Expert Legal Support for Septic Tank Claims
With extensive experience in property and conveyancing claims, our solicitors help homeowners recover losses caused by negligence. If your solicitor failed to highlight septic tank compliance issues, we may be able to support you in recovering the money you’ve lost.
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About septic tank claims
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What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is an underground system that separates household waste. Unlike package treatment plants, septic tanks provide basic settlement and must follow strict environmental regulations. They’re most common in rural or semi-rural locations without mains sewer access, particularly older properties, larger plots, and homes sharing private drainage arrangements.
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What are the potential losses for homeowners?
Homeowners can face significant costs when selling a property with a non-compliant septic tank. These may include system upgrades or fines from environmental authorities. Prospective buyers will often demand that the tank be made compliant at the homeowner’s expense or insist on a proportionate reduction in the sale price.
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When do claims occur?
A claim typically occurs when a conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor fails to make the necessary enquiries or give advice on GBR changes and compliance status. They often arise in cases where, with competent advice, the buyer could have negotiated remediation, requested a price reduction, or chosen not to proceed at all.
Solicitor duties and legal failures
A solicitor’s duty of care
If a conveyancing solicitor is handling a property with a septic tank, they must identify whether foul drainage is to mains or to a private system, review TA6 forms and searches, and advise clearly on the General Binding Rules. They should also check for correct installation and a compliant drainage field.
Consequences of negligence
Failing to carry out the required duties can leave buyers unaware of legal or compliance issues. This can lead to costly upgrades, fines, or disputes with buyers and neighbours. Negligence can also create long-term financial and legal problems for homeowners.
What needs to be proved
To succeed in a claim, you must show the solicitor breached their duty, that this breach caused financial loss, and that proper advice could have influenced you to act differently when buying the property (for example, seeking remediation costs from the seller, a price reduction, or withdrawing from the purchase). The loss typically includes the cost of bringing the septic tank up to compliance.
What damages can be awarded
Claims can cover a range of losses, including capital works like upgrading or replacing the tank, installing a compliant drainage field, and decommissioning the old system. Professional and regulatory costs, temporary facilities, investigation expenses, diminution in value, and interest may also be recovered.
Why specialist legal help matters
Septic tanks are common across England and Wales, but poor legal advice can leave homeowners facing serious financial and environmental liabilities. Expert solicitors can help prove negligence and guide clients to secure the compensation they deserve.
How we work with you on septic tank negligence cases
We know these cases can be stressful, so our process is designed to make things straightforward. We listen, assess your case, and guide you through every stage, towards a fair resolution.
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Free case review
Our professional negligence solicitors start by assessing your case in detail. This free review helps us understand what happened, the losses you’ve suffered, and whether you have grounds for a claim.
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Strategy and risk assessment
Every claim is different. We develop a clear strategy based on your goals, setting out potential risks, costs, and options so you can make informed decisions.
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Pre-action and settlement
We aim to resolve claims early where possible. Before court proceedings begin, we outline your case to the professional or their insurer, giving them the opportunity to respond and reach a settlement.
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Litigation and court representation
If settlement isn’t possible, we’re here to represent you in court. Our solicitors manage the process professionally and efficiently, protecting your interests at every stage.
The professional negligence experts by your side
With over 35 years of experience, Tony Hill leads our professional negligence and commercial litigation cases. Throughout his career, he’s represented businesses, directors, shareholders, and individuals in a wide range of disputes.
With a calm, practical approach, Tony offers the clarity and reliability you need when pursuing a . He understands how stressful it can be to take action against a professional you once trusted. Tony ensures you feel supported at every stage, giving you confidence that your case is in capable hands.
Recovering over £50,000,000 for clients like you
We’ve recovered more than £50,000,000 for our clients over the past three years. It's thanks to our experts who know exactly how to trace and recover the investments you’ve lost from scams. Start your case with proven specialists by your side.
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£ 50 m
recovered so far
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1000 +
helped clients
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24/ 7
support
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4. 8
Trustpilot score
Why WRS?
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No-win, no-fee
Recovery is risk-free with WRS. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you only pay if we recover your money. -
Expert tracing services
Get the information you need to recover your funds. Our tracing specialists uncover critical evidence, strengthening your case and increasing your chances of recovery. -
Scam recovery specialists
As an SRA regulated firm, our UK-based solicitors have extensive experience in romance fraud recovery. We know the tactics scammers use, and the legal strategies needed to recover your money. -
Your recovery process
Don’t wait to kickstart your recovery. Fraud reimbursement claims have deadlines, so we recommend filling out our enquiry form as soon as you can. From there, our expert first-response team will reach out to offer a free, no-obligation consultation. If your case meets our criteria, we’ll hand it over to our UK-based legal team. They’ll get to work on a personalised plan to recover your lost money.
Meet our dedicated team
We’ve recovered more than £50,000,000 for our clients over the past 3 years. It’s thanks to our experts who know exactly how to trace and recover the investments you’ve lost from scams. Plus, we offer a no-win, no-fee service. You won’t pay a thing unless we recover your money.
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David Jones
Director
David is consistently ranked in the Legal 500 for his tenacious problem solving and business acumen. Having been called to the Bar in 2006 and following a stint as an in-house lawyer in London David cross-qualified as a Solicitor in 2009.
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Aaron Levin
Managing Director
Aaron has extensive Managing Director experience, with a background spanning the medical and hospitality industries. At Wealth Recovery Solicitors, he sets strategic direction and oversees daily operations, ensuring the firm delivers innovative and effective legal and asset recovery solutions.
