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While most parts of the UK have access to main sewers, more remote locations rely on off-grid alternatives such as septic tanks and sewage treatment plants.

A soil vent pipe is a vertical pipe connected to a sewage drainage system. Also called a stink pipe, drain waste vent or soil stack pipe, it is used to regulate the air pressure in an otherwise airtight sewage system.

In the UK, building regulations recommend that where possible, a property should be connected to the main drainage system for sewage and wastewater.

A septic tank is commonly used for sewage management where there is no connection to the main drainage network. This article outlines the regulations that need to be complied with.

Inspection chambers and their covers are subject to various regulations, including their load-bearing capacity, accessibility, safety and responsibility.

While water is essential for maintaining a garden, too much of it is most certainly a bad thing. In this blog post, we look at the possible causes of a poorly drained plot, the negative effects this can have and how the situation can be remedied.

For septic tanks and soakaways to function efficiently, they need to be surrounded by sufficient unsaturated soil to absorb the effluent. While a percolation test will establish the porosity of the soil, a trial site assessment hole (TSAH) is required to determine the level of the winter water table.

Approximately one-third of our tap water in the UK comes from groundwater sources including wells, boreholes and springs; in some parts, this rises to as much as 80%.

We are excited to launch our brand-new website and online ordering portal. This website replaces three older websites and adds a powerful portal for our customers.

Stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways and other impermeable surfaces must be diverted away from a property. Without some form of stormwater management, rain may cause flooding, saturate the ground to make it unstable and cause structural damage, damp walls and mould.

Manhole covers serve an important role and need to be accessible for drainage inspection and maintenance, but when they are on private or commercial property they are often an unwelcome eyesore.

If you are installing a soakaway, septic tank or sewage treatment plant that will discharge water into the soil, you will need to carry out a soil percolation test.

Before carrying out excavations it is essential to check that the area contains no underground services, particularly electricity and gas as these can be deadly if they are damaged.

In January 2023, DEFRA published a report that confirmed they will be introducing mandatory sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) policies for all new developments in England. This is to ensure that new development doesn’t come at the cost of safe, sustainable and habitable environments.

Nobody wants the smell of a blocked drain, particularly inside the home. And it’s not only sewers that can produce stomach-turning odours; wastewater from sinks, dishwashers and washing machines can be pongy too, while the smell from roof gutters, downpipes and surface drains has a unique and unforgettable bouquet.

Drainfast supplies drainage materials across Central and Greater London. With three depots and our own fleet of dedicated trucks we are well positioned to fulfil any delivery requirements.