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What you need to know about the

General Binding Rules 2020

The UK General Binding Rules 2020 (GBR 2020) is a set of regulations that came into effect on 1st January 2020, which apply to anyone who owns, operates, or uses a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant (STP) in England. These rules are designed to protect the environment and human health by ensuring that domestic wastewater is treated and disposed of safely and effectively. What are the implications of the GBR 2020 for septic tanks and why are treatment plants a better alternative?

A Cotswold Drainage van ready to fix some blocked drains

Implications of the GBR 2020 for Septic Tanks

The GBR 2020 requires all old tanks that discharge into surface water to be upgraded or undergo a septic tank conversion by 1st January 2020 or when the property is sold, whichever is sooner. Septic tanks that discharge into the ground are exempt from this requirement but must still comply with the general binding rules. These rules include:

  1. Septic tanks must be installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Septic tanks must be maintained and emptied regularly to prevent overflowing or pollution.
  3. Septic tanks must not discharge into a watercourse, unless it meets the relevant environmental standards.

Septic tanks can be effective at treating domestic wastewater, but they have limitations. They only provide primary treatment, which means that the wastewater is only partially treated before it is discharged. This can result in the pollution of the environment and cause harm to human health. Furthermore, septic tanks require regular maintenance and emptying, which can be expensive and inconvenient.


Get in touch

Contact our friendly and professional team via form, phone or email for any drainage issues you may have.

From blocked drains to septic tank repairs and replacements, we're here to help. We have over 25 years of experience and offer 24/7 emergency callouts.


I always find the staff at Cotswold Drainage very polite & helpful, they always provide an excellent service & they do try and come out the same day. I would defiantly recommend using their services.
- Bowling Green Court
Cotswold Drainage cleared a blocked drainage pipe from our septic tank. Not the easiest access and a combination of pipe and soakaway to investigate. Adrian was excellent - prompt, friendly and willing to go the extra yard when things were looking difficult. Very pleased with the service.
- Geoff Smith
Used this company a couple of times now. Staff always great and they turn up when they say. Never had any problems, work always done properly. Would recommend.
- Rachel Godfrey
Very knowledgeable and polite, quickly cleared the drain and washed it out.
- Alan Grove
A quick and professional service. Russell the operator soon had our problem solved
- Donald Gilder
From start to finish Nikki and the team were brilliant . Quotes through quickly and house buying drainage survey results through in a couple days. Would highly recommend this company. Thank you all.
- Carrie Crinage
Professional and reliable with first class service, definitely recommend. We had an issue with an ACO drain in the recent torrential storms which caused flooding in our integral garage. Having been flooded in two previous properties before this occasion and now being paranoid about water, we wanted to rectify the situation quickly to mitigate any future problems. We searched the Internet looking for a professional, trustworthy company who we could rely upon to fix the issue quickly and provide us with peace of mind. We found and researched Cotswold Drainage, particularly taking into account the customer feedback and first class reviews in our decision. We couldn't be more delighted from our initial contact with Nikki, two site visits one by Dave to review the issue quickly followed up by Adrian for a camera inspection, to Keith who carried out the work over 3 days in the most awful of weather (rain, drizzle and bitterly cold). Keith worked flat out every day at the same time always professional, cheerful and courteous. We cannot fault them and and would highly recommend them.
- Melanie Nash
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    Why Treatment Plants are a Better Alternative

    Sewage treatment plants are a better alternative to septic tanks because they provide more effective treatment of domestic wastewater. They use a combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical processes to treat wastewater to a higher standard than a septic tank. The treated water can then be safely discharged into the environment, meeting the relevant environmental standards.

    Treatment plants are also more flexible than septic tanks. They can be installed in a wider range of locations, including areas with high water tables, and can be adapted to suit the specific needs of a property. Furthermore, septic tank maintenance is required more often making treatment plants a more cost-effective waste solution.

    Drain unblocking process

    The UK General Binding Rules 2020 have implications for anyone who owns, operates, or uses a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

    Septic tanks that discharge into surface water must be upgraded or replaced by a sewage treatment plant to comply with the rules.

    Treatment plants are a better alternative to septic tanks because they provide more effective treatment of domestic wastewater and require less maintenance.

    If you have any questions about the GBR 2020 or the installation of a sewage treatment plant, please contact our friendly team today.

    Drain unblocking process

    Why choose Cotswold Drainage?

    As a leading drain cleaning company, Cotswold Drainage has more than 25 years of experience, is CHAS-approved for health and safety, and is a member of Constructionline. You can rely on us to maintain and clean your drainage system in emergency situations and across commercial and domestic properties with the least amount of disruption possible. We make use of the most cutting-edge technology and can schedule follow-up visits both during and after your 6-month warranty.

    Why choose Cotswold Drainage for blocked drains?

    What we offer

    Here at Cotswold Drainage, our team have over 25 years’ experience and the expertise guaranteed to sort your problem quickly with minimum of fuss, leaving you more than satisfied.

    We offer a 6-month warranty, along with a free drain camera health check and a guarantee that you will receive follow-ups during and after your 6-month warranty.

    We operate a large fleet of vehicles, equipped with specialist equipment for any situation, including our high-power jetting system for removing blockages & cleaning, and also CCTV for on-site surveying of the problem or damaged drainage systems.

    Don’t just take our word for it, read our incredible reviews left by our valued customers

    I always find the staff at Cotswold Drainage very polite & helpful, they always provide an excellent service & they do try and come out the same day. I would defiantly recommend using their services.
    - Bowling Green Court
    Cotswold Drainage cleared a blocked drainage pipe from our septic tank. Not the easiest access and a combination of pipe and soakaway to investigate. Adrian was excellent - prompt, friendly and willing to go the extra yard when things were looking difficult. Very pleased with the service.
    - Geoff Smith
    Used this company a couple of times now. Staff always great and they turn up when they say. Never had any problems, work always done properly. Would recommend.
    - Rachel Godfrey
    Very knowledgeable and polite, quickly cleared the drain and washed it out.
    - Alan Grove
    A quick and professional service. Russell the operator soon had our problem solved
    - Donald Gilder
    From start to finish Nikki and the team were brilliant . Quotes through quickly and house buying drainage survey results through in a couple days. Would highly recommend this company. Thank you all.
    - Carrie Crinage
    Professional and reliable with first class service, definitely recommend. We had an issue with an ACO drain in the recent torrential storms which caused flooding in our integral garage. Having been flooded in two previous properties before this occasion and now being paranoid about water, we wanted to rectify the situation quickly to mitigate any future problems. We searched the Internet looking for a professional, trustworthy company who we could rely upon to fix the issue quickly and provide us with peace of mind. We found and researched Cotswold Drainage, particularly taking into account the customer feedback and first class reviews in our decision. We couldn't be more delighted from our initial contact with Nikki, two site visits one by Dave to review the issue quickly followed up by Adrian for a camera inspection, to Keith who carried out the work over 3 days in the most awful of weather (rain, drizzle and bitterly cold). Keith worked flat out every day at the same time always professional, cheerful and courteous. We cannot fault them and and would highly recommend them.
    - Melanie Nash
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