Rural properties are typically situated far from a local Sewage Company mains system and therefore known as been “Off Mains Drainage “

This means they have their own self-contained unique system to deal with the waste waters from the house known as a Septic Tank, Sewage Treatment Plant or in some cases a simple cesspit.

It really doesn’t have to be complicated you can prevent hidden nightmares ruining your new rural home dream by getting informed. You need to know what you have, what condition it is in and what your responsibilities are. After all you would check the roof and walls why not the underground drainage system its an integral part of the habitation.

No matter the type of system it needs to be in good working order, causing no pollution and compliant with The General Binding Rules legislation.

Nowadays Conveyancing Solicitors are required to ask a lot more questions. If you are selling a property, you must tell the prospective owner (who will become the new “operator”) in writing that a sewage discharge exists.

This will need to include:

• A detailed description of the system in use.
• The location of the main parts (The plant/tank drainage system and discharge point)
• Details of any changes to the system
• Details of how the treatment plant should be maintained and maintenance manual -if you have one.
• Maintenance Records if you have them.

There may be regional variations depending on which Environmental Authority the property is located.

If you have a Septic Tank that discharges directly into a watercourse legislation now dictates that this must be replaced or upgraded. The Seller should agree with the buyer who will be responsible for doing this. You should agree this as a condition of the sale.

Your local Rural Drainage Team at Turnwater can help. We have worked with both Buyers and Sellers.

We’ve helped Sellers identify the system they have and any potential problems prior to marketing their property giving them the confidence of avoiding costly delays and negotiations later. We advise what the remedies would be giving the option to cost effectively rectify the system and maximise the selling price.

We’ve helped Buyers to understand what’s happening beneath the ground and what their responsibilities will be. There may not always be problems but if there are we can give an idea of what it will take to put them right and what costs are involved.

We offer both Home Seller and Home Buyer Drainage Surveys.