How Often You Should Empty Your Septic Tanks
Here at Unblock Cumbria, we specialise in offering septic tank services, including waste removal. If you are wondering how often you should empty your septic tank, read on to find out how septic tanks work, how waste removal works, including how often it needs to be done, and what to do if you want us to empty your septic tank.
How Does A Septic Tank Work?
A septic tank system is a simple system and usually has two parts - the main chamber and an attached soakaway or drainage field. It works by using gravity to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste that flows into it from the property. Light solids, oil, and grease, float to the surface and form a "scum" layer. The heavy solids sink to the bottom and are partially broken up by anaerobic bacteria, forming a “sludge” layer. The remaining liquid, the middle layer known as clarified liquid, flows out of the tank into a septic soakaway/drainage field where bacteria and other organisms feast on the nutrients in the liquid. Back in the tank, both the floating scum layer and the separated sludge layer build up. It is these two parts, the top scum layer and the bottom sludge that needs to be removed from the tank.
Septic Tank Waste Removal: How Often You Should Empty It
It depends, if you have a full property then every year would be a good idea. If there’s only two in the house then every couple of years will be a safe option. Remember, the emptying is to take away sludge and scum, if these get into the drainage field it can quickly block up and need renewing which is not a cheap option. Regular emptying really does help maintain the health of the system.
Myth busting
“It never needs emptying” Let's say you dig a hole with an inlet and outlet and fill it with sludgy water what happens over time? - the sludge fills the hole and overflows down the outlet.
“It’s self cleaning” Not suggesting you do this but if you put some poo in a jamjar do you really believe it will self clean?
Empty My Septic Tank
At Unblock Cumbria, we provide an affordable septic tank emptying service that you can rely on. Working throughout Cumbria, we have over three decades of experience emptying tanks and have a fleet of modern tankers that are purpose-built to do the job. Fully accredited upper tier waste carrier and broker (check us here https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers ) for sewage disposal and a member of safecontractor, CHAS and the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC), we make sure to strictly follow the general binding rules, meaning that all waste is safely collected and disposed and processed at fully licensed treatment facilities.
Contact Us
For more information about our septic tank emptying services or to obtain a quotation for the necessary work, please complete the contact form, or email us at [email protected]. We are able to offer no-obligation free quotations as well as providing advice. You can also call us on either 01900 870 140 or 0800 252 445 to speak to a member of the team directly and we will be pleased to answer any queries you may have about septic tanks or any other related services.