Frequently asked questions

General

What areas does Lancashire Septics Ltd cover?

We cover most of Lancashire. If you're not sure whether we can reach your postcode, please call us on +441616947241 and we'll let you know straight away.

Do you charge for a quote?

No - all initial quotes are free. If a site visit is needed to give an accurate price for a bigger job, we'll let you know before we send anyone.

How quickly can you attend?

For urgent problems - overflows, blockages, smells - we aim to get a truck to you within 24 hours where possible. Routine work is usually scheduled within a week.

Do you offer commercial contracts?

Yes. For businesses that need scheduled emptying or maintenance we can set up a service agreement with priority slots and fixed pricing. Contact us to discuss.

Site Visit

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What actually happens during a site visit?

One of our team comes to your property and takes a thorough look at the relevant parts of your land — drainage areas, access, ground conditions, any nearby ditches or watercourses, and how far you are from the main sewer. We ask questions about your project plans and gather the detail we need to advise you properly. The visit is practical and straightforward, and we'll always explain what we're looking at and why.

Do I need a site visit before I can get a quote?

For construction and pre-construction services, a site visit is usually the first step — drainage work is site-specific, and an accurate quote depends on understanding what's actually there. Once we've visited and assessed your situation, we can put together a clear, considered quotation based on what your project genuinely requires rather than a rough estimate made without seeing the land.

Is the site visit really free, and is there any obligation to proceed?

Yes, the initial site visit is provided free of charge, and there's no obligation whatsoever to use our services afterwards. We think the best way to earn your confidence is to give you useful, honest advice upfront — if you decide to go elsewhere or hold off on the project, that's entirely your call.

What are the General Binding Rules and why do they matter for my project?

The General Binding Rules are the legal framework that allows certain small sewage discharges — from domestic septic tanks and sewage treatment plants — to operate without a specific permit from the Environment Agency, provided a set of conditions are met. If your project falls outside those rules, perhaps because of its scale, location, or discharge point, you'll need a formal permit before construction can start. Establishing which situation applies to you is one of the key things we look at during the site visit.

Can you help if my project also needs planning permission or an Environment Agency permit?

Absolutely. Where a project requires planning applications, Environment Agency discharge permits, or highways applications as part of the pre-construction process, our team can manage that work as part of a broader pre-construction package. The site visit is where we identify whether those steps will be needed and start mapping out the right route for your scheme.

How quickly can you arrange a visit in Lancashire?

We aim to arrange site visits as promptly as we can across the Lancashire area — from the Fylde coast and Preston through to the Ribble Valley, Pendle, and beyond. Get in touch by phone or through our online enquiry form and we'll confirm availability with you directly.

Investigation Survey

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My building surveyor has said I need a drainage survey — why?

Building surveyors flag drainage investigations for a handful of common reasons: the pipes may be old and showing signs of deterioration, there may be evidence of damp or subsidence that could be linked to a leaking drain, or the property relies on a private system such as a septic tank rather than a mains connection. Their report will usually indicate which concern applies. We work alongside building surveyors regularly across Lancashire, and our investigation report is designed to give them — and you — the detailed evidence needed to move forward.

How does pricing work, and who pays for the survey?

Every investigation survey is quoted individually, because the cost depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the drainage network, whether tank emptying is needed, and the location of the property. Get in touch with us and we'll provide a clear written quote before any work is booked. As for who pays, there's no fixed rule — buyers typically commission and pay for the survey, though when a septic tank or treatment plant is involved, the cost of tank emptying is sometimes shared between buyer and seller as part of negotiations.

Will the report tell me how to put the problem right?

Yes — the report is designed to be actionable, not just descriptive. As well as documenting every defect found and its location in the drainage network, it sets out a proposed remedy for each issue and includes indicative costs for the repair work. You'll know what needs doing, why, and roughly what it should cost before you decide how to proceed. If you choose to go ahead with repairs, our installation and groundworks teams can handle that too.

My property has a septic tank — does that change how the survey works?

It does, in a couple of important ways. The tank needs to be emptied before our camera can inspect the drainage runs and the tank internals properly, so we'll coordinate that as part of the booking process. We also carry out a General Binding Rules compliance check, as the Environment Agency's rules on how private sewage systems must discharge have become stricter in recent years and affect many rural properties across Lancashire. Both steps are factored into your quote upfront.

Can drainage repairs be completed before I move into the property?

