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.
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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 to regulate small sewage discharges and protect the environment. All septic tanks had to meet these new standards by January 2020.
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:
Solicitors have a legal duty to spot and flag these risks before you commit to a purchase. 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 the UK recover what they’ve lost due to solicitor mistakes during conveyancing. We’ll assess your case, explain your options clearly, and fight 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 maximum amount you’re owed. Most claims settle out of court, but we’re prepared to go further if needed.
There’s nothing to pay upfront, and you only pay if your claim is successful. Simple as that.
Whether your own claim has been rejected or you’re seeking justice on behalf of a loved one, 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 — typically, you have six years from the date of negligence, or three years from when you first became aware of the problem. The sooner you speak to us, the better your chance of a successful claim.
The GBRs are environmental regulations introduced by the Environment Agency in 2015. They set out standards for septic tanks and small sewage discharges to prevent pollution. If a property doesn’t meet these rules, the homeowner can face fines and enforcement action.
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.
We have a strong track record of helping clients claim against negligent conveyancers, including cases involving septic tanks, drainage systems, and Japanese knotweed.
There’s nothing to pay up front, and you only pay if we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to starting your claim.
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 the UK recover thousands in costs after being let down by their solicitor. When we take on a case, we fight to win.
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