Find a local septic tank installer or cleaner
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Our most popular drainage specialist jobs
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
After initial assessment I was told it was a two man job who duly arrived in a couple of days with a jetting machine to clear the limescale. They worked very hard to jet the blockage one in the bathroom one outside at the manhole with the jetter. When they were satisfied the soilpipe was clear they inserted a camera so we could all see the there was now no obstruction. They were pleasant and informed me what was happening all the time, I would recommend them to others.
PAT
Very high standard of work carried out by Mark. Solved my issue,very knowledgeable,punctual and tidy. Would recommend & certainly use again.
Patrick
Very good and efficient job, excellent standard of work, well satisfied.
Jeremy
This page has everything you’ll need to know about finding and hiring a local septic tank specialist.
Browse Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning specialists
Take a look at our Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.
Septic Tank Emptying, Installation & Cleaning | Find a Septic Tank Service Near You
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a type of sewage system for the home, and is generally used in rural properties that can’t be connected to a larger sewer system.
How does a septic system work?
All sewage and wastewater leaves the house via a main pipe, and goes into the septic tank which is buried underground. The tank is usually made of concrete, fibreglass, PVC, or plastic.
Inside the tank, solid waste sinks to the bottom and is partially decomposed by bacteria. Other elements like fat and plastics rise to the top, creating a crust. What’s left in the middle is relatively cleaner water – and we stress the word ‘relative’ here. It’s a long way from being drinking water, but it can be drained into the ground, which disposes of it naturally in the local ecosystem, rather than contributing to the work of a large sewage facility.
When the water leaves the septic tank, it goes into a distribution box. This box feeds the water into a set of underground pipes, which then releases the water into the soil. The ground above these pipes is known as the draining field or soakaway.
The whole system can easily work using gravity, with each component being lower than the last, but if this isn’t possible then pumps can assist in getting the water where it needs to go.
Some water evaporates into the air, and the rest soaks down into the soil. The soil itself filters out chemicals and minerals, while microbes in the soil break down impurities in the same way the septic tank does.
Releasing water back into the ground keeps it moist, and helps plants grow.
The system also requires a vent to release noxious gasses from the septic tank, as well as allow air into the system.
What can a septic tank specialist help with?
Cleaning
The most important thing you’ll need a septic tank specialist for is to clean out the system. The solids at the bottom of the tank, as well as the crust at the top, build up faster than it decomposes. These elements need to be removed from the tank periodically, which is why the tank has access hatches built in. About once a year, you’ll need to arrange for someone to pump out the excess waste. If this is ignored, then the waste will build up and eventually block, backing up into the house.
Installing or replacing a septic tank
Over time, you might need to replace parts, or all, of a septic system. If the system requires cleaning every few months then that’s a sign of blockage or inefficiency. Maybe you can see waste water or sewage coming up from the ground, which could be a sign that the tank is no longer watertight. These are severe cases but they’re the biggest reasons why you might need to replace the system.
You might have a large house with a lot of water usage, in which case you could consider a larger tank. It’s also possible to link two or more tanks together if you need larger capacity.
Costs for septic tank installations and maintenance
- Tanks start at around £800.
- Installation is around £1500.
- The drainage field, or soakaway, costs about £5000 to lay, for about 100 metres of drains. This is the total length of the pipes – you don’t need a 100-metre stretch of land to accommodate it.
- Emptying the tank annually will cost around £150.
Maintenance of your septic tank system
If you want to maintain your system in the best possible way, there are 3 things you need to know.
How the system works.
Everything happens underground and out of sight, so it’s important you know what’s going on. This page tells you everything you need to know, so you’ve got that covered.
Where the pipes are.
If you’re installing a septic tank system, get your installer to show you where everything is, plus you should always keep plans of the work for future reference. If you’re buying a house that already has a system installed, you should ask for the plans. If they’re not available then use a septic tank specialist to help you find out where everything is.
Potential ways you could damage the system.
You shouldn’t build anything on top of the drainage pipes. If you put any sort of shed or building on top of the pipes, you’re almost definitely going to cut or damage them. Also it stops air from getting into the soil, which would hinder the soil’s ability to filter the water.