In most cases, yes — our repairs team can usually turn around straightforward fixes within a timeframe that fits around a property transaction. For larger or more complex works, it's common for buyers and mortgage providers to agree a retention arrangement, typically allowing a period of several months after completion for the repairs to be carried out. We can advise on expected timescales once the scope of work is clear from the survey report.

How long does it take to receive the completed report?

Once the on-site survey is finished, our surveyor analyses the footage, identifies defects, and works up the repair recommendations before the report is compiled. For a typical domestic drainage network this process takes around five working days, though larger or more complex systems may take a little longer. We'll give you a realistic timescale when the survey is booked so you can plan accordingly.

Tank Empty

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How often does a septic tank need emptying?

For a correctly sized domestic system serving an average household, once a year is a sensible rule of thumb. If your tank is on the smaller side for the number of people using it, or if you notice any slow drainage or smells between visits, it's worth booking sooner rather than waiting. Consistent maintenance is far cheaper than the cost of a blocked drainage field or a failing treatment plant.

What happens if I leave it too long between empties?

Solids gradually build up in the tank until there's no longer enough space for the natural settlement process to work. At that point, unprocessed waste can pass through the outlet and into your drainage field or soakaway, causing a blockage that often requires a full drainage field replacement — a significant and disruptive expense. For sewage treatment plants, neglected sludge levels can damage the mechanical components and lead to untreated effluent discharging into a nearby watercourse, which puts you at risk of enforcement action under the General Binding Rules.

Do I need to know my tank size before booking?

Not at all — just call us or send an enquiry and we'll take it from there. We price based on the volume we actually collect on the day rather than an estimated tank size, so you're not paying for capacity we don't remove. If you're a new homeowner who has inherited a system and isn't sure what you've got, we're happy to advise once we're on site.

How does the pricing work and will I get a quote upfront?

We don't publish fixed price lists because the cost genuinely varies depending on factors like the volume of waste, the access to your site, and the vehicle required for the job. Get a fast quote by contacting us with a few basic details — property type, rough tank size if known, and your location in Lancashire — and we'll come back to you promptly with a clear price before you commit to anything.

What is a waste transfer note and why do I need it?

A waste transfer note is a legal document that records the transfer of controlled waste — in this case, the contents of your tank — from your property to a licensed carrier for disposal at an approved facility. UK waste regulations require one to be produced for every collection, and you're advised to keep it for at least two years. We provide one as a matter of course on every visit, so your compliance records are always in order.

Are my tank and its discharge covered by the General Binding Rules?

If your system discharges to a watercourse or to a soakaway, the Environment Agency's General Binding Rules for small sewage discharges almost certainly apply to you. They set out maintenance and installation standards designed to protect local water quality, and regular emptying forms a core part of meeting those obligations. If you're uncertain whether your system is compliant — perhaps you're buying or selling a property in Lancashire — we can point you towards the right next steps, including a compliance survey.

Pump Stn

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How often does a pump station need to be serviced?

For most domestic and commercial pump stations, a professional service once a year is the recommended minimum. If your system handles higher volumes — a busy holiday let or a multi-dwelling setup, for example — more frequent visits may be advisable. Regular servicing also keeps you aligned with the Environment Agency's General Binding Rules, which expect owners of sewage-related plant to maintain it in good working order.

What happens during a maintenance visit?

Our engineer will inspect the pump, check the float switches and level controls, test the alarm, examine electrical connections, assess the condition of seals and impellers, and clean out any solids or debris that have accumulated in the wet well. At the end of the visit you'll receive a written service record detailing everything checked, any issues found, and any work carried out or recommended.

How does pricing work and can I get a quote?

Because pump stations vary considerably in size, make, age and accessibility, we provide tailored quotes rather than publishing a one-size-fits-all price. Get in touch with a few basic details about your setup — type of pump, approximate age, and whether it's domestic or commercial — and we'll come back to you with a clear, no-obligation figure. There are no hidden call-out charges buried in the small print.

My pump alarm has gone off — what should I do?

Don't ignore it and don't silence it without investigating the cause. An alarm usually means the pump has failed to keep up with inflow, which could point to a mechanical fault, a blocked inlet, a tripped circuit or a failed float switch. Reduce water use in the property as much as possible straight away and call us — we'll help you work out how urgent the situation is and get someone out to you.

Can you service a pump station that someone else installed?

Absolutely — we're not limited to systems we've installed ourselves. As long as we can establish the make and model of the pump and gain safe access to the station, we're happy to take on servicing and repair work regardless of who did the original installation. If paperwork from the original install is available, bring it along; if not, we'll work with what we find on site.

