Do you live in one of the 500,000 UK homes relying on a septic tank to treat sewage? If so, this article is for you. We’ll take a look at the costs of emptying and cleaning a septic tank in London and the surrounding areas, and how to find a service you can depend on.
How Does A Septic Tank Work?
Having your own water treatment system can be a real bonus. It’s an environmentally friendly way of dealing with wastewater, and you’re not paying those enormous water company bills.
A septic tank uses bacteria to eat through any solid matter, leaving the remaining liquid to drain away. The bacteria then work through the remaining effluent for a well-balanced system that requires minimal maintenance. Provided you don’t use harmful bacteria-destroying chemicals in your system, a properly maintained septic tank can last up to 40 years.
That said, septic tank emptying and cleaning are critical to keep your system working efficiently and staying hygienic.
How Much To Empty A Septic Tank?
Septic tank emptying can cost anywhere from £175 to £300, depending on the size of your tank. But that’s not the only factor to consider — let’s take a closer look.
Accessibility is a significant factor in septic tank emptying. A buried septic tank or those that require specialist equipment can cost more to empty.
Complexity is another factor that can impact the cost of emptying your septic tank. Higher levels of buildup may require specialist cleaning, leading to a more complex emptying process that takes time, money and effort.
Finally, the logistics of accessing hard-to-reach areas is another factor that can increase service charges.
For a more detailed idea of how much it will cost to empty your septic tank, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Drain 365.
How Often Should You Empty A Septic Tank?
Your septic tank depends on a bacteria buildup to handle waste, so you shouldn’t empty it too often. If you’re wondering how often to empty a septic tank, start by taking the following factors into account:
• Water usage: Frequent baths, showers and doing the laundry will fill your tank faster.
• Household size: Larger households generate more wastewater, so you need septic tank emptying more often.
• Waste type: Flushing chemicals, grease and other non-biodegradable materials into your tank means you’ll need to empty it faster.
• Tank size: The smaller the capacity, the more frequently you need to empty a septic tank.
Condition and age: Poorly maintained or older systems require emptying more often for optimum functionality.
Generally, your septic tank needs emptying every three to five years. As of 2020, septic tank owners must use a specialist service to dispose of waste.
How Often Should You Clean A Septic Tank?
Cleaning a septic tank is a messy business and best left to the professionals. Once emptied, your tank is backwashed and cleaned with bacteria-friendly chemicals. Alongside sludge removal, we’ll also clean the tank filters for optimum performance, giving your septic tank a thorough overhaul.
Planned maintenance is a great way to keep your tank working efficiently. But you can undertake a few simple ongoing tasks to maintain your system and reduce your septic tank emptying costs.
Regular Inspections
Catching problems early is the best way to ensure the longevity of your septic tank. Regular inspections allow you to address problems before they escalate, saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Keep An Eye On Water Usage
Leaking taps, long showers, and running the washing machine daily can all contribute to overflowing your septic tank. You can protect your sewage system and lower your utility bills by watching your water habits.
Monitor Waste Disposal
Never flush non-biodegradable items into your tank. It’s easy to forget and flush sanitary pads or baby wipes, and grease and food waste can cause fatbergs in your system. As a result, you’ll need to empty your septic tank more frequently to prevent emergency repairs and system failure.
How Drain 365 Can Keep Your Septic Tank Clean And Functional
Drain 365 is your trusted partner when you need septic tank emptying services. We’ve emptied, unblocked and repaired thousands of septic tanks across North London and West London. We also cover a range of locations across the southeast, from Bedfordshire to Hertfordshire, providing peace of mind and a service you can rely on.
With a free call-out and detailed quote, we’ll handle your septic tank issues fast. Contact us today, and the 365 team will be happy to help.