Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Septic Tank Happy
Practical advice on looking after a septic tank in London and Essex, from what to avoid flushing to when to call in a tanker service.
A septic tank that is looked after properly will give you far fewer headaches than one that is left to its own devices. Here is what property owners in London and Essex need to know.
How a septic tank actually works
A septic tank separates solids, liquids and scum using gravity, allowing partially treated wastewater to soak away or discharge to a drainage field. Bacteria inside the tank break down solids over time, but the process only works if the tank is not overloaded with waste it cannot handle.
Because there is no mains connection to fall back on, problems tend to build up gradually and then appear all at once, often as slow drainage, gurgling pipes or unpleasant smells around the garden.
What not to put down the drain
Septic tanks rely on a healthy balance of bacteria, so anything that disrupts that balance or fails to break down will cause problems further down the line.
- Wet wipes, nappies and sanitary products
- Fats, oils and grease from cooking
- Harsh chemical drain cleaners and bleach in large quantities
- Paint, solvents and other household chemicals
- Excess food waste from a kitchen sink
Signs your septic tank needs attention
Slow flushing toilets, gurgling sounds from pipework, patches of unusually lush grass over the drainage field and a lingering odour near the tank are all signs that something is amiss. Ignoring these signs usually means a more disruptive and costly repair later on.
If you notice standing water or sewage backing up into the property, this is an emergency and needs a 24 hour emergency call out rather than waiting for a routine visit.
Routine emptying and desludging
Even a well maintained septic tank needs emptying periodically, as solid sludge builds up at the bottom over time and reduces the tank's effective capacity. Our tanker services are set up to remove this waste safely and dispose of it in line with environmental regulations.
How often a tank needs emptying depends on its size, the number of people using it and how carefully it is treated day to day, so it is worth keeping a record of previous visits to spot a pattern.
When to call in a CCTV drain survey
If a tank keeps filling faster than expected, or you suspect a blockage or damage in the pipework leading to it, a CCTV drain survey can identify the exact cause without any guesswork or unnecessary digging. This is particularly useful for landlords and commercial property managers who need clear evidence before authorising further work.
Getting help when you need it
Septic tank problems rarely wait for convenient office hours, which is why we offer 24 hour emergency call outs across London and Essex alongside scheduled tanker services and drain descaling. Call 020 3488 6280 or email info@rdrainage.co.uk to arrange an inspection or a routine emptying visit.