Septic Tank Specialists in Dorset and across the South
Specialists in septic tank installation, maintenance & repair.
SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION SERVICES
Independent Drainage are the south’s leading septic tank specialist, with years of experience in septic tank installation. We help residents and building owners to manage their off-mains drainage safely, effectively and reliably.
SEPTIC TANK SERVICING, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
Septic tanks are a popular solution for properties without a mains sewer connection. They’re simple and are usually hassle-free – but they need regular maintenance to avoid repairs or replacement.
Regardless of the size of your tank, it must be emptied on a regular schedule. Keeping a close eye on the condition of your septic tank is important, too – as even small issues could lead to serious septic tank problems like sewage backups.
Our septic tank emptying, servicing and maintenance will keep your septic tank working brilliantly for years to come, helping you to avoid bad smells, costly repairs and dangerous sewage backups.
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ABOUT SEPTIC TANKS
Septic tanks are the most basic form of sewage treatment available. Unlike a sewage treatment plant, septic tanks don’t need any electricity to work.
Septic tanks are simple underground chambers, usually made of brick or fibreglass, that separate solid waste from wastewater. Solid material is stored inside the tank, and wastewater is allowed to filter into a drainage field.
While some basic treatment of the waste in the septic tank happens through an anaerobic process, it’s only moderate and relies on a drainage field for further treatment.
Septic tanks can only be installed on properties with free draining soil and enough level ground to create a drainage field – and because they store waste, they need to be emptied regularly.
SEPTIC TANK ISSUES?
If you've got a problem such overflowing or clogging, you will no doubt be keen to get it fixed quickly. This could be caused by a fault in the tank, soakaway or by improper maintenance. Regardless of the cause, Independent Drainage can help you to repair it promptly. You can get in touch with us to discuss how we can help you.
SEPTIC TANK PROBLEMS
THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH SEPTIC TANKS ARE:
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DRAINAGE FIELD FAILURE
Sometimes, a pipe failure can allow solids to enter and contaminate the filter. This can cause flooding of the septic tank and connecting drainage – resulting in blocked toilets or water escaping from a manhole. Wastewater can rise to the surface above the drainage field, causing bad smells or forming a marshy, weedy area.
SEPTIC TANK DAMAGE
The most common kind of septic tank damage is a result of poor installation, where a tank hasn’t got the correct concrete surround, or where it has been installed too close to trees. The walls of your septic tank can be damaged by nearby tree roots applying pressure as they grow – and this damage can lead to poor performance, leaks or complete tank failure.
SEPTIC TANK ODOURS
Nasty odours from around your septic tank aren’t just unpleasant – they could be a warning sign that your tank is about to fail.
Any bad smells coming from your septic tank need urgent professional attention, to minimise leaks and prevent a costly septic tank system replacement.
SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING
If you need to empty your septic tank more than once a year, there’s usually a serious problem.
Frequent overfilling, excessive smells, flooding above the drainage field or a blocked toilet are all signs that a septic tank inspection is in order.
LACK OF MAINTENANCE
Annual emptying and maintenance are important – and a lack of maintenance can cause harmful buildup in your septic tank. This can make the inner pipework or baffles of your septic tank collapse, letting waste flow into the drainage field. Sometimes, this can only be resolved with a new septic tank installation.
Our friendly expert team are here to help whether you need a quote for a new septic tank, or maintenance and repair help. Call us today for expert local advice.
CONNECTION TO
WATER COURSE
Under new laws in England, it’s illegal to connect a septic tank to a watercourse – but there are some circumstances where this is still the case. The new laws from the Environment Agency are designed to protect watercourses from pollution.
Find more information on these laws on our General Binding Rules for 2020 page.
SEPTIC TANK DISCHARGE
TO GROUND
Septic tanks can’t use a well, soakaway or borehole – as this is in breach of pollution laws. You can apply to the Environment Agency for a permit to discharge your wastewater from your septic tank, but it’s not likely you’ll be granted permission. Instead, you must either upgrade to a drainage field or install a sewage treatment plant.
SEPTIC TANKS CAPACITY
It’s not unusual for septic tanks in older properties to be undersized, as modern appliances like dishwashers and washing machines produce more wastewater.
If there are more occupants living or working at the property and the septic tank hasn’t been upgraded to suit, the system may not work effectively – and could become blocked or cause pollution. Independent Drainage can help by conducting a drainage system survey, to make sure your septic tank capacity fits your requirements.
SPEAK TO OUR SEPTIC TANK EXPERTS NOW & BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
Need more information?
We are here to assist. Contact us by phone, email or via our social media channels.