Septic tanks are effectively big holes of sewage –  How do we empty them?

When septic tanks approach their max capacity the waste must be emptied as to continue normal waste removal. This is done by using a waste removal vehicle which has a large pressurised vacuum attached to a hose which sucks up the sewage into the vehicles waste tank.

An engineer will gain access to the septic tank and insert the vacuumed hose into the septic tanks holding area. When the nozzle of the vacuum is submerged in the waste the pump is activated to increase pressure forcing the waste to rise up the pipe and begin filling the waste removal tank.

The size of the waste removal tank will depend on the company that you book the septic tank emptying with. You need to know the approximate amount of waste that is contained in your septic tank before booking so an appropriate vehicle can be booked to remove your waste.

Once the Septic Tank is empty or the waste removal vehicle is full, the sewage will be transported to an approved storage and treatment facility. These waste disposal facilities are in local proximity to the waste to prevent unnecessary transport distance.

Some of this waste will be reused for industrial applications such as renewable fertiliser or energy generation such as gasification.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

There are obvious signs that your septic tank is full and needs emptying but if it comes to this point you might already be too late.

Smells – Does your drains, toilet flushes and garden smell really bad? This might be a symptom that your system is too full, and gas is being forced back up the pipes.
Slow Drainage – If your drains are taking longer than usual and you know they are not clogged then this might be a sign of a full septic tank.
Greener Grass – If your grass near the septic tank looks amazing, the septic tank could be leaking into the grass and watering it. Happy garden sure, but if left unchecked your wallet is going to be sad.
Water pooling – Puddles appearing in the area around the septic tank drainage area can be a sign of a full septic tank.

 

How oftern should a septic tank be emptired?

This depends on the size of the septic tank, small septic tanks should be emptied every year. Larger ones can last a couple of years without the requirement of emptying. Please check your documentation for your septic tank to find out the recommended service frequency.

You should make sure that your septic tank is emptied before it overflows as blockages will damage the septic tank and reqiure additonal work ro repair.

How much does it cost to empty a septic tank?

The price to empty a septic tank depends on range of factors, due to this unfortunately a standard price is hard to provide. These factors consist of:

Travel Distance – The distance the driver will need to travel from the depot that they are based to your septic tank.

Volume of Waste -How much do they need to remove from your full septic tank will have an affect on then price of the quote.

Accessibility – If your septic tank is not easily accessible the quote might be higher due to having to bring lighter vehicles or multiple trips.

Can you empty my septic tank?

Yes, we do provide a septic tank emptying service but we willl require additonal information about your septic tank to confirm if we can provide our service. You can contact our head office and we can quickly point you in the right direction.

Want to ask about a Tank Empty?

Quickly speak to one of our service staff and we will be able to help you with your septic tank.

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