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    What Determines the Price of Emptying Your Septic Tank?

    20th October 2023

    Here at Cotswold Drainage, we understand the costs associated with maintaining a septic tank system can be a source of uncertainty for many homeowners and property investors. However, understanding the key factors that influence septic tank emptying prices is crucial for budgeting and planning purposes. In this blog, we’ll address the key factors that can affect overall cost, whilst offering some helpful tips for keeping maintenance and emptying affordable.

    Factors Affecting Septic Tank Emptying Costs

    Tank Size

    Tank size can significantly affect the overall costs associated with septic tank emptying and maintenance. Sizes can range anywhere from 750 gallons to 5,000 gallons for domestic or light commercial properties. Larger septic tanks, often found in commercial settings or industrial locations can hold more waste, requiring less frequent emptying than smaller ones typically found in residential homes. The volume of the waste itself also needs to be taken into consideration, as this directly impacts the duration of the emptying process. Opting for the right tank size during the initial installation process directly impacts the long-term service costs, so it’s important to get this right the first time.

    Tank Location

    Geographic factors like soil type, groundwater level, and climate all play a crucial role in both your septic tank emptying costs and its overall maintenance. Heavy clay soil areas will cause your tank to fill faster than those placed in sandy, undisturbed soil. This is because this soil is much more absorbent, allowing for efficient water flow. It is also important to note that prolonged periods of heavy rainfall can also speed up fill rates and pump-out frequencies. These factors can vary from region to region, so it’s worth bearing this in mind when assessing and placing your septic tank drainage system.

    Emptying Frequency

    We know you might be asking yourself  How often should I empty my septic tank? To answer your question; household size, daily water use, and waste disposal habits influence how often a septic tank needs emptying. If your home has more occupants, there is a higher water consumption and greater waste being produced,  More frequent septic tank emptying and maintenance checks are necessary to avoid backups or hygiene issues. The same goes for those living in rural areas with less access to main drainage systems. Routine maintenance is key to avoiding the high costs and repair fees that come with emergency pumping or breakdown issues.

    Tips for Cost-Efficient Septic Tank Maintenance 

    Here are some useful tips to follow for cost-efficient septic tank maintenance.

    Regular Maintenance Checks

    Try to schedule regular inspections to identify potential problems in their early stages. At a minimum this should be done once per year, however this depends on the volume of waste produced. Preventative maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs.

    Water Conservation

    Reducing your household’s water usage will also extend the time between tank pump-outs. Conserving water through low-flow fixtures, reaping leaks, and exercising general caution are just some of the ways this can be done. This not only reduces your maintenance costs but your monthly water bill.

    Proper Waste Disposal

    Avoid flushing chemicals, FGOs (fats, grease, and oils), and non-biodegradable items like wet wipes down your drains. It’s important to adopt proper waste disposal habits with such items to prevent premature tank failure and the need for additional unplanned maintenance.

    The Septic Tank Emptying Experts You Can Trust

    Understanding the key factors like tank size, location, and usage patterns, that influence septic tank emptying costs allows homeowners to better budget and care for these systems. Following the tips above can also help minimise maintenance expenses. For professional septic tank services  you can count on, contact us today.

     


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    Cotswold Drainage are a very professional and helpful company who give excellent service. They fitted and service our treatment unit, thank you.
    - andrew
    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
    I am very pleased with the service provided by Cotswold drains . My problem was solved very quickly and expertly by Adrian . The problem was ROOTS ! They were in the main drain pipe underground. Located by means of a camera. I am in Cheltenham and will certainly recommend Cotswold drains to anyone with drain problems . Thank you Adrian
    - Mary Epke
    I think your technicians name was Luke. I hope I have remembered correctly. Excellent job, quietly spoken, polite and respectful. Clearly explained stuff and sorted the problem.
    - Kate Morl
    Cotswold Drainage were prompt in coming out to survey our sewage pipes and gave us a detailed report within 48 hours.
    - Guthrie Ruth
    - James Burgess
    Great company, they have been very helpful and provided a lot of assistance with our drainage issues. Would highly recommend.
    - weavetree22
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