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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.
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We have been trading for 23 years in plumbing. We offer all plumbing needs. We also have an emergency call out.
All good . Nice people.
Dandy Decking and Landscaping
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Based in Thrapston, we offer a complete range of landscaping services whether you need decking, paving, fencing all the way to custom build log stores lean toos and garden studios. We offer extensive property services to complete the whole package.
Drainfix Northwest
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
DrainFix Northwest is a professional and reliable drainage specialist providing high-quality services across the Northwest. With over 10 years of hands-on personal experience, we bring proven knowledge, practical expertise, and a strong work ethic to every job we undertake. Although new to the Rated People platform, we are well established within the drainage trade and have extensive experience working on both domestic and commercial properties, including insurance-related drainage works. We cover all aspects of drainage, offering both reactive and planned solutions. Our services include: • Blocked drains and emergency call-outs • Drain repairs and replacements • New drainage installations • CCTV drain surveys and reporting • Drain patching and targeted repairs • Root ingress removal • Fault finding and remedial works • Ongoing maintenance and preventative cleaning • Insurance drainage work and liaison where required Where access allows, we offer a free drain inspection with every unblocking service, helping identify underlying issues early and prevent future problems. Using CCTV surveys, we accurately diagnose drainage faults and recommend the most effective and cost-efficient solutions. At DrainFix Northwest, we pride ourselves on being honest, punctual, and professional. We take the time to explain findings clearly, offer practical advice, and complete all work to a high standard while keeping disruption to a minimum. Clean workmanship, clear communication, and customer satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to building a strong reputation through quality results, fair pricing, and dependable service, giving customers confidence and peace of mind.
Our experience in projects big and small is second to none, From garden rooms and open plan projects to garage conversions and barn conversions. Small demolition Knock through Enabling works for kitchens and bathrooms Disability adaptations And much more
From the minute Dave came to quote for the job he immediately knew what he was doing and made some great suggestions to what was a strange request! I had a couple of other quotes and all the builders were stumped with the bizarre pipe work in my garage and how they would work it. Dave knew from the start and his confidence in knowing the job could be done to a high standard was reassuring. It is nearly complete bar a few snags and I have been very impressed by all the team
E- Frank Groundworks & Civil Engineering
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
E-Frank began with the core focus of providing quality engineering/groundworks services to our clients. Our pledge to you, is to look beyond the obvious to uncover cost effective solutions that deliver the same project objectives.
Sunrise builders and decorators is your local friendly and reliable roofing and building company offering all aspects of property maintenance, from minor repairs to new installations also all aspects of guttering, facia and soffits from repairs to new with over 15 years experience contact us today for your free quotation.
Micheal did a great job, going above and beyond what was required in some instances. Timely, neat and polite. Would happily recommend.
RM Drainage & Plumbing is a full drainage and plumbing service provider with over fifteen years industry experience. With our *24/7 response times* we're able to attend a time that suits you and your family and promise a *one-hour response time*. We're happy to visit and provide a quote but nine times out of ten we're able to provide a solution on the first visit! As a *local firm* we're able to offer very *competitive prices* and offer a fully transparent pricing structure, no hidden charges to surprise you later down the line. With our *10/10 scores* you can trust that we'll provide the absolute best service, excellent value for money guaranteed! We know how important your home and/or business premises are to you and we want to find a solution with as little 'down-time' as possible. Any time the property/area remains out-of-service costs you dearly and so while we aim to work fast we also work around you! RM Drainage & Plumbing will treat your property with the upmost respect, leaving the area clean and tidy and with as little disruption during the treatment of the problem as possible. We're ready to help you!
All plumbing work undertaken. 20 years experience in both domestic and commercial work. Unsure? Then message or call us to discuss before paying anything. We will happily discuss work over the phone instead of attending with a callout charge, particularly for small repairs. Example services: - Free quotes provided for bathrooms and heating systems; - We will unblock drains and pipework; - Strip and resilicone bathrooms, kitchens; - Repair or replace pipework and valves; - Repair leaks on any plumbing system or heating system; - Replace radiators and/or valves; - Install outdoor taps for gardening and cleaning; - Install warm water outdoor taps for dog washing; - Unblock sink, bath or basin wastes including repairs; - Unblock main drains and soil pipes with jetting equipment; and - Solve and repair overflowing tanks and pipework.
Water Supply Surveys, are a team of highly experienced and qualified engineers specialising in all underground services, lead pipe replacements, emergency repairs and renewals. We are water board approved.
Excellent service - quick response to our advert, knowledgeable about the requirements, kept us informed throughout the job and completed it to an excellent standard.