How long does a submersible pump typically last?

Under normal operating conditions and with regular servicing, a submersible pump will often give you somewhere in the region of five years of reliable service, though some last considerably longer and others fail earlier if they're undersized for the job or run without maintenance. When we visit, we'll give you an honest view of your pump's remaining useful life so you're not caught off guard by a sudden failure.

JetVac

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How do I know whether I need jetting or a full drain repair?

Jetting is usually the right starting point — it clears the blockage and lets us assess how well the drain is performing. If flow doesn't fully restore after jetting, or if we suspect structural damage such as a collapsed section or displaced joint, we'd recommend following up with a CCTV survey. That gives us the evidence we need to recommend the most cost-effective repair rather than guessing.

How does pricing work and will I get a quote before you start?

We'll always discuss likely costs with you before any work begins. For straightforward jetting jobs we can often give you a clear indication of price over the phone once we understand the nature and location of the problem. For larger or more complex situations — particularly where a survey or repair may also be needed — we may need to carry out a site visit first. Either way, you won't be faced with unexpected charges.

Does regular jet vac maintenance help protect my septic tank system?

Yes, significantly. Sludge and debris that builds up in the pipework feeding or leaving your septic tank can restrict flow and push solids into areas they shouldn't reach — including your drainage field, where damage can be costly to put right. Keeping pipework clear is one of the simplest things you can do to extend the life of your system and reduce the risk of an Environment Agency compliance issue arising.

My drain keeps blocking in the same spot — is that normal?

A recurring blockage in the same location usually points to an underlying structural issue rather than just a build-up of debris. Root ingress, a pipe that has partially collapsed, a joint that has displaced, or a section with a poor fall can all cause repeated problems. We'd suggest combining a jet vac with a CCTV inspection so we can identify the root cause and give you a lasting solution rather than a temporary fix.

Can you carry out jet vac work on farms and commercial properties in Lancashire?

Absolutely. We work across a wide range of sites including working farms, rural estates, small businesses and commercial yards throughout Lancashire. Agricultural drainage in particular can involve heavy silting and greasy build-up from parlour washings, so our equipment is well suited to these more demanding environments. Just give us a call and we'll talk through what you need.

What should I do if sewage is backing up into my property right now?

Call us straight away rather than submitting an online enquiry — a sewage backup or overflow to land is an emergency situation that needs prompt attention. While you wait, avoid using toilets, sinks or washing facilities if possible to prevent further backing up, and keep people and animals away from any area where sewage may have reached the surface.

Compliance

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What are the General Binding Rules and do they apply to my property?

The General Binding Rules are the Environment Agency's standard conditions for small sewage discharges from domestic properties that aren't connected to the public sewer. If your home has a septic tank or sewage treatment plant that discharges to the ground or a nearby watercourse — which is very common across rural Lancashire — then yes, the rules apply to you. Compliance is the legal responsibility of the property owner, not a landlord, previous owner, or installer.

My building surveyor has flagged the private drainage — what happens next?

Building surveyors routinely recommend a specialist drainage inspection when a property has its own off-mains system, particularly if the system is older or its condition isn't known. A Tank Compliance Survey goes deeper than a standard homebuyer's report, inspecting the tank internally and assessing the full discharge arrangement against current regulations. We work alongside building surveyors regularly and can produce a report in a format that's easy to cross-reference with their findings.

Who pays for the compliance survey — the buyer or the seller?

There's no fixed rule on this, and it's often something both parties negotiate as part of a sale. In practice, buyers most frequently commission the survey because they're the ones who need to know what they're taking on. Where tank emptying is required as part of the inspection process, it's fairly common for the cost of that element to be shared between buyer and seller — but this is entirely a matter for the parties involved.

How does pricing work for a Tank Compliance Survey?

Because every property and drainage system is different, we provide a tailored quote rather than a one-size-fits-all price. Factors that affect the cost include the size and accessibility of the tank, the complexity of the drainage network, and whether tank emptying is required beforehand. Get in touch with a few details about your property and we'll come back to you with a clear, itemised figure — no hidden extras.

Does a septic tank always need to be replaced with a sewage treatment plant to pass?

Not necessarily — this is one of the most common misunderstandings around the General Binding Rules. A septic tank can meet the rules provided it discharges to an approved drainage field (not directly to a watercourse) and the drainage field itself is functioning properly. We'll assess your specific setup honestly and only recommend an upgrade if the evidence genuinely supports it.

