Septic Tank Emptying — Routine and Emergency
Septic tanks separate solids from liquids and discharge to a soakaway. Most tanks need emptying every 6 to 12 months. We empty septic tanks on routine contracts and respond to emergency callouts when soakaways back up or alarms trip.
What we do
Septic tanks separate solids from liquids and discharge to a soakaway. Most tanks need emptying every 6 to 12 months. We empty septic tanks on routine contracts and respond to emergency callouts when soakaways back up or alarms trip.
Who it's for
Rural households on private drainage, smallholdings, conversions of older properties with a soakaway, and commercial sites with a septic system.
How it works
- Tell us what you've got. WhatsApp a photo of the cover or alarm panel and your postcode. We confirm the system type and tank size.
- Firm quote within the hour. No callout fees, no hidden disposal charges. The price we quote is the price you pay.
- Same-week slot. Same operator each visit. Same-day if it's an emergency.
- Tank emptied, site left clean. Waste transfer note in your inbox before we drive off.
Pricing
From £180 for tanks up to 4,500L (subject to distance and disposal route).
The exact number depends on tank size, distance from the disposal route, and access. We always quote a firm price up front.
Compliance
Registered upper-tier waste carrier with the Environment Agency. Fully compliant with UK waste regulations. All waste is transported and disposed of at authorised facilities.
FAQs — Septic Tank Emptying
How often should a septic tank be emptied?
Most domestic septic tanks need emptying every 6 to 12 months. Heavier-use households, undersized tanks, or tanks with a struggling soakaway need more frequent emptying. We'll recommend a sensible schedule on the first visit.
Is it true I should never empty my septic tank fully?
There's an old myth that you should leave a 'starter culture' of sludge in the tank. Modern guidance is to empty the tank fully — bacteria recolonise within days, and leaving sludge behind shortens the soakaway's life. Full emptying is what we do as standard.
My septic alarm has gone off. What now?
An alarm usually means the tank is overfull because the soakaway is failing or the discharge pipe is blocked. WhatsApp us — we'll come and empty the tank, and we'll tell you whether you need a soakaway investigation afterwards.
Are septic tanks legal in 2026?
Yes. Septic tanks discharging to a soakaway are legal under the General Binding Rules, provided the soakaway is functional and the discharge meets standards. Tanks that discharge directly to a watercourse must be replaced with a treatment plant — that rule has been in force since January 2020.
How quickly can you get to me?
Most non-emergency jobs across our coverage area are scheduled within the same week. Emergency callouts (overflowing tank, blocked drain, sewage backing up) are usually same-day — WhatsApp us and we'll route the nearest tanker to you.
Do you charge a callout fee?
No. The price we quote on the phone or WhatsApp is the price you pay, all in. We don't add hidden callout, fuel, or disposal charges after the job.
Tank's full? TankAway.
Send us a photo of the cover and your postcode. Firm price within the hour.