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Septic Tank Emptying
Is your septic tank full, smelly or slow to drain? Left too long, it can overflow, damage your drainage field and cause a pollution problem that's costly to put right.
Rated 4.9 on Google
ICE Drainage provides septic tank emptying for homes, farms, businesses and industrial sites. Our licensed tankers pump out the sludge, clean the tank and check it's working properly. We offer one-off visits, regular emptying schedules and 24/7 emergency call-outs.
Regardless of where you are located, our team is always ready to provide rapid and efficient emptying services. To learn more about our septic tank services, simply call us at 0203 870 1067 or send us an email at contactus@icedrainage.co.uk.
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Our septic tank emptying treatment process
Step 1 Contact
To book a free, no-obligation survey appointment, either give us a call on 0203 870 1067 or email us on contactus@icedrainage.co.uk.
A member of our friendly support team will reach out to discuss your requests and provide an estimated cost for your Septic Tank Emptying service.
If necessary, our technicians will visit the site to review the current situation.
Step 2 Quote
Adhering to all health and safety protocols, our technicians will assess the state of your property. They will then conduct a risk assessment to avoid unforeseen issues arising during the works.
Our team will make tailored suggestions concerning the best service for your situation and address any concerns or queries. You will receive a free, comprehensive quote for your Septic Tank Emptying service.
Step 3 Works
Our qualified technicians will arrive promptly, fully uniformed with ID badges, ready to begin the work.
The service will be completed in accordance with the survey, adhering to all health and safety rules. We aim to maintain a safe working environment for all parties at all times.
Our team will review and document the completed work, making sure you're pleased with the job. We promise to leave your property safe and clean.
Step 4 After care
Here at ICE Drainage, we go the extra mile to ensure all clients are satisfied.
Our dedicated customer service team strive to converse with every client following the Septic Tank Emptying service to make sure all expectations have been met.
You'll also be given the opportunity to write a Trustpilot review.
Emergency Hotline
0203 870 1067
Helpline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
When calling please have
the following ready:
- Your Name
- Company Name (if applicable)
- Site Postcode
- The problem you're having
- Email Address
Get a Quote
Septic Tank Emptying & Cleaning FAQs
The basics
What's the difference between a septic tank and a cesspit?
A septic tank separates the waste and lets treated water flow out to a drainage field. A cesspit is a sealed tank that holds everything, so it fills up faster and needs emptying more often. We empty both.
Can a septic tank go years without being emptied?
It's not a good idea. Even if it seems to be working fine, a tank that's never emptied will eventually overflow or damage your drainage field, which is a much bigger and more expensive problem to fix.
What are the signs my septic tank is full?
Watch out for slow-draining sinks and toilets, gurgling pipes, bad smells near the tank or drainage field, and patches of unusually green or soggy grass above the tank. If you notice any of these, it's worth booking an emptying before it backs up.
How often does a septic tank need emptying?
Most septic tanks need emptying every 1 to 3 years, but it depends on the size of your tank and how many people are using it. We can advise on the right schedule for your property.
Technologies used
What equipment do you use to empty a septic tank?
We use a vacuum tanker with a long, sealed hose. It pumps the sludge, scum and waste water out of your tank and into the tanker, ready for safe disposal.
Estimates and charges
How much does septic tank emptying cost?
It depends on the size of your tank and how easy it is to access. We'll give you an exact price after a free survey – get in touch and we'll talk you through it.
Booking the Service
Do you offer emergency septic tank emptying?
Yes. Our helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your tank is overflowing or waste is backing up, call 0203 870 1067 and we'll get help to you.
Can you set up regular septic tank emptying?
Yes. We can book visits at a frequency that suits your system, so you don't need to keep track yourself.
On the day
How long does septic tank emptying take?
Most visits take 30 minutes to an hour. Larger tanks, very full tanks or tricky access can take a bit longer.
Customer care
What happens to the waste after you take it away?
All waste is carried by licensed tankers and disposed of at an authorised site. We give you a waste transfer note so you have a record of where it went.
Why choose us?
- Cater to a wide variety of drainage situations
- Nationwide coverage, available 24/7
- Cater to commercial and domestic clients
- Free survey provided prior to quotation
- Emergency response team
- Offer a bespoke service designed to suit all your needs
- All technicians hold professional health and safety qualifications
What is septic tank emptying?
A septic tank holds the waste water from your toilets, sinks and showers. Solids sink to the bottom and form sludge. A layer of scum forms on top. The liquid in the middle flows out to a drainage field or soakaway.
Over time, the sludge and scum build up. If they aren't removed, solids escape into the drainage field and block it. Septic tank emptying is the job of pumping all of this out with a vacuum tanker, so the tank can do its job again.
We also empty cesspits, cesspools and sewage treatment plants. A cesspit is a sealed tank with no outlet. It holds all of the waste, so it needs emptying much more often than a septic tank.
What's Included?
Every septic tank emptying visit includes:
- A check of the tank, lids and access before we start
- Pumping out sludge, scum and waste water with a vacuum tanker
- Breaking up and removing hard crusts and stubborn build-up
- Cleaning the tank walls and baffles where needed
- A visual check of the inlet and outlet pipes
- Advice on any problems we spot, such as cracks, leaks or a blocked soakaway
- Safe, legal disposal of the waste at an authorised site
- A waste transfer note for your records
How we empty your septic tank
- We find the tank and check the access for our tanker. We bring the right hoses and kit for tricky access.
- We lift the lids and check the levels of sludge and scum.
- Our vacuum tanker pumps out the contents through a sealed hose.
- We break up hard crusts and rinse off stubborn build-up so it can all be removed.
- We check the inlet and outlet pipes and look for signs of damage.
- We put the lids back, tidy up and give you a waste transfer note.
Septic tanks, cesspits and treatment plants
Not sure what type of system you have? Here's a quick guide.
- Septic tank: two or three chambers under the ground. Waste settles, and the liquid flows out to a drainage field or soakaway. It needs emptying regularly.
- Cesspit or cesspool: a sealed tank with no outlet. It stores all of the waste, so it can fill up quickly. It needs emptying often.
- Sewage treatment plant: uses a pump or blower to clean the water before it leaves. It still builds up sludge, so it needs emptying and servicing too.
We empty all three. If you're not sure what you have, our engineer will check on the first visit and explain it to you.
Getting ready for your visit
A few simple things help the job go smoothly:
- Tell us where the tank is, if you know
- Clear any plants, pots or vehicles from the lids
- Make sure our tanker can get close to the property (we'll check this at the survey)
- Keep pets and children away from the area while we work
- Let us know about any problems you've noticed, such as smells or slow drains
Don't worry if you can't find the lids. Our engineers can help locate the tank.
Key benefits
- Stops overflows, bad smells and backed-up toilets
- Protects your drainage field, which is costly to replace
- Keeps your tank working the way it should
- Helps you stay on the right side of pollution rules
- Spots small problems early, before they become big repair bills
- One call books the whole job, with a free site survey before any quote