Septic tanks: What not to do

1st June 2022

More than half a million homes in the UK have a septic tank, and most homes with private drainage have a septic tank into which wastewater from loos, showers, sinks, and washing machines is discharged. Making sure you know what not to do with a septic tank is important to avoid unnecessary damage and expenses.

Check out our list of what not to use with a septic tank, this is not a complete list as there are many other things but a basic list of everyday items. So, here are a few things you should not put in your septic tank:

Bleach
Paint
Disinfectants
Garden pesticides
Medicines
Solvents like white spirit
Drain cleaning and unblocking liquids that contain caustic soda
Cigarette butts
Disposable diapers
Sanitary pads & tampons
Wipes
Pop-off toilet brush scrubbers
Rubbish
Condoms
Hair
Plasters
String
Coffee grounds
Paper towels
anti-bacterial soaps – biodegradable soaps only!
latex, plastic, or metallic objects
hard toilet paper – soft is better for the tank
Dead fish
Kitchen grease

There are cleaning products that have been specially designed for use with septic tanks, so keep an eye out for these as they are better for your tank. If you are unsure of any issues with your septic tank, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01386 882324.

Some of our services include:

Septic tank installation
Removal
Septic tank cleaning
Conversion of a tank to a treatment plant
Reports and investigations
Sorting out soakaway problems
Advice on emptying and maintaining septic tanks

Get in touch

Contact our friendly and professional team via form, phone or email for any drainage issues you may have.

From blocked drains to septic tank repairs and replacements, we're here to help. We have over 25 years of experience and offer 24/7 emergency callouts.

Very professional operation. From Ellie gathering initial issues and scheduling and Adrian arriving on the day, cant fault the professionalism and workmanship. Adrian knew what he was doing and the job was much quicker than I thought. A pleasure to deal with.

- Michael Phipps

Very impressed from start to finish. A well established & efficient company with polite & well trained staff. It's what you always hope for but rarely get these days. Very pleased so far with what's been & I won't hesitate to contact you in the future for more drainage treatment.

- Paul Maund

Very responsive and professional. Mark took the time and care to explain everything to me, and gave the system a thorough inspection - the world of treatment plants was completely new to me!

- David

Having researched companies to install a sewage treatment plant for my house, I chose Cotswold Drainage. I have not been disappointed at any stage of the process. From the outset, communication has been exemplary, every person I met, in person or on the telephone, has been very polite, and took time to listen and answer our questions. The quality of the work done has been, to my untrained eye, of a very high standard. Disruption has been kept to a minimum and the area has been left very tidy, now waiting for grass seed to sprout! I had some further pipe work done separately from the septic tank installation, and again, it was a very straightforward process with minimal disruption. Well done Stuart and all at Cotswold Drainage. Many thanks.

- David Sillince

Cotswold Drainage were incredibly efficient & professional. Every person I dealt with was helpful, knowledgeable & supportive. I would highly recommend them.

- Sue Lovejoy

Excellent job. On time, quick to diagnose and fix issue. Very friendly and knowledgeable chap. Would highly recommend

- Rachel Anderson