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After initial assessment I was told it was a two man job who duly arrived in a couple of days with a jetting machine to clear the limescale. They worked very hard to jet the blockage one in the bathroom one outside at the manhole with the jetter. When they were satisfied the soilpipe was clear they inserted a camera so we could all see the there was now no obstruction. They were pleasant and informed me what was happening all the time, I would recommend them to others.
PAT
Very high standard of work carried out by Mark. Solved my issue,very knowledgeable,punctual and tidy. Would recommend & certainly use again.
Patrick
Very good and efficient job, excellent standard of work, well satisfied.
Jeremy
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Septic Tank Emptying, Installation & Cleaning | Find a Septic Tank Service Near You
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a type of sewage system for the home, and is generally used in rural properties that can’t be connected to a larger sewer system.
How does a septic system work?
All sewage and wastewater leaves the house via a main pipe, and goes into the septic tank which is buried underground. The tank is usually made of concrete, fibreglass, PVC, or plastic.
Inside the tank, solid waste sinks to the bottom and is partially decomposed by bacteria. Other elements like fat and plastics rise to the top, creating a crust. What’s left in the middle is relatively cleaner water – and we stress the word ‘relative’ here. It’s a long way from being drinking water, but it can be drained into the ground, which disposes of it naturally in the local ecosystem, rather than contributing to the work of a large sewage facility.
When the water leaves the septic tank, it goes into a distribution box. This box feeds the water into a set of underground pipes, which then releases the water into the soil. The ground above these pipes is known as the draining field or soakaway.
The whole system can easily work using gravity, with each component being lower than the last, but if this isn’t possible then pumps can assist in getting the water where it needs to go.
Some water evaporates into the air, and the rest soaks down into the soil. The soil itself filters out chemicals and minerals, while microbes in the soil break down impurities in the same way the septic tank does.
Releasing water back into the ground keeps it moist, and helps plants grow.
The system also requires a vent to release noxious gasses from the septic tank, as well as allow air into the system.
What can a septic tank specialist help with?
Cleaning
The most important thing you’ll need a septic tank specialist for is to clean out the system. The solids at the bottom of the tank, as well as the crust at the top, build up faster than it decomposes. These elements need to be removed from the tank periodically, which is why the tank has access hatches built in. About once a year, you’ll need to arrange for someone to pump out the excess waste. If this is ignored, then the waste will build up and eventually block, backing up into the house.
Installing or replacing a septic tank
Over time, you might need to replace parts, or all, of a septic system. If the system requires cleaning every few months then that’s a sign of blockage or inefficiency. Maybe you can see waste water or sewage coming up from the ground, which could be a sign that the tank is no longer watertight. These are severe cases but they’re the biggest reasons why you might need to replace the system.
You might have a large house with a lot of water usage, in which case you could consider a larger tank. It’s also possible to link two or more tanks together if you need larger capacity.
Costs for septic tank installations and maintenance
- Tanks start at around £800.
- Installation is around £1500.
- The drainage field, or soakaway, costs about £5000 to lay, for about 100 metres of drains. This is the total length of the pipes – you don’t need a 100-metre stretch of land to accommodate it.
- Emptying the tank annually will cost around £150.
Maintenance of your septic tank system
If you want to maintain your system in the best possible way, there are 3 things you need to know.
How the system works.
Everything happens underground and out of sight, so it’s important you know what’s going on. This page tells you everything you need to know, so you’ve got that covered.
Where the pipes are.
If you’re installing a septic tank system, get your installer to show you where everything is, plus you should always keep plans of the work for future reference. If you’re buying a house that already has a system installed, you should ask for the plans. If they’re not available then use a septic tank specialist to help you find out where everything is.
Potential ways you could damage the system.
You shouldn’t build anything on top of the drainage pipes. If you put any sort of shed or building on top of the pipes, you’re almost definitely going to cut or damage them. Also it stops air from getting into the soil, which would hinder the soil’s ability to filter the water.
Likewise, don’t drive over the pipes, or park a vehicle there. This weight will compact the soil and stop it from being able to accept water at all. In severe situations, the weight of a car could even crush the pipes. You shouldn’t keep large animals there – like horses or cows – for the same reason.
Don’t pour waste chemicals, paints, or cooking oils down the sink. These can kill the microbes in the septic tank that break down the solid substances. They can also clog the drainage field which would eventually fill the tank, and back up into the house.
Always know where your access hatches are too, and keep them clear of obstruction.
Lastly, don’t plant any trees or bushes too near the system as the roots could disturb the pipes too.
8 things to check when buying a property with a septic tank
- Ask if the septic tank has been maintained regularly – ask for invoices or receipts for tanker visits or service calls. A septic tank usually needs to be emptied annually.
- Find out how often the system is currently being emptied. If it’s being emptied every few months, this could be a sign of a problem.
- Ask the current owners how much their service costs, so you can work out how much it’ll cost you annually.
