Cornish properties, owing to their location in the county, namely situated on undulating terrain, peninsulas, coasts, estuaries and creeks, invariably benefit from a private drainage system as opposed to being connected to the mains drainage. If the property is connected to a private drainage system, the drainage system will usually take the form of a septic tank or cess pit. 

We have a great deal of experience in dealing with private drainage systems which benefit properties in Cornwall, and indeed other parts of the country. If the property you are to purchase benefits from a private drainage system, we will raise all prudent drainage enquiries which will include investigating whether all necessary consents are in place from the Environment Agency with regard to the location and discharge of the private drainage system on the ground. As well as establishing that the requisite building regulations have been obtained for the Private Drainage Systems’ installation. 

We will also establish whether the private drainage system is located within the curtilage of the property you are to purchase and whether the private drainage system is shared with adjoining properties or, as an alternative, whether the private drainage system which benefits the property is located on adjoining land. In this respect we will advise you .as to whether all necessary rights of use and access for maintenance, cleansing and emptying for the Private Drainage System are expressly provided for in your deeds to benefit the property. It may be the case that the private drainage system is located within the curtilage of the property you are to purchase and is shared with an adjoining property(s). In this instance we would establish whether all necessary rights of use and access for maintenance, cleansing and emptying for the Private Drainage System are expressly provided in your deeds to benefit the adjoining properties. 

We will also strongly advise that you commission a private drainage survey in order to establish whether the private drainage system is in good working order prior to exchange of contracts. 

For more information please contact the property team at brains Solicitors who will be able to assist you further.