Rural homes rely on services that most town homes never need: private drainage, private water, oil, LPG or biomass heating, long tracks and big boundaries. Each service page explains what the work involves, the rules that apply in each nation, and what to ask before you hire anyone.
Water and drainage
Septic tanks and treatment plants
Emptying, repairs, replacement and new treatment plants for off-mains drainage.
Drainage, ditches and soakaways
Drain unblocking, CCTV surveys, soakaways, field drains and ditch clearance.
Private water supplies and boreholes
Boreholes, springs and wells: drilling, pumps, storage, testing and repairs.
Water treatment and filtration
UV disinfection, filtration, softening and treatment after a water test.
Heating and fuel
Heating oil boilers and tanks
Boiler servicing and replacement, oil tank installation and bunding.
LPG tanks and boilers
LPG boilers, bulk tanks, bottled gas and appliance servicing.
Biomass boilers and wood burners
Stove fitting, flue lining, biomass boilers and HETAS-registered installers.
Chimney sweeping
Sweeping, CCTV flue inspections, bird guards and cowls.
Heat pumps
Air and ground source heat pumps, with grant-eligible MCS installers.
Power and connectivity
Solar panels and batteries
Roof and ground-mounted solar PV, home batteries and export tariffs.
Off-grid power and generators
Standby generators, battery backup and fully off-grid systems.
Rural and satellite broadband
Fixed wireless, 4G/5G, satellite, community fibre and installation.
Land, grounds and access
Fencing and gates
Stock, post-and-rail and deer fencing, field gates and entrance gates.
Tree surgery and hedge cutting
Felling, pruning, storm damage, stump grinding and hedge cutting.
Driveways and farm tracks
Track repairs, resurfacing, gravel, tarmac and drainage.
Garden and grounds maintenance
Grass cutting, paddock topping, hedges, clearance and weed control.
Gritting and snow clearing
Contract gritting, snow ploughing and salt bin supplies.
Building care and pests
Roofing, gutters and repairs
Slate, tile and thatch repairs, gutters, flashings and chimneys.
Damp and old stone buildings
Lime pointing and render, drainage fixes and damp surveys for old homes.
Pest control
Rats, mice, wasps, moles and proofing for homes and outbuildings.
Where to start
- Not on mains drains? Start with septic tanks and treatment plants and drainage.
- Not on mains water? See private water supplies and boreholes and water treatment.
- Off the gas grid? Compare heating oil, LPG, heat pumps and biomass.
- Winter coming? See chimney sweeping, gritting and snow clearing and backup power.
Rules depend on where you live
Septic tank rules, grants and planning rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our area pages add county-level details such as national parks and protected rivers.
Prices and guides
Our cost guides use prices only from suppliers, manufacturers, installers and official bodies. Our guides go into more depth, with every claim linked to its source.
When you're ready, use the form and we'll look for up to 3 local suppliers who cover your area.