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    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:


    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.


    Loo's were backing up so contacted Cotswold Drainage at 12 noon on a Saturday via WhatsApp which was listed on their website. They responded within 60 seconds and Adrian was at our house by 3pm, quickly assessed our underground drains layout and unblocked it in less than 15 minutes. To make sure everything was 100%, he got us to flush all loos to ensure water was flowing correctly and finished off with a camera up the drains to check everything was totally clear. A very efficient and thorough service and they even guarantee the work for six months. Highly recommended. Thank you.
    - PhilipC
    Cotswold Drainage are absolutely fantastic! Always prompt, always reliable, and they sort out every issue with impressive speed. Our workplace drains cause more trouble than we’d like, but these guys come to the rescue every single time. Truly outstanding service!”
    - Rachel Coates
    Cotswold Drainage were great & would definitely recommend! All the staff were friendly, professional & did a brilliant job mending our septic tank!
    - Tracey Butler
    Fast and efficient
    - Alastair
    Fast ! Great knowledge and speedy result !
    - Jane Woolliscroft
    This company carried out some rather difficult works inside a treatment plant for me. There was a longer delay than I expected for the parts but they kept me informed at all times. They carried out the work exactly as planned and on time as they agreed, to the exact price quoted. It was terrible weather and the two men working on site still got the job done and were positive and hard working all the way through. I am impressed with Cotswold Drainage and will continue to use them in the future. They are friendly, realistic, not the cheapest quote I'd had, but certainly honest and knowledgeable people. I don't mind paying slightly more for that level of service. It was stress free and good value in the long run. So when you look at multiple quotes, I'd say consider them above others due to their knowledge, honesty and workmanship.
    - John M
    - Rob Pateman
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