About us

Off Mains Drainage is an independent guide for UK homes that aren’t connected to a mains sewer. If you have a septic tank, a sewage treatment plant or a cesspit, it’s for you.

Why this site exists

Most of what’s online about septic tanks is written by firms selling septic tanks. Some of it is good. Much of it is out of date, especially on the 2020 rules. And prices are often quoted with no source at all.

We wanted one place that does three things:

• Quotes the regulator. Every rule links to gov.uk, the Environment Agency, SEPA, Natural Resources Wales or the Building Regulations.
• Shows its sums. Every price links to the price list or cost guide we found it in, with the month we checked it.
• Gets to the point. Short answers first. Detail after.

Who we are

We’re a small editorial team, writing as The Off Mains Drainage team. We’re not installers, emptying firms or lawyers. We don’t sell tanks, plants or additives.

How we’re funded

At the moment, we aren’t. In future we plan to put readers in touch with local firms for quotes, and we may be paid when that happens. That will never change what a guide says about the rules or prices. When it starts, our get quotes page will name every partner who receives your details.

What we’re not

This site is general information, not legal, surveying or engineering advice. Rules change. Your system is unique. For anything that matters, check the regulator’s own guidance and get a qualified engineer to look at it.

Corrections

Spotted something wrong or out of date? Email hello@offmainsdrainage.co.uk. We fix errors fast and date every update.