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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.
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.
Hi im Richard sole proprietor of Kirks Property Services i have over 10 years experience in the building trade. I can cater for all your property needs no matter how big or small the job so for a free quotation please dont hesitate to get in touch..
Excellent builder, who is very knowledgeable and does a fantastic job and leaves the place clean and tidy. Highly recommend
hello I have 15 year in the trade I am a multi skilled tradesmen who takes pride in what I do I love my job I work on a basis you not happy with my work you don't pay simple as that I am fully insured and vetted
Did not turn up.
KJR Heating are a ltd company specialising in central heating systems, unvented hot water systems, boiler breakdowns and boiler changes. We also do under floor heating. We have over 25 years experiance in this industry and are gas safe registered. and provide a hight standerd of work.
Turned up on time and good attention to detail, Would recommend.
Mid Suffolk Construction and Maintenance
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
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General Building and maintenance New builds Exstensions Restoration Renovation
We had them in to install insulation in our upstairs floor, replace the sub floor, replace some lights, install a loft hatch, and board out our loft. On top of this they discovered a problem in our roof that they fixed. We were incredibly impressed by all of the staff that attended on site. They were friendly, polite at all times, and worked really hard, to a high standard. I couldn't recommend James and his team more, and we've already started talking to them about a further project.
Small family run building company with over 40 years experience over 2 generations as a premium general building company. All types of building work carried out to the highest standard. A one stop shop for all your building needs right from the design and planning stage to completion. Joinery, roofing specialising in flat roofs Building and Plastering A wealth of experience in remodelling and renovations, extensions and sunrooms. Landscaping and paving. All areas covered. Fully insured, trained and certified tradesmen
Phoenix Construction continues to provide quality and efficiency on all manner of projects. We have been in the industry for over 40 years. We have an excellent reputation. We Mainly Focus on: Extensions Driveways Roofs Full renovations Bathrooms Kitchens Loft Conversions and many more... We look forward to hearing from you.
Made a total mess of a small extension. Quoted 2 weeks and after 7 I sacked him off as we were going nowhere. Massive list of his work didn’t comply with building regs and ended up fitting a purlin to roof as he used wrong sized joists. I now have bits of roof hanging off after max 30 mph winds Even managed to cock guttering up so down pipe is nowhere near drains. Roof leaking and I have had to sack him off and pay another load of cash to a set of lads who can do the job. Avoid or he’ll bankrupt you
Pompelli covers a wide range of building services with the highest quality of workmanship. From a tap washer to a loft conversion, we are happy to take a look and quote for jobs with all your requirements put at priority. 19 years professional experience
Jon attended to an urgent plumbing job, he identified the issues and carried out all the necessary repairs/installations to a high standard. It's the second time I've hired Jon and would highly recommend his services.
we are a local family business with over 20 years experience. specialising in building and landscaping. were recommended because were reliable, trustworthy and hassle free. we are fully trained and our prices are always reasonable.
Top job. Very pleased with all aspects of the work. High quality, all done to time, cleaned up well at the end and nice guys too. What more can you ask for. Very impressed
Weathershield Roofing & Property Care
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Why Choose Weathershield Roofing & Property Care? In a world where weather can wreak havoc on your property, choosing the right partner for protection is crucial. At Weathershield Roofing & Property Care, we bring over 20 years of hands-on expertise to every job, delivering not just repairs, but comprehensive solutions that stand the test of time. We're fully insured and guaranteed, ensuring you get peace of mind from a team that's licensed, bonded, and committed to excellence. Whether it's shielding your roof from storms or enhancing your outdoor spaces, we're your go-to experts across the whole of Cornwall. Our customers rave about our reliability, and here's why you should choose us too: Proven Expertise with Premium Quality**: Backed by more than two decades in the industry, our certified professionals use only the highest-grade, weather-resistant materials to create roofs and property features that exceed industry standards. We don't cut corners—we build durability into every detail, from initial inspections to flawless installations. This expertise means your property isn't just fixed; it's fortified against future challenges, saving you costly repairs down the line. Ironclad 25-Year Guarantees on Full Reroofs**: When we handle a full reroof, we back it with a robust 25-year guarantee that's fully insured and guaranteed for your ultimate confidence. This isn't a mere warranty; it's our pledge that your investment will protect your home or business for a quarter-century. Imagine the relief of knowing your roof can withstand heavy rains, high winds, and everything in between— that's the long-term value Weathershield provides, setting us apart from fly-by-night contractors. Free, No-Obligation Quotes for Tailored Solutions**: Transparency is at our core. We offer completely free, on-site quotes with no hidden fees or sales pressure, allowing you to explore options that fit your budget and timeline perfectly. Our experts assess your needs thoroughly, providing detailed breakdowns and personalized recommendations. It's our way of building trust from the start, ensuring you make informed decisions without any surprises. Customer-Focused Service That's Fully Insured and Guaranteed**: We treat every client like family, prioritizing your satisfaction above all. As a fully insured and guaranteed company, we minimize disruptions during projects, maintain spotless work sites, and conduct thorough cleanups afterward.