- Don’t rely on homebuyer surveys to tell you what’s going on underground – they only take a basic look at drainage systems. It’s crucial you get a full pre-purchase drainage survey before buying somewhere with a septic system. Get the tank emptied at the same time, to make sure the walls and pipework of the tank can be inspected.
- Ask for a plan of the drainage system.
- Find out if any part of the system is on someone else’s land. You need to know what the relationship is like with the landowner as you’ll need access for repairs, replacements and maintenance.
- Think about access to the property. Tankers need to be within 30 metres of the tank to empty it. Are you planning an extension or similar? If so you’ll need to make sure this access is maintained.
Where does the waste water go when it leaves the tank? If it goes straight to a watercourse or a ditch, this isn’t legal any more. By 2020, you’ll need to have it
Planning permission for septic tanks
If you’re installing a new septic tank system
For installations in England, you need planning permission and building regulations approval.
There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
If you have a system that didn’t get permission and approval
In England, you need to apply retrospectively for both planning permission and building regulations approval.
You don’t need to do this if your system was installed before 1 January 2015.
Regulations for operating a septic system
You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.
The sewage must:
- Be domestic, for example – from a toilet, bathroom, shower or kitchen of a house, flat or business – contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure if the sewage is classed as domestic.
- Not cause pollution – find out how to check for pollution.
There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing sewage to the ground, or into surface water.
Releasing to the ground
You have to use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).
You need to apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):
- To a well, borehole or other deep structure.
- More than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day.
- In a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1).
Releasing to a surface water
You must use a small sewage treatment plant. You must apply for a permit if you’re discharging more than 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day. Use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.
Find out more on the government’s website.
Insurance for skill work
All tradespeople should have public liability insurance, which protects you, and them, against any accidents or injury.
JK builders are based in brsitol We offer a wide range of general building services to bath Bristol and surrounding areas, Specialists in driveways, extensions, roofing and all general builds. Customer satisfaction is our goal.
Professional job, Jordan was good at communicating. All the workmen were polite, good workers , tidy . Very pleased with the job . Would definitely use them again.
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after three appointments to start job, never showed. Job not done.
GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES We are a Brighton based construction company, which provides comprehensive services in ranges from the modernization, refurbishment and the installation of new facilities.We are working as trading as CONCEPTON look up website.
Very professional work and pleasant to deal with. Pawal always came back to me promptly with up dates and quote.
All Your Property Needs London Limited
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Hi everyone my names Anthony from AR Drainage Solutions. At AR Drainage Solutions we cover everything to do with drainage, foul and storm, from roding & High pressure water jetting To remove blockages. Cctv camera surveys with a professional wincan report. RIP out and renews (installations) of new and old lines due to collapses. No Dig Repairs (fibreglass lining and patching), like if you had a faulty line that runs under a building such as a store or liscence premises and way to much money to shut in order for it to be dug up then we can install a patch or liner with sophisticated equipment from the outside manhole and no hassle to the client or business. We pride ourselves on providing a great service from the cradle to the grave and all our clients know that once they have sent us the job we see it through to the end with as less hassle to them as possible, most of our clients are middle men dealing with insurance, lettings or housing associations and just want to pass on the job and be confident it will be carried out correctly.
Great job, great service, reliable
I am a time served carpenter/joiner, been involved in every type of building project, i believe if a job is worth doing it is worth doing right, have had 40 years experience, have advanced city & guilds in joinery, & H/Tec certificate in building studies.
Thanks Raymond for a great job fixing the shed roof. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good price and a good tradesman. Came straight out when the roof blew off and got it looking a lot better and better quality than before. Thanks again
UK Drainage Solutions is an experienced team drainage specialists. We provide a professional 24/7 service wherever we are needed. Services we provide are blocked drains, cctv surveys, root cutting, fat/grease removal, drain re-lining and excavations.
Quality work and good price
Local company established 1968, all works personally undertaken and supervised, We carry out Tarmac - asphalt -slabs - decking - ground works -fencing -astroturf- concrete works and general groundworks - free estimates and friendly no pressure service
Brilliant communication with the work they were going to do. Completed the job on time and tidied up. Would definitely recommend and use again.
F and T Builders
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
F&T Builders: Delivering Excellence in Construction for Over 30 years! our experienced team ensures top-quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction every time. Trust us to bring your vision to life with precision and expertise.
A one stop drainage company that excels in all aspects of drainage from blockages, cctv surveys and all repairs. We have a number of highly trained engineers with full qualifications to carry out jobs from emergency call outs to planned maintenance.
Dan and his team did an excellent job. They did a survey and a report with videos so I could see the damage that needed repair. They were friendly and easy to deal with on site and the repair was done to a high standard. Highly recommend.
