Septic Tank Emptying, Cleaning & Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Domestic Sewage Waste - Terms that may help you if you are not connected to mains drainage.
Septic Tank – typically a two or three chamber structure that retains sewage long enough for the solids to turn to sludge at the base of the tank, which is then broken down by bacteria. Liquids drains from the tank to a soakaway.
Domestic Treatment Plants – Typically made of GRP plastic, a specialist unit that will treat raw sewage to a higher standard than achieved with a septic tank. Liquids drains from the tank to a soakaway. A domestic treatment plant will have moving parts or will use compressed air to operate, hence will need an electrical supply.
Cesspool – a sealed tank which is connected to your property, collecting sewage and waste water. Cesspools do not drain liquids, both solid and liquid waste is removed by a tanker.
Solids will turn to sludge and will be digested by the anaerobic action of the bacteria, the sludge needs to be removed by pumping it from your tank and taken away by a tanker.
How often does my septic tank need emptying?
This will vary according to the size of your septic tank and the number of people that live in your household. A. J. Parton can help you determine the optimum time between emptying. Typically a septic tank should be emptied when the sludge reaches 40% of the tanks volume and 30% in the case of a sewage treatment plant but always check your manufacturers recommendations. A general rule of thumb is that if four people are living in a property a average sized septic tank should be emptied once a year.
Why does my septic tank fail?
Septic tanks typically fail through lack of maintenance or infrequent emptying.
What is the cost of a septic tank empty?
The cost to empty your septic tank depends on the size of the tank, the number of households and the length of time since it was last emptied.
When will my septic tank be emptied?
We operate from 8am until 6pm and will arrange a time that works for you. Subject to access we can often empty the septic tank in your absence.
Do you do Emergency callouts?
We operate 24/7 and can offer an emergency callout. Talk to us about understanding the volume of input to your septic tank so that maintenance and emptying can be scheduled on a regular basis to avoid damage to your system and the environment.
What areas do you cover?
Septic Tank Emptying in North Shropshire including
Whitchurch (Shropshire)
Wem
Market Drayton
Audlem
Septic Tank Emptying in North Staffordshire including
Leek
Cheddleton
Stoke on Trent
Septic Tank Emptying in South Staffordshire including
Pattingham
Albrighton
Codsall
Brewood
Rugeley and Cannock Chase
Buying or selling a house, do I need a Septic Tank inspection?
To avoid any surprises for the vendor or the buyer it is important to have a full inspection of your septic tank and sewage treatment plant, in order to ascertain that it functions correctly and conforms to the legal requirements. We can offer a home-buyer survey that includes a CCTV drain inspection
How do I know if my septic tank needs emptying?
Typical signs that emptying is overdue is when water backs up resulting in difficulty in flushing and draining sinks and baths. However this can be avoided with regular scheduled septic tank emptying.
What should I avoid if I have a septic tank system?
A septic tank relies on the natural process of bacteria breaking down solids within your tank so avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, avoid fat, oil and grease, hygiene products, paper towels and wipes.
Can I plant trees and shrubs near my septic tank?
Plants with shallow roots are ideal but avoid trees and large shrubs that may cause root damage.
For more information about how the environmental rules impact you and your septic tank please go to the government website