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Septic Tank Emptying, Intervals, Maintenance, Service
Septic Tank Emptying is arranged for all areas of the UK by WTE.
We only use Licensed Waste Disposal Companies local to your area and you will qualify for our septic tank emptying discounts. Septic tank cleaning is also part of the service.
Septic tanks tend to be ignored until the system backs-up or starts to smell. In spite of the recurrent advice of manufacturers to empty them at regular intervals and to be careful what is flushed down the drains, they tend 
to remain ignored - until it is TOO LATE.
to remain ignored - until it is TOO LATE.Septic tanks require monitoring so that the problems can be fixed at an early stage. Once the problem becomes deep rooted, loads of money and labour are required to fix the problems - sometimes incurable if extra land is not available for a new soakaway.
A well designed tank has enough space to store sludge for one year, if it it used up to its design loading criteria, e.g. a 6 person model being used by 6 people, but the frequency of septic tank emptying depends on the Capacity of the tank and the Volume of solids in the wastewater.
Capacity
The capacity is worked out as follows:-
C = 180P + 2000
where:
180 = litres/person/day
C = Capacity of the tank
P = the number of people using it
From the above, 4 people would need one of 180 x 4 + 2000 = 2720 Litres. This would need emptying annually if 4 people were using it.
However, if it was twice the size, i.e. 5440 litres, then it would need emptying only once every 2 years.
Similarly, if the 2720 litre tank was used by only 2 people, then it would also need emptying only once every 2 years; by 1 person, then every 4 years, etc.
Volume of solids in the wastewater
Type and frequency of activities determine the septic tank emptying interval. Fats, oils and greases (FOG) tend to build up in the crust on the top of the effluent. If FOG's are excessive, then it will require more frequent emptying to prevent them from by-passing the 'T' outlet pipe and clogging the soakaway. Grease traps should be installed and cleaned out on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning of the system.The installation of sink waste disposal units dramatically increases the soilds in the wastewater. DON'T FIT ONE! Compost it instead. Maintenance will increase and the tank will need emptying twice as often if one is fitted. Moreover, biological and chemical additives do not get rid of the need for emptying.
As the saying goes a stitch in time saves nine. So why not mark the problem areas and pay attention to sewage odours, sewage backing up into the house or over the drain field, slow-draining toilets or drains? For good Septic Tank Maintenance you can follow these few steps mentioned below:
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They should be emptied according to their capacity and number of 'bums on seats'
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They should be inspected for structural faults every year. Too many people have fallen into septic tanks when lids and tops have collapsed. Please see this You Tube video of the dangers of septic tank corrosion.
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Make sure that no rainwater is entering the system and no gutters are joined to the system.
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Buy the tank from a reputable Wastewater Company with a Customer Service Department and a warranty of years, not months as is the case with many manufacturers.
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Repair faulty toilets and dripping taps.
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Make a map to learn the location of the system, particulary the soakaway.
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Keep a record of the maintenance.
The best way to have a well maintained system is to seek professional help from those who specialise in the servicing of Domestic and Commercial sewage systems.