Can repairs or upgrades be carried out before a property sale completes?

In many cases, yes. Straightforward remedial work can often be completed relatively quickly. Where the required work is more extensive and timing is tight, a mortgage retention arrangement — typically allowing several months for works to be completed after completion — is a common and well-established route. Our compliance report includes the information mortgage lenders and solicitors usually need to set up that kind of arrangement.

Home Movers

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My building surveyor has recommended a drainage survey — why do I need one?

Building surveyors flag drainage inspections for several reasons: the property may be older and the pipework potentially worn, there may be signs of damp or ground movement that could indicate a drainage issue, or the property uses a private system such as a septic tank. Their report will usually explain their specific concern, and our survey is designed to investigate exactly those areas and give you a detailed answer.

The property has a septic tank — does that change anything?

Yes, and it's worth knowing about early. Off-mains systems need to meet the Environment Agency's General Binding Rules for domestic sewage discharge, which set standards for how and where treated effluent can be released to the environment. As part of your survey we'll empty the tank so we can properly inspect it, and we'll carry out a compliance assessment so you know whether the system meets current regulations or whether any work is likely to be needed.

How does pricing work, and who usually pays for the survey?

We provide a written quote before any work begins, based on the property's drainage setup, its size, and whether tank emptying is required — so there are no hidden extras. There's no fixed rule about who pays; in practice it's most often the buyer, though where a septic tank emptying is involved the cost is sometimes shared between buyer and seller. We're happy to talk through your situation and provide a quote addressed to whichever party needs it.

Can repairs be carried out before we complete on the purchase?

In many cases, yes. Straightforward repairs can often be scheduled and finished well within a typical completion timeline. Where more significant work is involved, your mortgage lender may allow a retention period — often around six months — to give time for the repairs to be completed after you've moved in. Our report will set out exactly what's needed and give you the costs, so you can have an informed conversation with your solicitor and lender.

How long does it take to receive the survey report?

Once the site visit is complete, our surveyors analyse the CCTV footage, finalise the drainage layout, and cost-plan any remediation work before the report goes out. For most properties this takes around five working days, though more complex networks may take a little longer. We'll keep you updated throughout and flag anything urgent straight away.

Will the report tell us how to fix any problems that are found?

Absolutely — that's a key part of what makes it useful for negotiations. Rather than simply listing defects, our report includes a plain-English explanation of each issue, our recommended remedy, and the estimated cost of carrying out that repair. If you decide to go ahead with any works, our installation and repairs teams can take it straight from there.

Commercial

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We don't know where the problem is — will the survey actually find it?

That's precisely what a CCTV drainage survey is designed for. The camera travels through the accessible sections of your network and records everything it finds, allowing our surveyor to pinpoint faults even when there are no obvious above-ground symptoms. If the drains are already blocked or heavily silted, we can bring a jetting unit on the same visit to clear them first, so the camera gets a clear view — just let us know when you book.

Can you map where our drainage runs if we have no existing plans?

Yes — producing a drainage layout from scratch is a standard part of what we do. Provided there are accessible manholes or inspection chambers, we can trace where each run originates, which direction it travels, and where it discharges. If you do have existing drawings, we can overlay our layout onto those for a more complete picture.

How does pricing work and will we get a quote before anything starts?

Because every commercial site is different in size, complexity, and scope, we don't publish a fixed price list — your quote is tailored to your specific requirements after we've discussed the job. We'll agree the scope and cost with you before any work begins, and your survey report will include repair costs for any defects found, so there are no surprise invoices further down the line.

Can you provide RAMS and Health & Safety documentation for our site?

Yes, we can supply Risk Assessments and Method Statements before works commence, and we're happy to adapt these to meet your site's own health and safety requirements. If the survey involves confined-space entry or any other specialist access, we may arrange a brief pre-start site visit to make sure everything is properly documented and agreed.

Will the report tell us how to fix the problems found?

Absolutely — the report isn't just a list of faults. For each defect identified, our surveyor works with our repairs team to set out the recommended remedy and the associated cost, so you receive a practical action plan alongside the technical findings. You then decide whether you'd like to proceed with repairs, at which point our installation and construction teams take over.

How long does it take to receive the completed report after the site visit?

Report preparation typically takes around five working days from the survey date, depending on the size and complexity of the network. We'll confirm the expected timescale when you book, and if you have a specific deadline — such as a property transaction or planning submission — let us know early so we can do our best to accommodate it.