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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.
We at Alpha solution Construction are - Members of the Federation of Master Builders - Affiliates of Local Authority of Building Control - Insured up to £1m - 5 star google rated - Alpha solution Construction provides expert construction services to commercial and domestic clients across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and London. A wide variety of services can be carried out to fulfill all your construction requirements. We are pleased to take on new builds, re-roofs and simple house repairs. Emergency call out and insurance work is also undertaken.
Well he had a challenge and rose to it. Garage from not even 3 walls is now weatherproof EMPTY and useable. Bit of a surprise that it was full of drug stuff but he dealt with the issue.. contacted the right authorities .. with a quote for extra works which was needed . Very happy with a job well done on budget
Plumbing and drainage business. No job is to small either plumbing and drainage, indoor and out. Over 25 years experience in the plumbing industry.
C Jenkins & Sons Limited Welcome to C Jenkins & Sons Limited, your trusted partner for comprehensive property solutions in London. With a rich legacy of excellence, we take pride in offering a diverse range of services tailored to meet all your property maintenance needs. From roofing to landscaping, patios, driveways, and power washing, we are your one-stop destination for elevating the aesthetics and functionality of your property. Our Specializations: 1. Property Maintenance: C Jenkins & Sons Limited is your go-to partner for proactive property maintenance. Our dedicated team ensures your property remains in optimal condition, providing regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance services to protect your investment. 2. Roofing Services: We specialize in roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Whether you require repairs, installations, or renovations, our skilled craftsmen employ the latest techniques and premium materials to deliver roofing solutions that marry durability with aesthetic appeal. 3. Landscaping Services: Transform your outdoor spaces into a haven of beauty with our bespoke landscaping services. From garden design to regular maintenance, our creative team crafts environments that harmonize with your lifestyle and preferences. 4. Patios and Driveways: Enhance your property's curb appeal with our expertly designed patios and driveways. Our team combines functionality with aesthetics to create inviting outdoor spaces that reflect your style. 5. Power Washing: Revitalize the exterior of your property with our professional power washing services. We remove dirt, grime, and stains, restoring surfaces to their original glory and leaving your property looking fresh and rejuvenated. Why Choose C Jenkins & Sons Limited: Comprehensive Expertise: With a wide range of services, we offer a holistic approach to property enhancement, ensuring all your needs are met under one roof. in property maintenance, roofing, landscaping, patios, driveways, and power washing services. Your property deserves the best, and we are here to deliver it. Customer-Centric Approach: We value your vision and work closely with you to understand your preferences, ensuring a personalized and satisfying experience. Timely and Reliable: At C Jenkins & Sons Limited, we understand the importance of timeliness. We complete projects efficiently without compromising on quality. Elevate your property with C Jenkins & Sons Limited – where excellence meets diversity .
We are a family run drainage and water main company who work Nationwide. We have been operating for over 25 years, providing both private and insurance works. We pride ourselves on offering sound advise & are price competitive across the market. All of our works are guaranteed. Areas we specialise in: Excavations Drain CCTV advice and reporting Drain repair Drain lining Patch lining Septic tanks Jetting New installations Water main investigation (leak finding) Water main repair & excavation We have and continue to carry out thousands of documented jobs, for small and large for insurance companies & private works nationwide. Give us a call & we will be happy to help
Excellent work carried out by friendly operatives, on completion site had good tidy-up. Would recommend.
SIO International Ltd is a family run business with family values, we are a two generation company, I myself have been in Drainage as a specialist for 33 yrs my Sons for over a decade, We Have a wide knowledge of drainage systems from build and design to installation via excavation or No Dig trenchless technology. With this type work Civil Engineering from concreting to building because of the digging side of business we have to reinstate so landscaping ,gardening ,laying tarmac ,concreting slabs and blocks are also very much a part of what we do. As part of our services we offer Resin bound and bonded installation because of our civil and resin knowledge. We have a wide range of clients from large commercial to public we are well known in the industry. We always give a high level of service who ever our clients are and keep communication open at all times. informing clients of situations and progress is important to us, as is to the client customer delivering high quality service is paramount to SiO International Ltd. SIO international Ltd is a company you can rely on and be rest assured. Kind Regards Scott Meakins Technical Manager SiO International Ltd
Never trust this guy. Started my work and never completes it. Was to finish it in 2 weeks and its two months still no sign of completion. He is threatening me to give me more money else he will never complete the job Full of lies this person is always lies to you and think the person at the other side is a fool who doesn’t make out
Complete Cleaning & Maintenance is a family run business. We are based in Surrey and cover all local areas. We are a multi service provider offering a variety of services from one single, reliable source saving you time in searching for several trades.
Jason arrived at the time promised and fixed the leaking toilet. He clearly knew what he was doing. He was pleasant to deal with. The cost was exactly what was expected. I would be happy to recommend Jason to my friends.