Renovate your home with us. "Renov8 My Property Ltd" We are a well established trustworthy reliable and professional company with over 15 years experience in the trade with an eye for perfection and attention for detail we thrive on customer satifaction. Our customers rate us highly for our ability to stick to deadlines and for the quaity of our workmanship. We provide a professional service from the initial free quotation to the end professional finish. We look forward to helping you Renovate your home.
Jason was such a polte nice fella as were all the different tradesmen that came and did my bedroom but Jason was the person i had most dealings with. I gave them a blank canvas to work with and gave them just a few instructions so it was all there idea what they did and i have got to say what a great job they did. The work was all done to a high standard and they cleaned up everyday at the end of shift. The price was good and i must say would highly recommend them to anyone.
didn't turn up for appointment.
When it comes to property building works you need a name you can trust. Based in Colchester area, with over 30 years experience. Some of the projects we have successfully carried include: - New Builds - Renovations - Extensions - Garden designs - Patios - Block paving - Tarmac - Fencing. Our experienced team of specialists pay great attention to detail, finishing all projects to the highest of standards. We are fully insured and all our work is guaranteed. For a free quote simply get in touch with our professional team today.
Making your dreams reality! We are friendly and reliable contractors that will do our best to make the job run smoothly and fit within your budget. we cover all aspects of building and renovation, kitchen/bathroom fitting and more... we will give you the best quote we can and more importantly make sure the job is done properly inside and out. Just look at are 5* star rating! I look forward to hearing from you, please give us a chance to make your dreams a reality.
Kai and his team done a fantastic job on my garage extension. In this time of lockdown Kai went the extra mile to keep getting the Materials for the Job which he did admirably. I would have Kai and His team back anytime I need work doing A good honest tradesman
ACE GROUNDWORKS & DRIVEWAYS LIMITED
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Takle Building Ltd is a friendly and reliable building company with over 32 years of experience. We cover a wide range of building work from small repairs to new builds. We also cover all aspects of painting and decorating interior and exterior.
Paul and his team were very professional in their approach and work. They listened to what we needed, and even with the extra unexpected work we asked of them still finished on time. I would highly recommend them to anyone and will certainly be using them for any addition work that I need.
Hello,I am Vasile! If u need any type of building work to be done please feel free to contact me and u will have Free quotes and good advice! Thanks and see u on the job!
Vasile and his team are working to a very high standard on tenant rental bathroom, made several recommendations on how to improve plumbing, fitted 15mm copper piping and large number of other improvements including carpentry and electrical wiring to best working guidelines, good job and a fair price, thank you
I am a good reliable hard working person in all aspects of groundwork, paving,fencing, drainage, machine work, garden walls, concreting and block paving. I have good a very good portfolio with references. I always aim to give the best possible price.
SP Groundwork arrived at time agreed and carried out the necessary resulting in a transformed outdoor area. The work was completed on time despite there being heavy rain during the week. Scott quoted and charged a fair & satisfactory price. I am very pleased with the result. Scott has agreed to carry out additional groundwork to other external areas of the property. The team were professional and hard working throughout the job assignment. Definitely recommend this company. Thanks Scott.
No1 PHD are a Plumbing, Heating and Drainage specialist with fully qualified engineers covering the South, South East and South West of England, Midlands and South Wales. The services we provide include: a 24/7 emergency blocked drain clearance service. Emergency drain clearance by manual rodding and high pressure jetting CCTV Surveys Non-excavation drain relining Pipe-laying Soakaway repair & installation Emergency plumbing services, fixing leaks, burst pipes. Installation of baths, showers, toilets, sinks and taps Full bathroom renovations Emergency boiler/central heating repairs and services. Gas Certificates Central Heating system servicing Boiler Installations.
Job done on quote. Tidy and efficient. A job well done.
OCG Property & landscaping Services
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Ocg Property and Landscaping services offer a wide range of services for all of your property needs. From landscaping and garden design to driveways, roofing repairs and garden clearance. Private and commercial, one off and regular maintenance.
Excellent service would recommend
IMPRESS EUROPE LTD
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Impress Europe Ltd is a full service construction company offering comprehensive solutions for residential, commercial and industrial projects. From design and planning to building and finishing, we handle everything - including new builds, extensions, loft conversions, renovations, landscaping and custom projects. Our team of skilled professionals are committed to delivering quality, safety and excellence in every job. We pride ourselves on reliability, clear communication and building long lasting relationships with our clients. Choose Impress Europe for all your construction needs - one company, every solution.
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