Insurance Claim for Replacement Septic Tank

About the Project

Owls Hall Environmental was originally contracted to carry out a routine septic tank emptying for a domestic customer. During the service visit, our experienced tanker driver identified a collapsed internal baffle within the existing septic tank.

The baffle plays a critical role in preventing solids from leaving the tank and entering the soakaway. In older septic tanks, baffle failure is a common issue and can lead to solid waste escaping the tank, gradually blocking the soakaway and risking system failure and pollution.

Following the discovery, our technical team contacted the client to explain the issue clearly and discuss next steps. One option explored was whether the damage could be covered under the client’s home insurance policy. Working closely with our specialist insurance claims advisor, Owls Hall assessed the policy and successfully supported a claim for replacement of the damaged septic tank.

Challenges and Objectives

The project presented several key challenges and objectives that needed to be addressed carefully:

• Identifying and resolving a failing septic tank before further damage occurred
• Preventing long-term blockage of the soakaway and potential environmental impact
• Supporting the client through an unfamiliar and potentially stressful insurance claims process
• Delivering a compliant replacement solution while minimising disruption to the property
• Managing excavation works safely, with digging depths exceeding two metres
• Ensuring continued use of household facilities during the works
• Leaving the garden and surrounding area tidy and well restored

A further objective was to future-proof the system by offering an upgrade option that would improve compliance and performance.

Results

The insurance policy provided a like-for-like replacement of the septic tank. However, the client chose to enhance the solution by contributing the additional cost to upgrade to a modern sewage treatment plant and redirect the discharge to a surrounding ditch in line with current environmental standards.

Owls Hall Environmental removed the existing failed system and installed a Solido Smart sewage treatment plant, reconnecting the foul drainage and safely disposing of the old tank. The installation was carried out by our in-house groundworks team, whose experience ensured minimal disruption throughout the process. Toilets remained in use during the works, and the site was left clean and tidy on completion.

The new system is silent running, discreet in appearance, energy efficient, and fully compliant with the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules. The client now benefits from a reliable, modern wastewater solution with long-term environmental protection and peace of mind.

Client statement.

I am very happy with the installation the men left the site very very tidy.  The men were all very polite and very hard working, they explained the process step by step to me so I knew what was happening