The tank in your garden, explained.
Lidcheck is for people who own a septic tank but never asked to become an expert in one. No jargon and nothing to sell you, just straight answers about the rules, the upkeep and what to do when something's not right.
Four nations, four sets of rules
Most septic tank advice online quietly assumes you live in England. Lidcheck doesn't.
England
A septic tank mustn't drain into a ditch, stream or river. Into the ground through a drainage field is fine. Most homes register nothing.
Wales
Every septic tank and treatment plant must be registered with Natural Resources Wales. Usually free and one-off.
Scotland
Systems must be registered with SEPA, which often happens when a house is sold.
Northern Ireland
You need consent to discharge from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, however old the system.