Septic tank Surveys
Professional septic tank inspections for property purchases and system assessments across Cheshire, Manchester and Staffordshire.
✔ Fast turnaround
✔ Clear, easy to understand reports
✔ Advanced CCTV technology
Do You Need a Septic Tank Survey?
If your property uses a septic tank or private drainage system, a survey is strongly recommended. This is particularly important when buying a property, as septic systems are not covered in standard building surveys.
When Is a Septic Tank Survey Required?
A septic tank survey is typically needed when:
Buying or selling a rural property
The property is not connected to mains drainage
There are signs of drainage issues or system failure
You need to ensure compliance with current regulations
Many properties across rural and semi-rural areas rely on private drainage systems, making inspection essential before making any decisions.
The Risks of Not Carrying Out a Survey
Septic tank issues can be costly and disruptive if not identified early.
Common risks include:
System failure or overflow
Blockages or damaged pipework
Environmental contamination
Non-compliance with UK septic tank regulations
These issues can result in:
Repair or replacement costs running into thousands
Delays during property purchase
Legal or environmental liabilities
How a Septic Tank Survey Protects You
A professional survey provides a clear assessment of the system and its condition.
It allows you to:
Confirm the system is functioning correctly
Identify any defects or compliance issues
Plan maintenance or repairs
Proceed with confidence when buying or managing a property
For properties with private drainage, a septic tank survey is a key step in avoiding unexpected costs and ensuring the system is safe and compliant.
Septic tank Surveys
We use high-definition CCTV equipment to inspect your septic tank system internally. This allows us to accurately identify issues without excavation.
You receive:
A full WRc-approved drainage survey report
Complete condition assessment
Annotated drainage map
High definition CCTV footage and images
Clear identification of any issues
Comment on compliance of the septic system
Why choose Clearflow Surveys?
What will happen:
Book your survey at a convenient time
We carry out a CCTV inspection on site
We produce a clear, professional report
We aim to keep the process simple and efficient so you get the information you need in a timely manner.
We regularly carry out septic tank surveys for property purchases, helping buyers understand the condition and compliance of private drainage systems.
We pride ourselves in:
✔ Clear, easy-to-understand reporting
✔ Fast turnaround on inspections
✔ Modern inspection equipment
✔ Experience with private drainage systems and compliance
Past Projects
Examples of drainage surveys carried out across Cheshire, Manchester and Staffordshire.
Septic tank survey in Lower Withington, Cheshire.
Septic tank survey in Bosley, Cheshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A septic tank survey is a full assessment of your septic system - including a CCTV survey of the inlet and outlet, a visual inspection of the tank itself and a check of whether the systems meetings the current compliance requirements. You receive a clear written report of everything we find.
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Septic tanks are expensive to repairs or replace and compliance rules changes significantly in 2020. A property with a non-compliant system can now create a legal and financial problem for the new owner. Without a survey, you’re taking on that risk blind.
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Yes, Checking compliance with the current general binding rules is part of what we assess. If the system isn’t compliant, we’ll clearly set that out in the report along with what would be needed to bring that it in line.
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We carry out a full assessment covering a CCTV inspection of the inlet and outlet, a check of the drainage field where accessible and a compliance review against current Environment Agency requirements. You receive a written report with findings and recommendations.
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We’ll set out clearly what’s been found and what the options are. Many buyers use this to negotiate the purchase price or make the sale conditional on the seller resolving the issue first. In some cases it’s grounds to walk away before you’re committed.
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It varies significantly depending on the issue. Upgrading a direct discharge system to a water treatment plant can cost upwards of £10,000, depending on ground conditions and access. Getting a survey before you buy means you know what you’re dealing with before it’s your bill.
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Most residential septic tank surveys take two to three hours on site depending on access and the complexity of the system. Your written report will follow shortly after.
Need a Septic tank Survey?
Get a fast, reliable drainage report from an experienced team.