Septic Tank Emptying

Septic Tank Emptying

For many people, cleaning and emptying your septic tank regularly is most likely not the first thing that you think of. With these pieces of equipment very much out of sight, out of mind, many people can be prone to forget to empty their septic tank. No matter where abouts in Gloucestershire or beyond you are based (Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Cotswolds…etc), we are on hand to help with your septic tank and cesspit requirements. We have completed septic tank work for many customers previously, working for both the industrial business sector, and also to domestic premises and homes all around Gloucestershire.

Emptying your septic tank regularly is extremely important and should not be overlooked or forgotten.

A septic tank is an underground, hidden watertight chamber that many commercial and industrial businesses keep to have control over their usage and storage of wastewater. Whether this is made of plastic, concrete or fiberglass, this chamber is able to collect sewage and wastewater produced by drains within the home that are not connected to main sewer systems. They are far more common in rural areas than in big cities, meaning we are in much more need with surrounding areas such as the Cotswold being in close proximity.

Failing to clean and empty your septic tank can lead to a number of unpleasant problems and issues that you will most certainly want to avoid, which is why it is very important to get clued up when it comes to your septic system. Not having your tank emptied can lead to blockages and damage, with overflows also found to be a common issue. This can result in the tank smelling extremely potent, with it slowing your drainage and making wastewater back up into your household.

Some of the other causes of blockage or effects because of damage include:

man emptying septic tank

Dangerous gasses

When sewage is decomposing in a dark, closed space, it has the potential to eventually turn into a form of sulphuric acid which can eat at the inside of the tank, no matter the material of the chamber. This causes cracks and leaks in the tank, which could be irreversible if not maintained correctly. This will not only affect the tank itself, but also the surrounding ground area, potentially effecting the value of your land/property.

Rusting and cracking

Corrosion is a natural occurrence that can be sped up due to the toxic gasses inside, which can have a major effect on the rust inside. The concrete inside the tank is also susceptible to cracking due to the pressure.

Growing tree roots from underneath

Tree roots are continuously growing underneath the ground. Even if a tree or plant is at full growth, roots do not stop growing, even after a tree has been cut down. Typically, roots get into the tank through a damaged inlet or through the seal around the lid, which can lead to multiple problems. It is usually difficult to tell if there is a problem with a tree root in your septic tank as it is underground and hidden, but if your tank has large cracks, tree roots are the most common factor effecting this.

Age of septic tank

Wear and tear is the case in almost all pieces of appliance.  The age and condition of your septic tank is important and could be the reason for any leaks or blockages. Some septic tanks can be extremely old and therefore work less efficiently than modern ones, so make sure you are keeping an eye on factors that could be affected because of the age.

Lack of maintenance

Even though you should have your tank emptied once a year, you should be checking on your cesspit once a month for any faults or general maintenance issues. If you do not, you are more susceptible to common problems that can be easily avoided. Blockages can be caused by various items being flushed down our toilet or kitchen drains, such as cigarettes, dental floss, baby wipes, sanitary items, cotton buds and other non-biodegradable items. People need to stop the misconception that once you have a septic tank, you do not need to do anything.

The easy solution? It is recommended that you have your septic tank emptied once every year, even when it is not completely full. You should have it emptied regularly to keep it in good condition and to ensure that it continues to work correctly to prevent these problems above to occur.

By doing this you can extend the life of your tank, keep your outdoor space smelling fresh, protect the environment and protect your property from losing potential value if problems where to occur.

The many advantages of emptying your tanks go far beyond just preventing bad smells and avoiding blocked toilets and drains.

The key benefits of emptying your septic tank include:

  • Extend the life of your tank by several years
  • Protect the environment and in-turn, your outdoor space
  • Protect your property value and from insurance premiums

Why choose DC Merrett?

An overflowing tank can contaminate the ground with dangerous pathogens and viruses which can be harmful to the environment. Prolific plant growth caused by overflowing tanks can also lead to algae blooms, which in-turn can lead to water quality problems if they interfere with pipes in the ground. This can then reduce the value of your property and the surrounding land, as, lets face it, no one wants to buy a home that has potential issues, especially when it comes to blocked toilets and drains, horrible smells and a leaking septic system.

Here at DC Merrett, we offer a friendly, local and affordable cesspit, sewage treatment plant and septic tank emptying, cleaning and pumping service.

Having your tank cleaned and emptied regularly by a company you can trust means that we will be able to spot any possible issues or potential damage early on, with our team of experts advising you on preventing these problems before they occur. This will save you from having to spend a lot of money on getting your entire septic system replaced if an unresolved issue happens.

You may be reading this and feeling confused as you may have a cesspit rather than a septic tank. Don’t worry, septic tanks and cesspits both serve the same purpose and are similar to each other with the fact they are buried underground and collect sewage and wastewater. Cesspits need to be emptied ore regularly than septic tanks (quarterly) as they do not have an outlet and the only way for the water to leave the tank is by being manually emptied by a registered waste handler.

So, if you have a septic tank or cesspit and are in need of emptying, or maybe you haven’t checked yours in a while, make sure you do today and contact us if you are in need of our service, we’d be more than happy to discuss your septic pumping and waste management needs!

Common Queries

Why does my tank look full a few days after being emptied?

The intended result of emptying your tank is to remove solids to prevent them from moving through to the soakaway or drainage field. A few days after being emptied your tank might look full again. This is because it returns to normal working levels. Once it returns to these levels, it then works by displacement, catching any solids as they enter and allowing dirty water to move through to the outlet.