Drainage fields & soakaways

A new drainage field usually needs Building Regulations approval and must meet the discharge rules for your part of the UK.

What this covers

Assessing wet ground, smells and slow drains around the drainage field or soakaway, and planning repair or replacement.

Do this first

• Cut water use: spread out laundry, showers and the dishwasher.
• Keep people, pets and vehicles away from wet ground or any sewage.
• Do not lift or climb into a tank: gases inside can be deadly.
• Note when the tank was last emptied and where the lids are, if you know.