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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.
I am an independent builder with 24 years of experience and cover most areas in the construction industry. I have a good team of friendly workers who work very hard and we get the work done in good time and to a high standard.
Lovely job, really happy with my new laminate flooring! I would highly recommend Ben.
At GLEN CONSTRUCTION, we offer a full suite of home improvement services tailored to meet your needs. Our expert team specializes in: Carpentry: Crafting custom woodwork, from cabinets to intricate moldings. Brickwork: Building durable and aesthetically pleasing brick structures. Tiling: Installation of your preference colors and shapes on you bathrooms and floorings. Rendering & Plastering: turning the old walls and cielings to a new life. Painting & Decoration: Transforming spaces with professional painting and decorative finishes. Plumbing: Providing reliable plumbing services to ensure your systems run smoothly. Let us help you create the home of your dreams with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Glen was knowledgeable, efficient and polite. He did a splendid job of reinforcing my wardrobe. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again.
The Drain Engineers
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
The Drain Engineers Provide Expert Blocked Drain Repairs And Cleaning Services To Ensure Your Drainage System Functions Smoothly. Our Skilled Technicians Use Cutting-Edge Equipment To Clear Blockages And Perform Thorough Cleaning, Preventing Future Issues. From Minor Clogs To Major Obstructions, We Handle It All With Precision And Care. Additionally, We Offer Reliable Repair Services To Fix Any Damage Caused By Blockages, Restoring Your Drains To Optimal Condition. Count On Us For Efficient, Professional, And Long-Lasting Solutions To Keep Your Drains Flowing Freely. Your Satisfaction And Convenience Are Our Top Priorities. Fully insured and all work guaranteed for your peace of mind
At AD Plumbing Heating and Electrical we put you the customer first. We aim to beat any quote and provide a better level of service. Flexible to suit your time schedules and aim to get it done as soon possible. We look forward hearing from you soon!
Very friendly and helpful, keen to make sure I was happy with the service provided, would definitely recommend.
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BAM plumbing and heating are a plumbing and heating company that have been going for 2 years we cover any plumbing work no matter how big or small in the kent area
Ben was exceedingly speedy in contacting me on a Thursday afternoon & had diagnosed my faulty boiler shortly after arriving. He was able to source the necessary parts and completed the repair on the Sunday morning although was willing to do this earlier. The boiler has been running very smoothly ever since. Ben demonstrated professionalism & knowledge. Will use again although hopefully not too soon!
Taylor Made Gardens is a family run, friendly company. All jobs taylor made to suit at reasonable prices. free no obligation quotes. fast and Efficient. all work guaranteed. Fully Insured
So very pleased with the 35 metre feather board fence installed by Taylor Made Gardens. Will certainly use them again. Roger was easy to get along with and worked steadily with total attention to quality. The new fence looks great. Thanks.
Drain fix Ltd we are the cheapest and most professional drainage company as we are very small and independent we give our customers the best deals we can and still achieve perfect results every time ? Polite, fast and reliable Call us first Blocked drains power jet cleaned start price £125 camera surveys with same day reports. Groundworks , gutter cleaning with the new sky Vac system
would recommend these guys,they no what there doing,honest,trustworthy and reliable
1st Choice Landscaping and Groundwork
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Family run business, with thirty years experience in the industry. We are a friendly and reliable service.
A good job, expertly carried out, but not quite up to our expectations with clearing the debris. It took us two days to get the garden back to normal. The second phase of the order is yet to be done and I’m sure that they will satisfy our requirements.
Are you in search of a reliable and experienced building and landscape company? Look no further than LT Construction & Landscape Ltd! With over 20 years of experience, we have established ourselves as a professional, family-run business dedicated to providing top-notch services to our clients. From painting and decorating to new build extensions and garden services, we offer a wide range of construction and landscaping solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to renovate your home or create a stunning outdoor space, we have got you covered. At LT Construction & Landscape Ltd, we take pride in our work and strive to exceed our clients' expectations. Our team of experts is committed to delivering high-quality results, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards. What sets us apart from other companies is our dedication to customer satisfaction. We understand that every project is unique, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their vision comes to life. We prioritize open communication, transparency, and integrity in all our interactions, creating a seamless and stress-free experience for our clients. As a token of appreciation for choosing us, we promise to beat any quote you've had. This is our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your project. We are confident in the value we bring to our clients and are committed to providing affordable solutions without compromising on quality. So, if you're in need of reliable and professional construction and landscape services, look no further than LT Construction & Landscape Ltd. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you bring your vision to life. #construction #landscape #building #renovations #freequote ????????
Contractors made arrangements to call, arrived on time, they seemed very nice & efficient; however we did not receive a quote as promised, when I queried it; he apologized saying he thought he had emailed me to say it would be late as he had broken his collarbone. Then I received a text saying he wasn't going to quote as he was off sick for 6 weeks, so unfortunately we are unable to rate his work...
