do not leave it to chance. Contact Pro Septic Service today to book an inspection, discuss septic tank installation, arrange septic tank emptying, or set up a full servicing and maintenance plan. Get in touch via our main contact page and make sure your system is compliant, efficient and ready for the future.
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