If you’ve bought a property with a septic tank and were hit with unexpected costs or legal issues, you are not alone, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Start your claimOr call free on 0151 909 8212
A septic tank negligence claim arises when a conveyancing solicitor fails to properly advise you about a property’s drainage system, leaving you with costly repairs or legal trouble after purchase.
In 2015, the General Binding Rules (GBRs) were introduced in England to regulate small sewage discharges and protect the environment. Septic tanks that discharge straight into a stream or river had to be upgraded or replaced by January 2020, and other systems must meet the rules when a property is sold. Wales has its own rules, set by Natural Resources Wales.
If you bought a property after 2015 and your solicitor didn’t warn you about these rules, or failed to identify that the system was non-compliant, you may be able to claim compensation for professional negligence.
You could be entitled to claim if:
The General Binding Rules (GBRs) were introduced by the Environment Agency to reduce pollution from private sewage systems like septic tanks. These rules set out what homeowners must do to safely manage and discharge wastewater. They cover things like:
If the septic tank doesn’t meet the required standards, the homeowner, not the previous owner or solicitor, is held responsible.
That means if your solicitor didn’t flag a non-compliant system during the buying process, you could be left:
Your conveyancing solicitor should raise the right questions about the drainage system and explain any risks before you commit to buying. If they didn’t, and you’re now paying the price, CEL Solicitors can help.
If your solicitor failed to flag a non-compliant septic tank during the buying process, and you’ve since faced unexpected costs, you may be entitled to compensation.
Many homeowners have been left paying for:
These costs can quickly add up. Some homeowners have paid £10,000 to £40,000 or more — all for a problem that should’ve been identified before purchase.
Under the General Binding Rules, any necessary upgrades should be discussed and agreed upon before contracts are exchanged. If this didn’t happen, and you were left in the dark, that’s not just unfair, it could be professional negligence.
At CEL Solicitors, we’ve helped people across England and Wales recover what they’ve lost due to solicitor mistakes during conveyancing. We’ll assess your case, explain your options clearly, and work hard to put things right.
We understand how stressful it can be to deal with legal issues after buying a home. That’s why we keep things simple, straightforward, and focused on results.
Here’s what to expect when you make a septic tank negligence claim with CEL Solicitors:
Complete our short online form or give us a call. We’ll listen to what happened, take down the key details, and let you know if we can help. There’s no obligation — it’s simply a friendly chat to understand your situation.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll collect the evidence, contact the conveyancing firm, and handle all the legal work. You won’t need to chase anyone or worry about confusing legal terms. We take care of everything.
Whether it’s a refund, repair costs, or compensation for the stress and inconvenience, we’ll push for the full amount you’re entitled to. Most claims settle out of court, but we’re prepared to go further if needed.
There’s nothing to pay upfront. If you win, any fees we can’t recover from the other side come out of your compensation, and we’ll explain exactly how much before you sign anything.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
Yes. If your conveyancer failed to inform you about the condition of the septic tank or the relevant legal requirements before you purchased the property, you may still have a valid claim — even if the issue came to light later.
Compensation varies depending on the cost of repairs or replacements, the impact on your property’s value, and any related expenses. In some cases, homeowners have recovered tens of thousands of pounds.
Not always — but if they failed to highlight the presence of a septic tank or advise you on compliance with the GBRs, they may be considered negligent. We can help assess whether your conveyancer met their legal duties.
Yes. You usually have six years from the date of the negligence, or three years from when you first found out about the problem, if that’s later. There’s also an overall limit of 15 years. It’s best to get in touch early.
The GBRs are environmental rules for septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England, introduced in 2015. They set standards to prevent pollution. If a system doesn’t meet them, the homeowner can face enforcement action from the Environment Agency. Wales has its own rules.
Helpful documents include the TA6 Property Information Form, your Report on Title, any surveyor’s reports, and quotes or invoices for septic tank repairs. We’ll guide you through what’s needed and help gather the right paperwork.
Your case will be handled by our litigation team, made up of qualified solicitors, trainee solicitors and paralegals.
We have a strong track record of helping clients claim against negligent conveyancers, including cases involving septic tanks, drainage systems, and Japanese knotweed.
Nothing to pay upfront. If you win, any fees we can’t recover from the other side come out of your compensation.
We’ll explain everything clearly, without jargon or pressure. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way.
We’ve helped homeowners across England and Wales recover thousands in costs after being let down by their solicitor.