When it comes to finding reliable and experience team in cumbria, look no further with a number of years in these trades At MPM, we offer a comprehensive range of services to cater to all your roofing needs & maintenance. From new roof installations to repairs and maintenance, we've got you covered. Our flat roofing solutions are second to none, and our meticulous attention to detail ensures exceptional quality and long-lasting results. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to using only the highest quality materials. We believe that using superior materials is crucial in delivering the best possible results for our valued clients. Our maintenance-gutter and fascia installations not only enhance the appearance of your property but also minimise the need for regular upkeep.
Workmen we're punctual done a great job it looks fantastic cleared up after them selves all in al 10/10
Hi :) I have a range of experience across the trade, with specialised expertise in the following areas,over 12 years: -in Drylining -in Carpentry - in refurbishing restaurants and houses. -Loft Conversions -House extensions After all that, I finally have the team, which we can do jobs from A to Z - Plumbing (gas safe certified) - Electrical (Certified) -Roofs -Loft Conversions -Extensions -Groundwork -Gardening -Fencing -Waste removal I'm happy to help across all jobs and answer any questions. Thanks for passing by, and I hope to hear from you soon :)
Job done to very good quality but job did run over due to the Christmas period overall very happy
Here is a description about my company testing 2 updating just testing
Test without the bad word
APEX PLUMBING AND PROPERTY SOLUTIONS LTD
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Apex is a maintenance service company, specialising in Plumbing, Heating and General Building. Our experienced team offer a host of skills, covering many different sectors to allow us to be your one-stop shop. So whether you're a domestic customer with a plumbing and heating issue, or, a domestic client requiring general property solutions, we can tailor your needs under one roof. Our team is fully insured and with over 30 years of experience, we're the go-to company for plumbing and heating, with a quick-to-action call-out priority covering Oxfordshire, Bucks and Berkshire.
Fantastic job. Clear communication and completed the work within time. Will recommend whole heartedly.
We are a friendly family run business of 3 generation's We offer a complete building service with all of our trades men in house. we have completed some major restorations such as Vermont hotel 108 bathrooms county hotel full conversion many extensions and house builds also maintenance for landlords and home owners give us a try and hope to see you soon.
Excellent. Did the work with no bother. Good price.
FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS
my potting shed was reglazed and the rotten wood replaced arrived on time to give an estimate Work completed to a high standard prompt reliable Michael was open honest and the work done was value for money
Our building services company RMR Building & Renovation Ltd has over 15 years’ experience in the industry. We have been helping customers in London/Essex and the surrounding 10-mile radius by providing professional, trustworthy building services. We know it can be hard to find a builder that you can rely on. RMR Building & Renovation Ltd has a wealth of experience and is known as one of the best builders in Essex. We pride ourselves on providing a professional, caring and high-quality service and always meet our customers’ needs. Each contractor that works for RMR Building & Renovation Ltd is fully qualified and insured and delivers on timekeeping, quality of work and value. We offer a full range of building services, from major rebuilds to smaller jobs such as masonry repairs, including: New Builds Alterations, Extensions & Conversions Brickwork Concrete Plastering & Screeding Tiling Painting & Decorating Kitchens & Bathrooms Roofing Services Re-pointing Septic Tanks Excavation Services Soakaways Foundations External Works Drainage If you are trying to find a builder near you, why not give us a call? Our friendly, professional team will be happy to talk through your needs and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
Professional, quality work,worth money
We are an interior and exterior cleaning company. We are new to Rated people but have excellent reviews on Bark. We are committed to good service and cost effective cleaning solutions.
Absolutely excellent service, transformed our conservatory. Lovely guys as well. Thoroughly recommend.
Hello everyone, I am civil engineering, I worked with different company in France and UK , I finally decided to create my own company COMFOROOMS LTD. I have long experience in building and groundwork . I am a serious person, I like my job, I respect my customers and I always tried to make them happy. I promise you a good job, nice and clean. You have my warranty for every job I will do. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon Thank you H.Turki Director
Came the morning after I posted the job, a Sunday, and completed efficiently and without fuss. Very friendly and polite. Will definitely use again.
Level Landscapers
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Hiya, Sam speaking from level landscapers. We are a family run Business, been established for 4+ years. and customer care and satisfaction is at the heart of our every endeavour
Family Drainage Business with over 26 years experience in commercial and domestic drainage. We specialize in every aspect of where water runs Or doesn't. septic tank emptying cleaning upgrading-sewage treatment plants, Pump station. Planned maintanance,Gully cleaning, jetting, re lining, CCTV Drain survey, Home buyers report drainage inspections, Jet vac units and tanker. Plant and machinery ready to go for Major earthworks. Grease managment. Landsacaping/civils, Driveway patio jet washing. Flood prevention.
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