PCLA helps homeowners and landlords across Northern Ireland after septic tank and drainage failures that cause substantial property damage. We assess the damage, prepare the evidence and manage the insurance claim through to settlement.
PCLA works solely for policyholders, not insurers.
Discuss a Septic Tank or Drainage Claim with us today!
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Qualified building surveyors and certified insurance practitioners
Northern Ireland coverage from our Belfast head office
24-hour call handling by real people
A failure in a septic tank, soakaway or drainage system can affect more than the point where the problem first appears. Contamination, water damage and excavation can affect floors, walls, external ground, gardens, driveways and the use of your property.
PCLA assesses the property damage connected to the incident, not only the failed component. We identify, measure and document the damage so the claim begins with a clear record of what has happened.
A drainage contractor can investigate the system and carry out repairs. PCLA’s role is to represent you in the insurance claim.
We assess the property damage, review the available policy information, prepare the supporting evidence and manage communication with the insurer and its representatives. This gives you one independent representative from the first assessment to settlement.
The insurer makes the final decision on cover. PCLA’s role is to make sure the damage and your position are properly assessed, evidenced and presented.
These claims often turn on cause and evidence. The issue is not simply that a system has failed. It is what caused the failure, what property damage followed and whether the policy responds.
PCLA prepares a clear record of:
the damage to your property and external areas
photographs, measurements and inspection findings
the timeline from the first signs of failure to the current damage
available maintenance, inspection and repair records
technical findings about the failed tank, pipework, soakaway or drainage field
the work needed to investigate, make the property safe and reinstate insured damage
This is particularly important where the cause is unclear, or where the insurer needs to consider whether the damage arose suddenly or over time.
The insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the claim for the insurer. PCLA acts solely for you.
We inspect the property, document the damage, prepare the evidence and present your position clearly throughout the claim. Read our guide to what a loss assessor does for a fuller explanation.
We listen to what has happened, explain the immediate next steps and review the available information. Our call handling is available 24 hours a day.
We inspect the property and identify damage connected to the incident. We arrange an inspection as soon as possible. Where an immediate site visit is not practical, we can start with a video call.
We prepare inspection findings, photographs, measurements and scope information needed to present the claim clearly.
Where instructed, we report the claim, communicate with the insurer, claims handlers and loss adjuster, and represent your interests through to settlement.
If there is sewage escape or contamination, protect people and pets and arrange urgent help to make the area safe. Reduce water use where appropriate.
Before permanent work begins, record what you can safely see. Take photographs or video of the affected areas, note when the problem was first identified and retain inspection, maintenance and contractor records. Emergency work should not be delayed where health, safety or further property damage is at risk.
Speak to PCLA after substantial damage is discovered. Early assessment gives us the best opportunity to document the damage and explain the likely claim position.
These are some of the questions homeowners most often ask when dealing with septic tank damage and insurance claims.
PCLA can review the available policy information and explain the likely claim position. The insurer makes the final decision on cover.
That contractor may be needed to investigate or repair the source of the problem. PCLA’s role is different. We assess the property damage and manage the insurance claim.
Septic tank and drainage claims need both a clear assessment of property damage and a properly prepared claim. PCLA combines building-surveying expertise with insurance claims knowledge.
No. PCLA is most useful when we can assess and document substantial damage early. Speak to us as soon as possible after you discover it.
Some policies respond to septic tank and drainage damage. It depends on the cause of the damage and the policy wording. PCLA can review the available policy information and explain the likely claim position.
Yes. PCLA can assess property damage connected to septic tanks, soakaways, drainage fields and drainage failures, and manage the insurance claim where instructed.
We assess the property damage through inspection findings, photographs, measurements and, where required, scope information. This forms the evidence base for the claim.
Yes. Where instructed, PCLA can report the claim, communicate with the insurer, claims handlers and loss adjuster, and represent you through to settlement.
PCLA explains its fee and terms clearly before appointment. Our fees are 10% of the final settlement + VAT.
PCLA operates across Northern Ireland from its Belfast head office. We also operate across Scotland’s Central Belt. Read about septic tank and drainage claims in Scotland.
Speak to PCLA as soon as you discover substantial septic tank or drainage damage, before you make a claim or before you accept a settlement.
You look after your property. PCLA looks after the claim.