Sam & Jess were real pro's. They worked really hard installing me a new drainage channel to stop the passage way at the side of my house flooding every time it rained, They did find what appeared to be the old drainage which had been covered by several inches of concrete. They put in a new drainage system which looks very tidy and is doing its job already. They cleared up really well when they'd finished. I was very pleased with the job and would thoroughly recommend them. Also they were really nice people.
We are a Father and Son team with 25+ years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in extensions and outbuildings.
Placed advert Thursday. Contacted same day by Mike with a view to coming out and quoting next day. Came on time priced the job on Friday and arranged to start work on the Tuesday. Mike worked with his son Silas. What a really nice pair. Genuine, polite and got on with the job even though I asked for a few tweaks along the way. Both very old school and worked at their own pace - happy with work carried out and will use them again. Reasonable price too.
Reliable plumbing services from a qualified plumber. Over 15 years experience! Any type of plumbing issue from leaks to new installations. -Booster pumps -Central heating issues -Radiator repair or replacement l -Repair or replacing bath, toilet, basin or kitchen sink. -Immersion heater/ boilers -Taps, mixers, bidet spray. -Install kitchen appliances
I am a small local business doing top quality work for reasonable prices
I had my back lawn replaced with artificial grass and bordered with wooden sleepers. The standard of the work was absolutely first class, better than I imagined it could be TBH. The lads all worked diligently and with minimum disruption or noise and were courteous and polite, I was a little concerned because I have an elderly neighbour who I didn't want to be disturbed by unnecessary noise or bad language, I needn't have worried! On time, worked hard, cracked on, got the job done and tidied up afterwards
Hi,my name is vathi and i am a hardworking, well-organized and experienced handyman with a keen eye for details,physical stamina and apt in problem-solving.Moreover,i perform various repairs and maintenance tasks, including appliance installation, routine landscaping on the grounds and carpentry
beautiful work done installing engineered wood. initially planned for installation of engineered wood by floating it. had to switch over to gluing due to the product i had got. still ended up completing 2 days worth of work in a single day. will definitely hire again.
SKG CONSTRUCTION LTD is a family run company with over 20 years of experience in creating high quality loft conversion, Extensions, complete home renovations. We offer a full package from conception through to completion. Our services range from providing you with your architectural drawings, involving buildings regulations and obtaining the necessary planning permissions through to allocating you a construction team and issuing a full guarantee for the completed project. Our loft conversion, Extension architects offer cutting edge design solution and will work closely with you to maximise the space without compromising on quality. They will guide you through the whole process. Catalin will ensure smooth running of the project, being on hand every step of the way making sure projects is delivered on time and most importantly on budget. We’ve perfected the loft conversion, extensions over the years to keep it as simple as possible from start to finish, making sure your aware every step of the way. We offer a 10 years insurance backed guarantee on all major works carries out by SKG CONSTRUCTION LTD all work is fully insured comes with a 10 years workmanship warranty. we carry out all types of building works Loft, Extensions, home renovations, tiling, flooring, plumbing, painting, rendering, brickworks, plastering, carpentry, roofing, steel structural works
Erisure LTD , we are a family owning business running for more than 6 years. Our home improvement business is born from knowing exactly what you want in your home or business places . Our business aim is to fill your home and business places with love and comforts . Here is Just to say few of the many services we offer - We do total interior refurbishments for kitchens, bathrooms, floors , walls , ceilings, Tilings and more . Painting and decorating is also one of our core and passionate services. We improved , painted and decorated hundreds of homes so far.
Desali delivered an exceptional service. The job was certianly not straight forward but given his persistence and creative thinking he managed to provide exactly what I needed. I would recommend him as a plumber to anyone looking to get a reliable, dedicated service for any plumbing related issues or projects. He's a top bloke
www.kbaconstruction.online MAKE YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME TODAY WITH KBA CONSTRUCTION'S We are a building company with many years combined experience. working as Builder in London (UK), we help to make your house a home or property investment you can rely on.
We are a family-owned specialist craftsmen firm with many years experience looking after homes and properties; Design, Build, Improving, Renovating and Maintaining.
I highly recommend this company. Russ was very flexible and easy to work with, provided very high quality work at a rapid pace with the final invoice being exactly what we were quoted whilst working to a tight budget. Highly recommend for anyone wanting quality work done with ease.
Weagan Building Contractors have a combined construction knowledge of 40 years experience in the construction industry. We managed projects from start to finish with all are clients. Full house builds, full house deisgn and build, single & double story extensions, full house renovations and barn conversions. Simply put we are big enough to handle any project at the same time as being small enough to care about each individual client & their project. Weagan Building Contractors have a specialist groundworks and drainage department. We cover domestic and commercial drainage installation and repairs. This along with a highly skilled team of employees & a passion for doing things correctly makes us the perfect answer for all construction projects.
Morgan and Mike contacted me on the day of posting my job, visited that same afternoon and sent me an itemised quote that evening. They understood that the job was urgent and turned up on the appointed day, at the appointed time. Both my wife and I found they were happy to explain their work and to give us options. The work was neat, efficient and just what we needed. We will definitely use them again and would be happy to recommend them. Very pleased.
I'm a sole trader,with 9 years experience and orientated to a quality finish of every job.
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