SEPTIC WASTE
All wastewater systems require regular emptying, or desludging. These systems include septic tanks, cesspits, sewage treatment plants, grease traps and interceptors. Maintaining your system regularly will help it to keep it running efficiently and eliminate problems such as foul odours, blockages and overflow.
Septic Waste Services
We have a fleet of different size tankers that can carefully access your property and efficiently empty your sewage tank. Our friendly drivers are all experienced and will remove your waste with the minimum of disruption and the highest standard of service – and you don’t even need to be at home!
Scheduled regular empties, or one-off collections are offered to suit your requirements.
Philip Trim Contractors are registered with the Environment Agency as Waste Carriers to transport non-hazardous waste and ensure all septic waste is disposed of in full compliance with environmental legislation.
Services include:
- Septic Tanks
- Cesspits
- Cesspools
- Sewage/wastewater Treatment Plants
- Pumping Stations
- Welfare Units and Holding Tanks
- Event and Festival Toilets and Holding Tanks
- Portable Toilets
- Grease Traps
- Gully, Drain and Manhole Emptying
- Car Wash Interceptors
- Campsites
- Ships and Boats
- Schools
- Hospitals
A Fleet of Tankers for all property types
Vehicles range from a 4-wheeled rigid vacuum tanker, which is perfect for properties with tight access, to our 6-wheeled rigid vacuum tankers that have high powered jetting facilities, through to articulated lorries which are great for large commercial properties.
For access over fields, farms and the most rural tanks we can provide a tractor and tanker unit.
Having a diverse range of vehicles means we can send a specific one out that can be used to provide the best solution for your needs.
Different Tanks and Systems
Septic Tank
A septic tank is designed to collect sewage and wastewater from properties that are not connected to the mains sewer. Depending on the size and usage, a septic tank will usually require emptying annually.
Simply, a septic tank is a tank that is buried under ground, and made of concrete, fiberglass, PVC or plastic. The tank might hold 1,000 gallons (4,000 litres) of water, and wastewater flows into the tank at one end, and leaves the tank at the other. The tank looks something like this in cross-section:
Liquid flows into the tank and anything that floats rises to the top and forms a layer known as the scum layer. Anything heavier than water sinks to form the sludge layer. In the middle is a fairly clear water layer. With time, the solids that settle to the bottom are degraded anaerobically. However, the rate of accumulation is faster than the rate of decomposition, and the accumulated sludge must be removed at some point. Generally, septic tanks are emptied annually but this depends on usage.
Cesspits and Cesspools
A cesspit or cesspool is an underground holding tank that simply collects sewage and wastewater, with no soakaway or processing, so all of the wastewater is stored inside the tank and will need to be emptied more frequently. Cesspits are usually installed in environmentally sensitive areas or where space is an issue and there is not enough room to install a soakaway.
Sewage or Water Treatment Plants
A sewage or water treatment plant acts similarly to a septic tank, by using the first two chambers to settle out the solid matter. Settled liquids will then discharge into the biozone chamber where the liquids are mechanically aerated and is further broken down by aerobic digestion. Fine solids will settle out in a final settlement chamber before discharge, and generally a high quality final effluent is achieved in accordance with EA regulations.
Desludging and routine maintenance of the plant is essential to ensure the system works optimally.
Gully Emptying
Gully emptying services are provided to enable a quick response to all emergency enquiries. Having regular gully emptying ensures gullies are clean and therefore free of blockages.
Grease Trap Emptying
A grease trap or grease interceptor is used to capture waste produced in the kitchens of commercial properties, this will prevent waste from collecting into the sewer system. You will save money in the long run by having grease traps frequently emptied and cleaned and will therefore avoid costly repairs.
Septic Waste FAQs
How often should my tank be emptied?
Domestic septic tanks should be emptied annually, however, this will be determined by the tanks size and the number of people/properties or commercial building that the tank services.
Do I need to be on site during your visit?
Providing that our drivers and vehicles can gain access to the tank and its location, you do not necessarily need to be at home when we visit.
Booking a Tanker
To book a de-sludge, empty or waste system clean simply call us on 01929 472192, email us at info@philiptrimcontractors.com or complete the form on our contact page.
We also work with a number of local drainage companies, and we liaise with them to be on-site to empty tanks prior to inspections or repair works.