Septic tank emptying - why should you do it, when should you do it and what's involved

Published on 12 September 2022 at 14:25

We all are aware of what goes into filling up the Septic tank. Of course, it's not just food waste that gets into your tank. There are various other kinds of waste that are disposed of there. Shower water and sinks, along with the waste water that comes from your washing machine and dishwasher usually go into your septic tank, forming quite the cocktail!

 

The emptying of septic tanks - why do we need it?

Every septic tank has an outlet, which is a pipe that is connected to the tank. It usually is connected to a drainage field (also known as a soakaway). It's a set of slotted or perforated pipes that permit the waste water that is pumped out of the tank to drain in a safe manner without causing pollutant. Your septic tank does not clean the waste, rather it separates it into three layers: the prettyly named'scum and the more tolerated'separated wastewater and finally the delightfully labeled'sludge'. It's the separate waste water that exits your tank and goes to the soakaway system. The remaining solid waste stays inside the tank. All of this must be cleaned out often.

 

How do you know if you fail to flush your septic tank on a regular basis?

Negative things. Except if you've ago dreamed of a new (and spicy) innovative water system for your backyard. The inability to flush your septic tank frequently could cause various issues - toilets that take more time to wash, noises of gurgling inside your pipes, or even waste leaking into your home. It could be a sign that the wrong type of waste is leaking from your septic tank through the drain system into your soakaway tank, which blocks it from escaping and causing the waste to collect above the ground. This is not only not good for you, but it's harmful to the environment, as the waste could affect the waterways of your local area.


When should you have your septic tank cleaned?

There aren't any hard and strict rules regarding it, though a good guideline is to be having your septic tank cleaned approximately every year. It can differ based on the number of residents within your home and consequently, how much waste will be able to fill the tank. It is also dependent on the extent to which your septic tank is adequate for the size of your home such as, for instance when a house is being extended over time and the septic tank has not been upgraded, the septic tank hasn't been upgraded to handle the additional garbage. Thus, a bigger tank that isn't being used can accommodate a longer interval between emptying, while tanks that are over-sized or under-used might require to be cleaned more frequently.


If you only work once per year, it is the best place to begin.


What's the process involved in emptying septic tanks?

An septic tank emptying service will dispatch the tanker equipped with the hose that is long and flexible. The tanker operator will place the hose into your septic tank, and a strong suction force will then be utilized to flush all the garbage out. It's good news for you that this is the last you'll smell (or the smell) of it. they'll take it out to dispose it correctly.


As a result it is important to ensure that anyone who is able to empty your septic tank has the proper waste disposal permit. Use the following link to Environment Agency to check who is licensed:

 


How much will emptying a septic tank cost?

We've arranged the emptying of our septic tanks for our customers just PS85 or as high as PS400. There are regional differences in pricing, and obviously it's a competitive marketplace, which means that certain areas might have several firms offering lower rates. Look for local businesses to find their prices, and select one you like the design of. For instance the septic tank emptying firm we have used is Caroline's Effluent Services has rather appealing tanks in bright, pink!


What can you do to determine if you're suffering from issues with your septic tank or soakaway issues?

There are two main motives to have your septic tank empty. The first is a regular emptying like we've mentioned in the previous paragraphs. The second one is when your tank is overflowing or overflows unexpectedly.


If your tank isn't due for a regular drain and you haven't hosted a massive celebration at your home the possibility of an overflowing tank may be an indication of issues that are developing underground. A problem with the septic tank or soakaway system could make your septic tank fill more quickly than it normally does. But don't worry, we can help.


At UKDP we're experts in getting to the root (excuse this pun) of problems with septic tanks and fixing them in the shortest time possible. We may even be able to have the cost of repairs or replacement required insured by your insurance company for buildings.

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