Septic tank installationin Torquay & surrounding areas
Reliable drainage for properties off the mains. We prepare the ground, excavate and install your tank to the agreed drainage design and installation requirements.
- Director: 18 years' trade experience
- 11+ years trading in South Devon
- 1-year indemnity-backed guarantee
- Public liability insured
- City & Guilds bricklaying & carpentry
Septic tank installation for off-mains properties
A septic tank partially treats wastewater before discharge to a suitable drainage field for properties that aren't connected to the mains sewer. Across rural South Devon, the South Hams and Teignbridge, many homes, barn conversions and holiday lets rely on one.
This service is for owners building or converting a rural property, and for those replacing an old, failing tank or cesspit.
You'll need an installation if you're building where there's no mains connection, or if your current system is overflowing, smelling, cracked, or no longer meets current rules for discharge.
Septic tank installation is groundworks: excavation, ground preparation, setting the tank level and stable, and connecting the drainage. It's work our in-house team does as core trade.
When off-mains drainage fails
Drainage problems are unpleasant, disruptive and can carry legal consequences if they pollute the surrounding ground.
Overflow and smells
An undersized or failing tank backs up into drains and the garden.
Pollution risk
A tank that discharges incorrectly can contaminate ground or watercourses, which can mean enforcement action.
Tank movement
A tank set on poorly prepared ground can shift, crack or lift, especially in wet ground.
Problems with a sale
Non-compliant drainage systems often come up in property sales and can delay completion.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Replacing a tank like-for-like without checking current rules.
- Skimping on ground preparation and bedding.
- Getting falls on the drainage pipework wrong.
- Ignoring access for future emptying.
Our septic tank installation process
Step 1
Send your plans
Share your approved drawings and any structural calculations. We'll arrange a free site visit.
Step 2
Clear written price
You get a written quote for the work, with any fit-out priced separately if you want it.
Step 3
Excavation and tank installation
We prepare the ground, excavate to the required depth, set the tank level and stable, connect the drainage runs and backfill the site.
Step 4
Building Control liaison
We can liaise directly with Building Control officers on site where inspections are required.
Step 5
Completion and guarantee
We hand over the finished work, covered by our 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee.
What you get with JB Carpentry and Building
In-house groundworks
Excavation and ground preparation are handled by our own team.
Set up to last
Correct bedding and levels help the tank sit stable for the long term.
Fits rural builds
Can be planned alongside barn conversions, extensions and driveways.
Local knowledge
We work across rural South Devon, the South Hams and Teignbridge.
Tidy finish
Site backfilled and made good, with access left for emptying.
Guaranteed workmanship
A 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee covers completed work.
Septic tanks and off-mains systems explained
There are several types of off-mains system. The right one depends on the property, the ground and where treated water can discharge.
Septic tanks
A septic tank separates solids from liquid, with partially treated water passing to a drainage field where the ground completes the treatment. Ground conditions need to suit the drainage field.
Sewage treatment plants
A treatment plant actively treats wastewater, producing cleaner discharge. They're often used where ground conditions or discharge rules make a standard septic tank unsuitable.
Drainage fields
Perforated pipes laid in trenches distribute water into the ground. Size and design depend on how well the ground drains, which is usually checked by a percolation test.
Ground preparation and excavation
Tanks need a stable, level base and correct backfill. On wet or sloping ground, extra measures may be needed to stop the tank moving.
Replacements and upgrades
A septic tank must not discharge directly to a watercourse. A cesspit stores sewage for emptying and has no discharge outlet. A drainage designer or the relevant authority should confirm whether an existing system needs upgrading.
Related services
Based at 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon. Septic Tank Installation across Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, South Hams, Teignbridge.
Planning your septic tank installation project
Start with approved drawings
We work primarily from existing client plans, so the best time to contact us about septic tank installation is once your architect's drawings and any planning consent are in place. Drawings fix the size, layout and specification, which helps us define the scope of the quote; any assumptions or changes should be agreed for your project. If your engineer has produced structural calculations, include them too; they set the foundation sizes, steel sections and fixings we'll build to.
Working with your architect and engineer
We regularly work alongside client architects and structural engineers. When a question comes up on site (an unexpected drain, softer ground than expected, or an existing wall that isn't what the drawings assumed), we can discuss it with your designer before proceeding and agree any necessary changes.
Building Control from first dig to sign-off
Most structural work needs Building Regulations approval and inspections at key stages, such as foundation excavations, damp-proof courses, drainage and structural elements before they're covered. We liaise directly with Building Control officers on site throughout the build, where required; inspection timing and approval depend on the relevant Building Control body.
Shell handover or full finish
Our core strength is the ground, the structure and the watertight shell. Once that's complete you have a choice: we can price and manage the internal fit-out (kitchens, bathrooms, doors, decorating) through our vetted specialist trades, or we can hand over at the shell stage so you can bring in your own finishing trades and control that part of the budget yourself. Either way, the structure your finishes sit on has been built by one accountable team.
Building in South Devon conditions
Site conditions vary across South Devon. Sloping plots, restricted access, existing drains, coastal exposure and older structures may affect your septic tank installation project. Your architect or engineer can specify the measures required, and we can discuss the site conditions and agreed scope when preparing a quote.
What happens after you get in touch
Call Jake or send your drawings through the contact page. We'll look over the plans, arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you, Monday to Saturday, and walk the site with you to understand access, ground conditions and how you want the project finished. You'll then receive a clear, written quote setting out what's included, so you can compare it properly and decide with confidence.
One team, managed start to finish
A core in-house team of six handles groundworks, brickwork, blockwork and structural carpentry, growing to as many as 15 with long-standing subcontractors on larger projects. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of hands-on trade experience and the company has been trading across South Devon for over 11 years. You get one point of contact, clear communication and strict quality control on every stage.
Want to know more about the team? Read about us or go back to the homepage.
Septic Tank Installation questions
Got your plans?Get a clear price.
Free site visit and a written quote. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of trade experience. All completed work carries a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee.