Septic tank & sewage guides
Straight answers on the rules, the costs and looking after an off-mains drainage system — written for homeowners, not lawyers.
Septic tank vs sewage treatment plant: what's the difference?
How septic tanks and package sewage treatment plants differ, what each one costs to run, and which you're allowed to install under the current rules.
Rules & complianceThe General Binding Rules explained (and the 2020 septic tank rules)
A plain-English guide to the Environment Agency's General Binding Rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in England, including the 2020 ban on discharging to a watercourse.
Rules & complianceDischarging to a watercourse vs to the ground: the rules
The difference between discharging treated sewage to a watercourse and to the ground, and what the General Binding Rules require for each.
CostsSeptic tank costs: emptying, installation and replacement
What septic tank emptying, installation, replacement and sewage treatment plants really cost in 2026, and what makes the price go up or down.
Maintenance7 signs your septic tank needs emptying
The warning signs that a septic tank is full or a drainage field is failing — and what to do before it becomes an expensive problem.
MaintenanceHow often should you empty a septic tank?
How to work out the right emptying frequency for your septic tank based on tank size and how many people use it — and why regular emptying saves money.