Likewise, don’t drive over the pipes, or park a vehicle there. This weight will compact the soil and stop it from being able to accept water at all. In severe situations, the weight of a car could even crush the pipes. You shouldn’t keep large animals there – like horses or cows – for the same reason.
Don’t pour waste chemicals, paints, or cooking oils down the sink. These can kill the microbes in the septic tank that break down the solid substances. They can also clog the drainage field which would eventually fill the tank, and back up into the house.
Always know where your access hatches are too, and keep them clear of obstruction.
Lastly, don’t plant any trees or bushes too near the system as the roots could disturb the pipes too.
8 things to check when buying a property with a septic tank
- Ask if the septic tank has been maintained regularly – ask for invoices or receipts for tanker visits or service calls. A septic tank usually needs to be emptied annually.
- Find out how often the system is currently being emptied. If it’s being emptied every few months, this could be a sign of a problem.
- Ask the current owners how much their service costs, so you can work out how much it’ll cost you annually.
- Don’t rely on homebuyer surveys to tell you what’s going on underground – they only take a basic look at drainage systems. It’s crucial you get a full pre-purchase drainage survey before buying somewhere with a septic system. Get the tank emptied at the same time, to make sure the walls and pipework of the tank can be inspected.
- Ask for a plan of the drainage system.
- Find out if any part of the system is on someone else’s land. You need to know what the relationship is like with the landowner as you’ll need access for repairs, replacements and maintenance.
- Think about access to the property. Tankers need to be within 30 metres of the tank to empty it. Are you planning an extension or similar? If so you’ll need to make sure this access is maintained.
Where does the waste water go when it leaves the tank? If it goes straight to a watercourse or a ditch, this isn’t legal any more. By 2020, you’ll need to have it
Planning permission for septic tanks
If you’re installing a new septic tank system
For installations in England, you need planning permission and building regulations approval.
There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
If you have a system that didn’t get permission and approval
In England, you need to apply retrospectively for both planning permission and building regulations approval.
You don’t need to do this if your system was installed before 1 January 2015.
Regulations for operating a septic system
You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.
The sewage must:
- Be domestic, for example – from a toilet, bathroom, shower or kitchen of a house, flat or business – contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure if the sewage is classed as domestic.
- Not cause pollution – find out how to check for pollution.
There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing sewage to the ground, or into surface water.
Releasing to the ground
You have to use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).
You need to apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):
- To a well, borehole or other deep structure.
- More than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day.
- In a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1).
Releasing to a surface water
You must use a small sewage treatment plant. You must apply for a permit if you’re discharging more than 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day. Use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.
Find out more on the government’s website.
Insurance for skill work
All tradespeople should have public liability insurance, which protects you, and them, against any accidents or injury.
We are reliable company whose main objective is to get the work done swiftly and leave with a happy customer. we provide 24 hour drainage and plumbing services so that your problems are solved around the clock with 18years of experience covered by a professional engineer.
Fastfix drainage and plumbing Ltd
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
With over. 17 years experience offering drains and emergency plumbing services across Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Wales Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. We have the breadth of experience combined with local knowledge to help with any drainage or plumbing related job.
we are Masons with over ten years experience, all four of us are level 3 qualified and take great pride in all of our work carried out and put 100% into everything we do we never leave a job until we are happy the end product and customer satisfaction we undertake everything from plumbing to eletrics new builds to extentions to changing a roof tile. no job to small.
They do exactly what they promise
Trading as intrendbuilders and tesscon co uk search us on google We are a friendly, hard working & affordable company who specialise in All forms of roofing and general building, maintenance, fencing and landscaping, waste removal, end of tenancy property clearances, wooden & laminate flooring and more in all areas of Birmingham & surrounding areas.
Richard and his team did a great job of replacing our garden gazebo roof. Pete and the lads who worked at the property were professional and courteous throughout and I’d have no hesitation in recommending them.