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Avi Chinn
Director of Growth and Strategy
As Director of Growth and Strategy at Wealth Recovery Solicitors (WRS), Avi supports clients and professional partners across cryptocurrency, asset tracing, and financial recovery matters. With a successful background in sales and marketing and has worked across a range of sectors from tech to marketing
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Liam Ben Ari
Director of Digital Assets
As Director of Digital Assets at Wealth Recovery Solicitors (WRS), Liam leads the firm’s cryptocurrency investigations practice, specialising in the tracing, valuation, and recovery of digital assets across major blockchains.
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Nick Johnson
Head of Compliance
A proud past President of the Manchester Law Society, as well as a former Managing Partner of Glaisyers Solicitors & Chairman of the Board Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust, Nick brings with him a wealth of experience in his role as Head of Compliance.
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Tony Hill
Head of Professional Negligence & Commercial Litigation
Tony Hill is a Solicitor, who has dealt with high value professional negligence and commercial litigation of all types for more than 35 years and has worked within specialist practices at a senior level for majority of that time.
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Joseph Chinn
Head of First Response
As head of the first response team, Joseph oversees both the onboarding of new clients and the initial handling of claims. He ensures that individuals affected by investment fraud and cryptocurrency-related scams receive clear, compassionate, and efficient support.
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Ben Walton
Paralegal
Ben supports clients who have suffered significant loss as a result of fraud, offering clear, strategic guidance through complex legal matters.
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Caitlin Blood
Paralegal
Caitlin assists people impacted by financial wrongdoing, helping them navigate complex legal challenges with empathy and resilience. Her work at WRS blends her strong legal knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach to resolving issues.
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Daniel Barlow
Paralegal
Daniel works as cryptocurrency fraud paralegal, running complex cases where he assists in recovering funds for clients who have fallen victim to a scam.
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Ellie Barnes
Paralegal
Ellie provides dedicated support to clients facing fraud-related challenges, ensuring they feel informed and confident throughout the process. Combining her meticulous attention to detail with practical approach to identifying patterns, analysing evidence, and strengthening the case for recovery.
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Hafsa Khan
Trainee Solicitor
Hafsa joined WRS after early career experience in personal injury and litigation, gaining wider legal exposure through volunteering in various practice areas.
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Hannah Daw
Trainee Solicitor
During her time at WRS, Hannah has developed a high level of expertise in handling complex investment fraud cases, enabling her to support clients facing some of the most challenging and distressing situations. She is adept at navigating the intricacies of fraudulent schemes and has provided steadfast guidance to individuals who have suffered significant financial losses. Coupled with her practical experience and unwavering commitment to her clients, Hannah is dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes, working tirelessly to help clients recover funds lost to financial fraud and restore their peace of mind.
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Luke Caldwell
Paralegal
Luke acts for clients affected by cryptocurrency fraud and digital-asset loss. He prides himself on building strong, trusted relationships with clients and approaches every matter with creativity and forward-thinking.
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Sophie Grundy
Paralegal
Sophie works with individuals affected by fraud, guiding them through the recovery process with clarity, compassion, and determination. She brings both legal insight and practical problem-solving skills to her role at WRS.
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Nic Roe
Solicitor
Known for his approachable yet decisive manner, Nic combines legal expertise with a calm, reassuring presence. As a solicitor and Team Leader at WRS, he guides clients through the fraud recovery process with clarity, persistence, and care.
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Jonathan Franks
First response
Jonathan brings a unique blend of expertise in banking and finance to his role at WRS as part of the first response team. He specialises in assessing new cases and guiding clients through the onboarding process before initiating fund recovery procedures.
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Sarah Walker
First Response
Sarah, a University of Huddersfield LLB graduate, built her career in Criminal Law. Her fraud and financial crime expertise helps her assess complex cases and guide clients with clarity.
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Tom Higginson
First Response
As a member of the First Response team, Tom’s role is to engage with potential clients and provide tailored solutions to their specific situation.
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Eleanor Taylor
HR
Eleanor is an HR specialist who brings with her a wealth of experience in HR and people management. She played a key role in creating HR ETL, a centralised HR service within the organisation.
Frequently asked questions
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Where are septic tanks most common?
Septic tanks are prevalent in rural and semi-rural areas without mains sewer access, including Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, and rural Wales. Older properties and large plots often have private drainage systems.
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How long do I have to bring a claim?
Claims should be brought within six years of committing to the purchase, though some cases allow more time. If you’ve been impacted, we recommend getting in touch as soon as possible for further support, and to avoid losing your right to claim.
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What damages can I claim for?
Compensation may cover a range of losses caused by non-compliant septic tanks, including the cost of upgrade or replacement works, installation of a compliant drainage field, professional surveys, and regulatory fees. It can also include temporary facilities, investigation expenses, and a reduction in property value if the cost of repairs is disproportionate. Our solicitors ensure all eligible costs are considered when pursuing a claim.
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Why are septic tank rules so strict?
Discharging directly into rivers, streams, or ditches is illegal. Non-compliant systems can cause environmental harm, enforcement action, and significant upgrade costs, which is why legal advice during conveyancing is crucial.
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Why do these issues often appear when selling the home?
New buyers and their solicitors will scrutinise septic tank compliance before purchase. If your system is not up to standard, they may demand costly upgrades or negotiate a reduced sale price.