What Does Private Drainage Mean In Cumbria?

Introduction

Are you a property owner in Cumbria who needs to install, maintain, or upgrade a drainage system for your property? If so, you might have heard the term 'private drainage'. In this landing page, we will explain what private drainage means in Cumbria and how it differs from the main drainage system. We are Drainage Cumbria, a drainage company based in Cumbria that specializes in private drainage systems. If you need any assistance, call us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected].

Private Drainage vs. Main Drainage in Cumbria

Cumbria has two drainage systems: the main drainage system and the private drainage system. The main drainage system is controlled by the local authorities and is responsible for public sewers, drains, and treatment works. The private drainage system, on the other hand, is owned and managed by private individuals, businesses, or organizations.

The main drainage system is designed to handle waste water from multiple sources, such as households, businesses, and public buildings. The system transports the waste water to the treatment works, where it is treated and discharged into the environment. The private drainage system, on the other hand, is designed to handle waste water from a single property or a group of properties.

Private Drainage System Components

A private drainage system in Cumbria typically includes the following components:

Septic Tank

A septic tank is a watertight container that receives and treats waste water from the property it serves. The tank separates the solid and liquid waste and allows the liquid waste to flow into a drainage field or soakaway. The solid waste is retained in the tank and needs to be emptied periodically.

Cesspit

A cesspit is similar to a septic tank, but it is designed to hold all the waste without allowing it to drain away. cesspits need to be emptied regularly as they do not have a soakaway for the waste to disperse into.

Drainage Field/Soakaway

A drainage field or soakaway is a system of underground pipes laid in a permeable aggregate bed. The pipes receive the liquid waste from the septic tank and disperse it into the surrounding soil, where it is naturally filtered and treated by microorganisms.

Private Drainage Regulations in Cumbria

Private drainage systems in Cumbria are subject to regulations and rules that property owners must abide by. The regulations cover the design, installation, maintenance, and upgrading of private drainage systems.

The Environment Agency regulates private sewage systems in England and Wales. Property owners must notify the Environment Agency if they intend to install a new septic tank or upgrade an existing one. They must also comply with the General Binding Rules, which set standards for the discharge of treated sewage into the environment.

If you need assistance with installing, upgrading or maintaining your private drainage system, you can contact our expert team at Drainage Cumbria. We are experienced in complying with the relevant regulations and rules.

Benefits of Private Drainage in Cumbria

Installing a private drainage system in Cumbria has several advantages over relying on the main drainage system. These benefits include:

Cost-Effective

Installing a private drainage system can be cheaper than connecting to the main drainage system, especially if the property is located in a rural area where mains connections can be expensive.

Independence

A private drainage system gives property owners independence and control over their waste water management. They are not dependent on the main drainage system, which can be overloaded during heavy rainfall.

Flexibility

Private drainage systems can be designed to meet the specific needs of the property and its occupants. They can be tailored to handle different volumes and types of waste water, making them more efficient and effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, private drainage is a crucial component of waste water management in Cumbria. It offers property owners independence, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in dealing with their waste water. However, property owners must ensure that their private drainage systems comply with the relevant regulations and rules. If you need any assistance with your private drainage system, call us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected]. We are Drainage Cumbria, a trusted and experienced drainage company in Cumbria that can help you with any drainage issue you may have.