Blocked Drains - £50 Fixed Price. Free CCTV inspection Included with every blockage cleared. Specialist in Underground drainage, Installation, Repairs, Diversions, Amendments.
First class. Prompt reply. Turned up when they said they would. Courteous, efficient, and good work.
Welcome to Valter K Construction. Why choose us? We are General Builders, Roofers, Ground workers (including Quality Driveways and Patios, Fencing and Turfing), Bricklayers, Painters and Decorators. We provide a complete building service from top to bottom. We provide a 10 year guarantee on all jobs. Valter K Construction carries Public Liability Insurance. No job is too small, or too large. We only use quality materials from well known manufacturers. All our work is guaranteed and we provide written estimates for all our projects. Call our team today for free help and advice.
Absolutely happy with the work Very friendly guys Thank you Valter for your amazing job
We're a family run business that provide a professional and reliable service in hard landscaping, driveway, fencing and much more.
Excellent workmanship would thoroughly recommend Ian Wheeler for his value for money and complete understanding of what we required, and nothing was to much trouble in completing the job.
billiant what more can i say
Tony and his sons came to us to do a fairly small renovation. By the time we had finished adding things on to their list they were with us for over 2 weeks. They took changes in their stride, with good humour and also suggested ways we could save time and money whilst still achieving the look we wanted. And most importantly they were hard working, trustworthy and clean - tidying and wiping down every night before they left. We were so impressed, we have now asked Tony to build our extension.
Always here on time, reliable person, would recommand.
Covering... The New Forest - Drainage / Septic tanks / Treatment Plants / Drain and Sewer Clearance / Drain Relaying / Resin Lining / CCTV Surveys / Repairs and Maintenance.
Very good communication to set up the job. Emailed 20 mins ahead to say he was on his way, which was helpful. Pleasant and enthusiastic worker who just got on with the job efficiently. Recommended.
R Jones Property & Building Maintenance
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Hard working, clean, reliable, cost effective building and property maintenance, handy man services in South East Essex area. No job is too big or too small. Carpentry, ground works, small extensions, painting and decorating, bathroom, kitchen fitting
Got the job done quick and to a good standard
Turned up on time and did a super job at a budget that suited me. Thanks.
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've just signed my company up to Rated People and am looking to find jobs. My name's Billy and I have worked in the drainage and groundworks industry for my entire working life, over 2 decades now. I have worked for all the major players and now I've set my own firm up. Flex cover all types of drainage works, clearing blocked drains, sink and toilet unblocking, high pressure water jetting, cctv drain surveys, soakaways, cesspits, water treatment plants and all types of drainage pipe repairs. If we have to dig the ground to get to a pipe rest assured we have the know-how and skills to re-instate your ground whether its a block driveway, garden slabs or even tarmac. The team and I will re-instate your property back to how it originally was. I've invested in 2 fully kitted out vans, one for drainage and the other for our groundworks jobs. It's time to get our name out there - FLEX have arrived and our ethos is simple: deliver a 1st class job, take pride and ensure the client is well informed and 100% happy with our work before invoicing. Working for both the commercial, industrial and the domestic sector, our services span across Kent, London, Essex, Sussex and Surrey. On hand 24/7 for any emergency drainage repair works – we offer a no hassle service. We're a small yet super friendly team can that fix your issue, so give us a try.
Very happy with the guys, fixed out toilet waste pipe and found further problems which they addressed. Jetted the manhole. Great service and great price so happy to recommend them
We are a Drainage company with over 15 years of Experience, which was developed at 2 of the largest Drainage companies in the U.K. We Cover the North West & North Wales region of homes and small businesses. We carry out many aspects of drainage work which include; * Fixed Price Drain Unblocks that come with a 90 day guarantee * Drain Cleaning * Drain Surveys * Sonar Tracing * Excavations & Repairs that come with a minimum 12 month guarantee + more. We create a Job Serviced Report with every job and send them to your email upon payment. Most importantly, we always complete work to high standard standard.
Absolutely perfect Job, I’m very happy
Are there any jobs or large projects in your home or business that require carrying out by a company with over 15 years experience in the field? We setup J & Z Property Maintenance to take care of both major and minor works... J & Z property maintenance ? From your kitchen to your bathroom and outdoor areas, we can complete any type of activity: Painting and Decorating House Renovations Building Works Bathroom Renovations/Kitchen Renovations Roof Repairs Tile Installation Plastering and Ceiling Repairs New Door Locks Plumbing Joinery and Carpentry Light Installations Kitchen Worktop Installation Flat Pack Assembly Decking and Patios Fencing There no job to small.
Would highly recommend. Punctual and friendly. Very reasonable
Joseph Capstick Plumbing & Heating
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
I'm Joseph Capstick a time served & qualified Plumbing & Heating engineer. I will take on most plumbing & heating tasks including emergency call outs.
A job well done with quality workmanship and efficiency, Highley recommended.
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