North Stone Building Services LTD
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Northstone Building Services is a local, reliable building and maintenance company delivering high-quality workmanship across domestic and commercial projects. We specialise in general building, repairs, refurbishments and ongoing maintenance, taking pride in doing things properly, communicating clearly, and leaving every site safe, tidy and finished to a high standard. No shortcuts, no excuses. Whether it’s a small repair or a larger project, we approach every job with the same attention to detail and professionalism. We’re trusted by homeowners, landlords and local businesses who value honest advice, fair pricing and work done right first time..
Amazing service! Thank you for being so prompt and friendly. Issue was fixed
With over 41 years' experience in creating high quality bespoke building projects, look no further than Turley Properties Ltd for all construction / Landscaping services for your property. * Call Us Now For A Free Quote
My name is Cipriano and I represent C&C Construct Ltd. With over 20 years of experience in the building industry, we carry out all types of construction and refurbishment work, from small repairs to large projects. We take great pride in delivering all work to a very high standard, paying close attention to detail and quality in every project we undertake. We always ensure that our sites are clean and tidy at all times, and we aim to make every project as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. Our team is professional, polite, and customer-friendly, and we are committed to providing reliable service and excellent results on every job.
Professional, excellent communication and true to his word. Did an amazing job and ensured complete on time and budget. Highly recommended.
We are a small reliable well established General builders. We can produce many references if needed from both private and commercial clients. Have all are own plant, Kangos mixers cutters ect. Making us very competitive and efficient. So try us please.
I was very impressed with Steve and his team of builders.They worked hard and followed my requirements to produce a very professional finish to my new wall. They took great care to clean up after the job was finished and discussed what they were doing with neighbours to ensure everyone was happy with the progress and finished results. Even wit a period of bad weather they still managed to finish on schedule.
hi my names nicki i'm a multi-skilled tradesman with 17 years experience. I have worked along side a number of highly skill and multi talented tradesmen like myself. I offer a wide range of services. Thanks for talking the time to reading this ad.
ES Building Solutions Ltd
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
ES Building Solution (ESBS ) was conceptualised when Eddy Jon founding director of ESBS were disappointed by service provided by local construction companies was not at level they expected. They got to provide a better service to the local community and this has since expanded into providing higher level services to the commercial and residential sectors in the UK We are fully insure company.
Bloor Corporation LTD
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Bloor Corporation Limited – A Group of Specialist Construction Companies With over 25 years of experience across the construction sector, Bloor Corporation Limited is a group of specialist companies providing expert solutions for both commercial and domestic projects. Our divisions cover a comprehensive range of services, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, innovation, and long-lasting results. With all in house operations we can control your project without dealing with multiple companies. Bloor Glazing Experts in bespoke glazing solutions, including heritage restoration, replacement units, structural glazing, curtain walling, and difficult-access installations. From small repairs to full system refurbishments, we deliver precision and durability. Bloor Roofing Specialists in roofing repairs, refurbishments, and new installations, covering flat and pitched roofs, leadwork, waterproofing, cladding, and full re-roofing projects. We ensure weatherproof and long-lasting solutions for all building types. Bloor Building & Maintenance Providing a full range of internal and external building services, including extensions, refurbishments, structural repairs, masonry, brickwork, plastering, rendering, and general maintenance. Our fully trained in-house teams ensure efficiency, safety, and top-tier craftsmanship. Bloor Landscaping & Groundworks Transforming outdoor spaces with hard and soft landscaping solutions, including paving, decking, garden design, retaining walls, fencing, excavation, drainage solutions, and groundwork services. We create functional and visually appealing landscapes tailored to each project. Bloor Sectional & Modular Buildings Designing and constructing modular and sectional buildings for various applications, including commercial, industrial, educational, and residential use. Our solutions offer flexibility, durability, and rapid installation times, minimizing disruption while maximizing efficiency. Bloor Civil Engineering & Structural Works Delivering specialist civil engineering and structural works, including foundation construction, reinforced concrete, steelwork, underpinning, demolition, and site preparation. We handle complex engineering challenges with precision and expertise. At Bloor Corporation Limited, we take pride in tackling even the most challenging projects with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality craftsmanship. Whatever your project requires, our specialist divisions have you covered.
Up+Above Roofing is a reputable company that specialises in roofing and leadwork. We have gained an enviable reputation for our high-quality workmanship and professionalism.
No good
We have 20+ years experience in the construction industry and carry out a wide range of solutions to property alterations, refurbs and repairs. We specialise in property refurbishments, and landscaping. We have vast experience in both internal and external works. All work is completed with pride, to a very high standard.
Tom and Joe were top lads, very friendly and helpful ...not only did I get all my jobs done but actually enjoyed their company. Thoroughly recommend them id you're looking for hard working, good people.
Friendly local general building firm, we are a no service too small, no project too tall company! Please contact us to find out more. We offer a full range of general building and plumbing services, including groundwork, drainage, carpentry, bricklaying, roofing, heating systems, maintainance, repairs. Our website offers a full range of further options.
Great work
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