GN Building Services (Stafford) Ltd
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
With over 15 years building experience in the construction industry, GN Building Services (Stafford) Ltd are experts in all aspects of construction and project management. We specialise in both traditional and cutting-edge design and building methods. GN Building Services (Stafford) Ltd is not only a building company. We cover the entire project, from planning, design, building, renovating, electrical installation, tiling, and plumbing. We do not use subcontractors; all work is completed by our own employees. This means no delays, no waiting for specialist tradesmen; we finish the entire job within budget and on time.
If you want building work done then GN Building Services are brilliant, not just excellent!. Before we said to go ahead he had introduced us to four former clients and showed us the work completed. He and his team are probably the hardest working tradesmen I have ever come across and talk about working to time and budget. I should really keep this review quiet as they are very much in demand and I need some more work doing - but I can not rate them highly enough.
I am a independent Plumbing and heating Engineer, I have been in the field for around 8 years. I take my work seriously and take pride in my work, and want to be of best service to each customer I meet. thanks wayne
Excellent service!
Plum Building Services Ltd is a building company based in London. We work for both landlords and private home owners on new builds, extensions, refurbishments, repair and maintenance. No job is too big or too small. Quality is our guarantee.
Hi everyone my names Anthony from AR Drainage Solutions. At AR Drainage Solutions we cover everything to do with drainage, foul and storm, from roding & High pressure water jetting To remove blockages. Cctv camera surveys with a professional wincan report. RIP out and renews (installations) of new and old lines due to collapses. No Dig Repairs (fibreglass lining and patching), like if you had a faulty line that runs under a building such as a store or liscence premises and way to much money to shut in order for it to be dug up then we can install a patch or liner with sophisticated equipment from the outside manhole and no hassle to the client or business. We pride ourselves on providing a great service from the cradle to the grave and all our clients know that once they have sent us the job we see it through to the end with as less hassle to them as possible, most of our clients are middle men dealing with insurance, lettings or housing associations and just want to pass on the job and be confident it will be carried out correctly.
Great job, great service, reliable
IMD&G is a growing company that we started in the U.K.. We offer amazing gardening services, with professionals, all our staff are competent and trained. We can offer our services for anything you require, gardening wise. If you would like to use our services please feel free to exept the quotes and leave it on me
Great communication. After photos show hard work. Great results. Would recommend.
Established over 30 years dealing in all aspects of drainage , Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment plants -CCTV SURVEYS- Blocked Drains-Drain Repairs-Channelling-Gullys - New manholes- Soakaways- Trenching-Acor drainage- Flood remedies- New connections
Paul and Son were professional, efficient and fast. They got the work done quickly and to a good standard. They also provided receipts and transfer notes for the work. Definitely recommend them.
Renovate your home with us. "Renov8 My Property Ltd" We are a well established trustworthy reliable and professional company with over 15 years experience in the trade with an eye for perfection and attention for detail we thrive on customer satifaction. Our customers rate us highly for our ability to stick to deadlines and for the quaity of our workmanship. We provide a professional service from the initial free quotation to the end professional finish. We look forward to helping you Renovate your home.
Jason was such a polte nice fella as were all the different tradesmen that came and did my bedroom but Jason was the person i had most dealings with. I gave them a blank canvas to work with and gave them just a few instructions so it was all there idea what they did and i have got to say what a great job they did. The work was all done to a high standard and they cleaned up everyday at the end of shift. The price was good and i must say would highly recommend them to anyone.
Rated People is the leading marketplace for homeservices in the UK. We've been trading since 2005 and have over 1 million reviews.
Dan was the best tradesperson I've every had. Thank you Dan you're the best.
Hi it's Paul Robinson, I am a solo trader in the plumbing & heating industry with over 20 years experience. When it comes to gas, plumbing & heating. No job is too big or small! I cover everything, including,: - Bathroom installs - Blocked toilets, sinks & baths - Blocked drains - Shower pumps - Heating pumps - Tap repairs - New taps - Thermostatic showers/Electric showers - All plumbing repairs including tracing leaks where ever they come from - Radiators/lock shields & Thermostatic radiator valves - 2/3 Motorised port valves - Megaflo systems installs - Combi-boilers installs - New gas runs install - Power flushing - Boiler break downs - Gas certificates
Great work. Very responsive and completed work same day. A change of a kitchen tap was not as straightforward as should have been but was completed perfectly. Will definitely call again on any other plumbing jobs without hesitation.
