Septic Tank Cleaning and Installation Services

A septic tank is an underground, watertight container designed to treat and dispose of household wastewater on site. Typically made of concrete, fibreglass or plastic, septic tanks tend to be buried in the garden or grounds of your property. Septic tanks work by collectecting all your wastewater, separating any solids from the rest of the liquid using a series of chambers and pipes. Whilst the solids settle at the bottom of your tank to be broken down naturally by bacteria, the liquids flow out of the tank into a drainfield or leach field, where they are further treated before being absorbed into the soil.

Septic tanks are commonly used in rural areas where homes and properties are not connected to mains sewage systems. Proper maintenance, including regular pumping and inspection, is required to ensure that your septic tank system continues to operate effectively and safely, in compliance with UK regulations and standards.

Septic tanks are underground wastewater treatment systems typically used in rural areas and areas without access to centralised sewer systems. They work by separating solid waste from liquid waste, and then allowing the liquid to flow into a nearby drainfield for further treatment.

Learn more by reading our detailed guide, 'Septic Tank Maintenance: How Does a Septic Tank Work?'

Yes. Septic tanks do need to be emptied periodically to prevent the build-up of solids and scum that could clog the system and cause it to fail. The frequency of pumping depends on several factors, such as the size of your septic tank, the number of people using the system, the amount of water used and the type of solids entering the tank.

As a general rule of thumb, septic tanks should be pumped once every three to five years. However, certain systems may need to be pumped more frequently.

The process of emptying a septic tank is also known as pumping. Generally speaking, if you have a smaller septic tank or consume more water, your septic tank will require pumping more often than a larger septic tank or tanks that serve buildings or households that consume less water. Nevertheless, as a general rule, you should pump your septic tank once every three to five years.

In addition to regular emptying and pumping, we recommend getting your septic tank checked by a professional company on an annual or biannual basis, in order to ensure that all the components continue to operate efficiently. This should help to prevent potentially costly issues from developing in the long run.

The cost of emptying your septic tank will depend on how large your tank is and how easy or difficult it is to access. Nevertheless, at Cotswold Drainage, we pride ourselves on emptying septic tanks at competitive prices, providing a high-quality professional service without the financial burden.

It’s important to note that the cost of emptying your septic tank is negligible when compared to the costs of repairing or replacing a failed system. As such, this small investment in regular maintenance is well worth it.

Above-ground septic tanks are legal in the UK, but they must meet certain regulations and requirements. The UK Environment Agency currently regulates the installation, use and disposal of all sewage treatment systems, including above-ground septic tanks.

In England and Wales, septic tanks that discharge into surface water must have been replaced or upgraded by the 1st of January, 2020 or earlier if the property had already been sold. This measure was designed to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Septic tanks that discharge into drainage fields or soakaways were not affected by these regulations.

It's important to note that if an above-ground septic tank is used, it must be suitable for the intended purpose. This includes having the capacity to handle the amount of wastewater generated by the relevant property or household. It must also be located in an appropriate area.

If you’re unsure about your above-ground septic tank, it’s best to consult a professional drainage company like Cotswold Drainage for advice. Indeed, our friendly experts are on hand to ensure your above-ground septic tank meets all the necessary requirements and is installed and maintained correctly.

Septic tank surveys help to assess the condition of your septic tank, identifying any issues and determining whether or not maintenance work and repairs are required.

Whilst the survey itself may be relatively low cost, depending on the condition of your tank, the costs of the recommended maintenance work may not be. Nevertheless, it’s essential that you act fast to prevent more serious problems.

The end price will therefore differ on a case-by-case basis and it’s always best to get in touch for a more accurate quote.

Removing an old concrete septic tank is a complex and potentially hazardous process that should only be carried out by qualified professionals. If you need your old concrete septic tank removed, speak to a professional today.

Generally speaking, we would advise people to avoid planting trees or shrubs near their septic tank systems, as this may result in root ingress in drains causing damage to pipes or the drainage field. If you do plant trees or shrubs, choose species with shallow roots and plant them at least ten feet away.

Septic Tanks are prone to a gradual build-up of deposits and a slowing down of the natural digesting action of the micro-organisms which normally break them down. Leading to malfunctioning of the septic tank causing, blockages, bad smells, overflowing and consequent boggy conditions in the overflow area around the septic tank.