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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
This page has everything you’ll need to know about finding and hiring a local septic tank specialist.
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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.
unblockablock are a drainage company based in Leicester with over 20 years experience in the drainage industry we are able to offer all aspects of drainage work. We can carry out cctv surveys complete with details reports and recommendations to water authority standard. We carry out drainage repairs using no technology where this isn't possible.we also carry out drain replacement and also install new drainage. We are trusted by large national companies and the insurance sector. As well as working on projects alongside the water authoritys.
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.
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.
Fully qualified City and Guilds level 1,2 & 3, CSCS certified, asbestos awareness and Public liability insurance up to 1 million. We cover all aspects of plumbing the big and small jobs.
Jay did a first rate job replacing our shower. Friendly, helpful, punctual and professional. Highly recommended.
Taylors Building Contractors is your go-to solution for comprehensive property maintenance services. From routine upkeep to emergency repairs, here to ensure your space remains in optimal condition. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, we take the hassle out of property care.we cover all traditional trades to plastering, carpentry, plumbing, and general building maintenance. Roofing, Brickwork,Fully insured, Credit & Debit cards excepted.
Steve and team did a fantastic job, fixing a few issues in the house for my tenant. Really good service and communication, and will ask him to do jobs in the future.
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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.
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.
Plum Building Services Ltd is a building company based in London. We work for both landlords and private home owners on new builds, extensions, refurbishments, repair and maintenance. No job is too big or too small. Quality is our guarantee.
At Drain Zone, we have the expertise and over 20 years of hands-on experience to keep your drains flowing smoothly. We offer a fast response times for emergency works for both commercial and residential customers. With a wide range of services and equipment, we can deal with most requests. * Blocked drains * CCTV camera inspections * New pipework installation * Drain Repairs * Septic tanks * New soak away install * Home buyers drainage survey * Drainage clearance * Root ingress issues * Lining installation * New Pump installed * Pump services * Maintenance Packages * Plumbing Team * Pitch fibre issues * Water leaks We work to a high standard to keep our clients happy. Our remedial works come with a 10 year in house warranty.
Excellent quick to respond and got the job done.
A & L Ever Ready Cleaning & Building Maintenance LTD
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
I've been working in the maintenance Industry for the past 19 years and i've worked for 6 different councils in London, I've been trading since 2012 with this company.
DX Construction ltd is a building company based in sheffield south yorkshire with Experienced and qualified builders With over 11 years experience in the trade we pride ourselves on perfection & 5 STAR quality. We have the skills, knowledge and creativity to solve your site specific problems. References available. Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service We cover following areas: - Sheffield - Rotherham - Doncaster - Chesterfield - and other surrounding areas SERVICES WE PROVIDE 1 Extension 2 Loft conversions 3 Refurbishments & full house renovation 4 Roofing 5 Chimney removal 6 Landscaping and garden work 7 Carpentry & joinery 8 Kitchen & bathroom fitting 9 Electrical & plumbing Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service
Andrea and his team were excellent. He is very reliable, efficient and hard working. He made a very challenging job look easy and did some extra things for me that weren’t included in the quote, without charging extra. He got back to me quickly and the whole job took less than 2 weeks from me posting to completion. I would definitely recommend this company and I’m sure I will ask him to do other jobs for me.
Blocked Drains If you have a blocked drain, our expert technicians have the knowledge to help you. Our vans are all fully equipped with all the tools we could need to unblock your drain including high pressure jets. In the rare occasion when lime-scale has built up to the point the drain is blocked and rodding does not work, the use of high power water jets, dislodge build-ups so that the drain can flow smoothly again. This saves the need for expensive excavations allowing you to have peace of mind. Drain jetting is also useful for non-emergency servicing of your drains. Asap Drainage are able to use drain jetting to service the drains on properties in order to find any problems. We believe that regular checks on your drains are even as important as servicing your car. Your drains are always being used for various appliances such as sanitary fittings or washing machines. Over time they could block itself with deposits or lime-scale which could be costly in the future. It’s prudent to have your drains regularly cleaned and inspected. Our service can help maintain your system effectively to save you money down the line.
Great efficient job, 24h after I advertised on RP Homes !
Our building services company RMR Building & Renovation Ltd has over 15 years’ experience in the industry. We have been helping customers in Essex and the surrounding 20-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. RMR Building & Renovation Ltd 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
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
Plumbing, groundwork and Underground water services At gcb utilities we strive to provide our customers with a high quality end to end service. we know it can be stressful dealing with leaks, repairs and improvements But with our expertise and professional staff we get the job done in good time and with as little disruption to you as possible. From the first contact our friendly staff have you covered. Whether your looking for a leak fixing,you have pressure issues, need pipe work installing or moving, new water supply or external leak repair With our wiaps, chas,constructionline and water safe approval, guaranteed work your in safe hands Give us a call or message for a free no obligation quote
Enthusiastic to sort-out our problem. Planned to meet and it happened bang on time. Came-up with the solution and had the job done within their own time estimate.. Problem solved on time and around the estimated budget. Well done!
Well established family run building company based in London,we have built a strong relationships with well known building societies across the London due to our quality and trustworthy service High quality levels of work in major building projects,we specialise in planning and design,project management and general building services
5 star
“I am a versatile handyman with expertise in a wide range of home repairs, maintenance tasks, and gardening services. From fencing repairs, build,patio and paving to carpentry and painting, I bring a strong attention to detail and craftsmanship to every project. With my 5 years experience on private jobs,and all the customers been very happy about my services, i am pleased to introduce my self with confidence and enthusiasm! Additionally, I have experience in gardening, including landscaping, plant care, and garden maintenance. I am committed to delivering high-quality work that ensures both your home and outdoor spaces look their best.” I am new on this site,app, and I don’t have any reviews yet, but definitely they will come!
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.
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
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