If your Kent property runs on a septic tank, regular emptying is not optional. Neglect it and you will pay for it twice: once in failed drainage, and once in repair or replacement of the soakaway.

How A Septic Tank Differs From A Cesspit

A septic tank treats wastewater. Solids settle as sludge, fats float as scum, the clarified liquid flows out into a soakaway. A cesspit stores everything and is simply pumped out. Septic tanks can go much longer between emptying.

How Often Should A Septic Tank Be Emptied?

For most domestic septic tanks in Kent, emptying once a year is the standard recommendation. Some systems can stretch to 18 months or two years. The right interval depends on tank size, occupancy, water use, soakaway condition and what is going into the system.

Warning Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying

  • Slow drainage across multiple fixtures.
  • Gurgling from plugholes, baths or downstairs WCs.
  • A persistent foul smell in the garden.
  • Wet, soft or boggy ground over the drainage field in dry weather.
  • Greener, more lush grass over the tank or drainage field.
  • Sewage backing up into ground-floor fixtures.
  • A strong smell after heavy rainfall.

What Happens If You Do Not Empty It?

When sludge and scum accumulate beyond design limits, solids start to migrate out into the soakaway. A blocked soakaway is the single most expensive thing that goes wrong with a septic system. Prevention is dramatically cheaper than cure.

How To Keep A Septic Tank Healthy

  • Empty it regularly. Once a year is a sensible default.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals – they kill the beneficial bacteria.
  • No wet wipes, sanitary products, nappies, kitchen fat or cooking oil.
  • Keep surface water out.
  • Maintain the drainage field. Do not park or drive over it.
  • Know your binding rules.

Call Call2Drain

Call 01892 571 555 for fixed-price septic tank emptying across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.