Hi I'm Neil Ainsworth director of NOA Builders. NOA Builders Ltd,is a small building firm with many years experience in a wide range of trades. We pride ourselves on doing a fantastic job with an exceptional finish. We treat clients houses with upmost respect, and will leave your property as clean and tidy as we find it. All of NOA builders contactors are fully Qualified in there respective trades. We have two Carpenters, a Stone Mason,a bricklayer, a painter & decorator, Plasterer & a roofer. We build extensions from the ground up, bathrooms & kitchens from start to finish, and basically cover all aspects of building. We're also very happy to do smaller jobs. I look forward to quoting jobs for you, and hopefully doing some quality building works for you. Many thanks Neil
NOA Building Tradesmen arrived on time each day, and began the repair work to our roof on time each day. These tradesmen are a great credit to their company. If you have a need for building or repair work I strongly recommend that you contact them for an estimate.
Here at A1 B&G we have over 40 years of experience on the tools covering all aspects of Building, groundwork and landscaping. from footing and foundations to patios and driveways we have the skills necessary to complete your project clean, safe, in good time with affordable rates. 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.
Excellent workmanship, very reasonable, great workers! would thoroughly recommend
Newport Building & Home Improvements
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
We are a family run business with experience in all aspects of Building, roofing & home improvements. working around Newport and the surrounding area's. We provide a fast and professional service at competitive rates. No job too small, call now for a free quotation, partner to ( shield roofing specialists south wales)
Worsley Drains is your trusted partner in comprehensive drainage solutions across the Northwest. With a rich legacy of expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we stand as a beacon of excellence in the drainage industry. As the go-to company for residents and businesses in the Northwest region, we take pride in delivering a wide array of services designed to address every drainage need with precision and care. Founded with a vision to revolutionize the drainage industry, we have been serving the Northwest with dedication and professionalism since 2010. What began as a humble venture has grown into a leading force in drainage solutions, earning the trust of countless clients throughout the region. Our journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and a passion for providing top-tier service to our local community.
L B ASHFIELD BUILDING SERVICES are a small family run construction business covering Norfolk, Suffolk and the whole of East Anglia, Specialising in Bricklaying, Extensions/New Builds, Groundwork, Landscaping, Property renovation/ Maintenance and much more. We believe customer satisfaction is key and provide a very high standard of workmanship on every job we do no matter what it involves.
Lewis & his team have been an absolute pleasure to deal with throughout the build. I've not been this impressed by workmanship, cleanliness and work ethic for a long time and I would recommend them to anyone going forward.
We are a construction company dealing in all aspects of building work extensions and home improvements with over 20 years experience. We work to a high standard and work to timelines for our clients. We will also work to Covid government guidelines when working at your property.
Did a fabulous job on my back yard concrete patio which was crumbling in places and needed levelling. Also suggested adding another step to a rather steep step in place already which made perfect sense and he did a great job with that too. Took 1 day and sent photos of the site after work. Very impressed and very happy with the outcome. I recommend this company and will be using them again on other jobs in the future.
CARING FOR CLAIMS Aspray (Sutton Coldfield) provide a property damage claims management service, helping policyholders who have suffered damage to their property and need to make a claim on their insurance policy. We've helped previous customers with fire, flood, storm, accidental damage, impact damage and various other insured events that have caused damage to their property. There is no charge to you, the policyholder, for the Aspray service provided that you authorise us to use our own vetted sub-contractors to complete any repairs or reinstatement works. Any excess stated within your insurance policy will still apply. Aspray (Sutton Coldfield) look forward to helping you. Aspray is authorised and regulated by the FCA for claims handling only.
Very professional and extremely knowledgeable
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles