If you are on the lookout for a septic tank or already have one, then it’s likely you have a lot of questions about what they do, how they work, and most importantly – what you need to do to look after it.
Septic tanks are often required if your property cannot connect to a main drainage network. In that instance, a septic tank is likely to be the most efficient and cost-effective way of ensuring your home can function properly. It may also be your only option!
A septic tank stores all your wastewater from your home in an underground tank. There are lots of different types of septic tanks currently available on the market, however, most will have 2 chambers to separate the waste. All the solid waste sinks to the bottom and cleaner water rises to the top. The second chamber allows the cleaner water to flow into it, once the solids start to fill up, the cleaner water will overflow to a soakaway or drainage field.
We’ve put together a helpful guide of the most frequently asked questions about septic tank emptying.
How Often Does A Septic Tank Need Emptying?
As solids start to build up in the chamber, the tank will reach a point where it needs to be emptied. We recommend that your septic tank is cleaned frequently to ensure that it works to the best of its abilities and so that your tank lasts.
Some tanks may need cleaning monthly if there is a high volume of use, this is usually in the case of larger properties and bigger families etc. Lower usage tanks may only need to be emptied once or twice a year.
We always recommend keeping a record of your cleaning history to help you prepare a cleaning schedule that will extend the life of your septic tank.
What Is The Cost Of Emptying A Septic Tank?
The cost of emptying a septic tank can vary from region to region. Costs can vary massively depending on the area you live in.
The cost of emptying your septic tank may also be influenced by the previous cleaning and upkeep of your tank. If your tank has been cleaned and maintained regularly, emptying your tank will be a straightforward process. However, if your septic tank has been a little neglected you may find that more work is needed which will result in a higher cost.
How Do You Know When Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying?
There are many signs and clues that your septic tank may need emptying.
Some clear signs are as follows:
- Slow drains
- Strong unpleasant odours
- Pooling water around the drain field
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
- Sewage backup in drains, toilets, sinks etc
- The length of time since the last cleaning or maintenance
- Exceptionally green grass over the tank can indicate a leak
- Back up in plumbing fixtures, i.e. flushing the toilet results in water appearing in the bath!
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call in the experts to clean your septic tank.
Is It Possible To Never Empty A Septic Tank?
No! A septic tank contains waste materials that are harmful to the local environment and public health. Not cleaning or emptying your septic tank will result in the waste materials overflowing into the general environment. This is harmful to local wildlife and the public.
Not emptying your septic tank could also lead to costly repairs or replacement. It is far cheaper to ensure that your tank is cleaned regularly than it is to replace components or the tank itself.
Where Do You Empty A Septic Tank?
Once you have arranged for a licenced waste carrier to clean and empty your septic tank, they will attend to and pump out the accumulated solids, sludge, and liquid waste. This will be loaded onto their tanker. The waste is then transported to a sewage treatment facility where it will be properly treated and disposed of.
Only licenced waste disposal carriers have contracts with the treatment facilities to ensure legal and environmentally responsible disposal of all waste.
Is A Septic Tank A Good Or Bad Thing?
A properly installed and well-maintained septic tank can be an environmentally friendly solution for managing wastewater in situations where a main sewer connection is not an option.
There are lots of pros and cons to consider when thinking of installing a septic tank:
Pros
- Independence from main sewer systems
- Costs less to install than the installation of sewage pipes
- Long-lasting and rarely needs replacing (when maintained)
- Cuts pollution by making use of drain and leach fields
- Helps local plants and wildlife (when maintained)
- Greater water efficiency
Cons
- Regular maintenance is required
- Environmental impact following poor/irregular maintenance
- Regulatory compliance is required
- Limited capacity and potential for backups
- Property value may be impacted by poorly maintained septic tanks
Who Is Responsible For Emptying A Septic Tank In A Rented Property?
Responsibility for emptying a septic tank from a rented property is typically the responsibility of the landlord or property owner.
However, it is important to check the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement to understand and determine who is responsible for emptying the tank. It may be that, as the tenant, you are responsible for ensuring that your waste is emptied, and it may be the responsibility of the landlord for the upkeep and general maintenance of the tank.
We recommend reading through the small print before signing a tenancy agreement for a rented property with a septic tank.
For any more questions regarding septic tank emptying, please get in touch with our friendly team.
