Septic tank Surveys
Professional septic tank inspections for property purchases and system assessments across Cheshire, Manchester and Staffordshire.
We help identify expensive off-mains drainage risks and compliance issues.
✔ Septic tank & sewage treatment plants
✔ Percolation testing and soakaway drainage assessments
✔ CCTV surveys for private off-mains drainage systems
✔ Compliance checks for property purchases and homebuyers
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
Septic tank regulations and compliance
Since the introduction of the General Binding Rules, property owners are responsible for ensuring septic tanks and off-mains drainage systems comply with current Environment Agency regulations.
Non-compliant systems can lead to environmental issues, costly remedial works, delays during property transactions and in some cases, complete system replacement.
Our septic tank surveys help identify potential compliance concerns before purchase, giving buyers, homeowners and solicitors a clearer understanding of the condition and legality of the drainage system.
What do we check during a compliance inspection?
During our surveys, we assess key elements of the off-mains drainage system, including:
Septic tank structural condition
Sewage treatment plant operation
Discharge arrangements and outfalls
Soakaway and drainage field performance
Pipework condition and flow issues
Inspection chamber defects and accessibility
Potential non-compliance with current regulations
This allows us to identify visible defects, operational concerns and issues that may require further investigation or remedial works.
The General Binding Rules introduced changes to how septic tanks can discharge wastewater in England.
In many cases, septic tanks discharging directly into a watercourse may no longer comply with current regulations and may require upgrading or replacement with a sewage treatment plant.
During property purchases, solicitors and mortgage lenders increasingly request evidence that off-mains drainage systems are functioning correctly and comply with Environment Agency guidance.
Our surveys help identify:
direct discharge issues
ageing or defective systems
failed soakaways or drainage fields
overloaded systems
signs of poor maintenance
potential environmental risks
Identifying these issues early can help buyers avoid unexpected repair costs and make informed decisions before exchange of contracts.
Why Compliance Matters When Buying a Property
Problems with septic tanks and private drainage systems are often hidden below ground and may not become apparent during a standard property survey. A non-compliant or failing system can result in:
Expensive replacement works
Drainage field reconstruction
Environmental enforcement issues
Mortgage or conveyancing delays
Ongoing maintenance problems
Our CCTV septic tank surveys provide a clearer understanding of the condition, performance and compliance of off-mains drainage systems before purchase.
Common Problems Found During Septic Tank Surveys
Failed soakaway and/or drainage field
Signs of standing wastewater, saturated ground and poor drainage field performance can indicate soakaway failure and may require extensive remedial works.
Cracked or collapsed pipework
Damaged underground pipework can lead to leaks, blockages, groundwater infiltration and ongoing drainage issues.
Non-Compliant Discharge Arrangements
Some older septic tanks still discharge directly into watercourses, which may not comply with current General Binding Rules.
Root Ingress & Blockages
Tree root intrusion and silt accumulation are common causes of restricted flow and recurring drainage problems.
Structural Defects Within Tanks & Chambers
Cracked chambers, defective covers and deteriorating tank structures can affect system performance and safety.
Poor Maintenance & Overloaded Systems
Lack of regular emptying and overloaded systems can lead to backups, odours and premature system failure.
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.
Septic tank survey in Congleton, Cheshire.
Septic tank survey in Crewe, Cheshire.
Septic tank survey in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
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 repair or replace.With compliance rules changing 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.