A septic tank is installed underground to collect sewage from a property that is not connected to the public sewer network. Once in the septic tank, sewage separates naturally: solids settle to the bottom, fats form a scum on top, and the relatively clear effluent liquid stays in the middle.

From there, the liquid discharges to ground from the tank, leaving natural bacteria to process the solids into sludge. This sludge waste needs to be removed from the tank by a specialist operator at intervals according to tank capacity and volume of wastewater- which is where we come in. At UKDN Waterflow, we specialise in emptying, cleaning and maintaining septic tanks- no matter the size, location or use.

If you’re in need of help with septic tank maintenance, contact our experts- or to learn more about how a septic tank works, visit our advice page. Otherwise, read on for more information on the range of services we offer, and to learn about some key legislation and regulations surrounding septic tanks in the UK.

How to follow proper maintenance procedures

Part of your responsibility as the operator of a septic tank is to ensure that it functions as intended. This means making sure that it’s properly cleaned and maintained to prevent any pollution incidents. These typically occur when excess waste builds up, and tanks are not de-sludged, causing an overflow or contamination of sewage water.

Proper procedure means:

• Having accumulated sludge pumped out by a registered specialist waste handler.
• Having the tank cleaned to keep it flowing freely.

You should also take care not to upset the eco balance of the septic tank by using chemical cleaning products, or by putting forbidden items down the drain.

Our specialists are well-versed in septic tank maintenance, performing hundreds of jobs across the country each month. These jobs range from small tanks belonging to residential properties, to large-scale septic tanks which service commercial buildings or technical infrastructure such as railway drainage systems. We’re well equipped to help if your septic tank is causing concern.

Septic tank surveys

Following changes to septic tank legislation, we recommend that you have a survey of a septic tank conducted before buying a new property- or if you need to check the condition of your existing tank.

A survey is effectively a health-check on your septic tank; using CCTV camera equipment we identify whether the septic tank requires fully emptying, de-sludging or general repair work in case of structural damage. We’ll then report back to you with recommendations and advice, and we can arrange to come back and deliver a solution.

Ask us for a quote on 0333 344 2937 or complete the contact form.

Responsibility for septic tanks

If you are the person responsible for a septic tank — known as ‘the operator’ — there are rules you need to follow.

These guidelines, set by the Environment Agency, cover everything from the way a septic tank works, to the British Standards in force, correct installation, discharging to ground, pollution implications, emptying, maintenance and when you need a permit.

You will find full details of the general binding rules on the government website.

Septic tank surveys

With the changes to septic tank legislation, before buying a new property, or simply to establish the condition of an existing tank, it is worth having a survey. This will show the condition of the tank and identify any potential problems.

Ask us for a quote on 0333 344 2937 or complete the contact form.

Plan your septic tank maintenance

Septic tank maintenance can be pre-planned through UKDN Waterflow. We’re happy to schedule a time to visit that works for you, and will carry out the work and complete all the necessary paperwork automatically. There’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Common causes of septic tank problems

Problems are usually caused by householder misuse, such as:

• Not keeping the drainage field protected and operational
• Putting inappropriate items and chemicals into the system (some cleaning products can kill off the natural bacteria, upsetting the eco balance of the system)
• Not having the tank emptied and checked regularly by a specialist contractor

Septic tank maintenance can be pre planned through UKDN Waterflow, so that we will visit at a time to suit you, carry out the work and complete all the necessary paperwork — all automatically. It’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Septic tank regulations in 2020

If you are the person responsible for a septic tank — known as ‘the operator’ — there are rules you need to follow.

These guidelines, set by the Environment Agency, cover everything from the way a septic tank works, to the British Standards in force, correct installation, discharging to ground, pollution implications, emptying, maintenance and when a permit is needed.

You can find full details of the general binding rules on the government website.

Here are the key septic tank rules all operators must abide by:

• The householder is responsible for meeting the Environment Agency’s ‘general binding rules’ of owning a septic tank.
• These state that the sewage must be domestic in nature, and must not cause pollution.
• The septic tank must be emptied and checked at least annually by a qualified waste handler and an auditable paper trail kept. Timescales will depend on the variables of each installation.

If you have a non-standard septic tank system, contact the environment agency to apply for a permit.

New septic tank legislation

Previously, wastewater from a septic tank has been allowed to run straight into a surface waterway, such as a river or stream. However the rules changed in January 2015:

• From 1 January 2015, new installations of private sewer systems (septic tanks) must not discharge directly to a watercourse.
• By 1 January 2020, all existing septic tank installations must either output to a drainage field (built to relevant BS standards), or be replaced by a sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant).
• But, if you plan to sell the property before 1 January 2020, you have to carry out the replacement or create a drainage field before you sell.

In January 2015, the rules changed so that existing septic tanks which discharge to watercourses must be upgraded to a full sewage treatment plant by 1st January 2020, or before the property is sold if that sale happens before the deadline. Visit the page below for all the details on the latest legislation around sewage discharge to the ground.

How can UKDN help?

For more information on septic tanks, on how to maintain them, how often to you should get them cleaned or emptied visit our advice page, what is a septic tank? If you’re needing a septic tank emptying near you, or support with fixing an ongoing septic tank issue – contact our friendly experts. You can also download and print off our septic tank tip sheet and keep a copy handy.