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After initial assessment I was told it was a two man job who duly arrived in a couple of days with a jetting machine to clear the limescale. They worked very hard to jet the blockage one in the bathroom one outside at the manhole with the jetter. When they were satisfied the soilpipe was clear they inserted a camera so we could all see the there was now no obstruction. They were pleasant and informed me what was happening all the time, I would recommend them to others.
PAT
Very high standard of work carried out by Mark. Solved my issue,very knowledgeable,punctual and tidy. Would recommend & certainly use again.
Patrick
Very good and efficient job, excellent standard of work, well satisfied.
Jeremy
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Septic Tank Emptying, Installation & Cleaning | Find a Septic Tank Service Near You
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a type of sewage system for the home, and is generally used in rural properties that can’t be connected to a larger sewer system.
How does a septic system work?
All sewage and wastewater leaves the house via a main pipe, and goes into the septic tank which is buried underground. The tank is usually made of concrete, fibreglass, PVC, or plastic.
Inside the tank, solid waste sinks to the bottom and is partially decomposed by bacteria. Other elements like fat and plastics rise to the top, creating a crust. What’s left in the middle is relatively cleaner water – and we stress the word ‘relative’ here. It’s a long way from being drinking water, but it can be drained into the ground, which disposes of it naturally in the local ecosystem, rather than contributing to the work of a large sewage facility.
When the water leaves the septic tank, it goes into a distribution box. This box feeds the water into a set of underground pipes, which then releases the water into the soil. The ground above these pipes is known as the draining field or soakaway.
The whole system can easily work using gravity, with each component being lower than the last, but if this isn’t possible then pumps can assist in getting the water where it needs to go.
Some water evaporates into the air, and the rest soaks down into the soil. The soil itself filters out chemicals and minerals, while microbes in the soil break down impurities in the same way the septic tank does.
Releasing water back into the ground keeps it moist, and helps plants grow.
The system also requires a vent to release noxious gasses from the septic tank, as well as allow air into the system.
What can a septic tank specialist help with?
Cleaning
The most important thing you’ll need a septic tank specialist for is to clean out the system. The solids at the bottom of the tank, as well as the crust at the top, build up faster than it decomposes. These elements need to be removed from the tank periodically, which is why the tank has access hatches built in. About once a year, you’ll need to arrange for someone to pump out the excess waste. If this is ignored, then the waste will build up and eventually block, backing up into the house.
Installing or replacing a septic tank
Over time, you might need to replace parts, or all, of a septic system. If the system requires cleaning every few months then that’s a sign of blockage or inefficiency. Maybe you can see waste water or sewage coming up from the ground, which could be a sign that the tank is no longer watertight. These are severe cases but they’re the biggest reasons why you might need to replace the system.
You might have a large house with a lot of water usage, in which case you could consider a larger tank. It’s also possible to link two or more tanks together if you need larger capacity.
Costs for septic tank installations and maintenance
- Tanks start at around £800.
- Installation is around £1500.
- The drainage field, or soakaway, costs about £5000 to lay, for about 100 metres of drains. This is the total length of the pipes – you don’t need a 100-metre stretch of land to accommodate it.
- Emptying the tank annually will cost around £150.
Maintenance of your septic tank system
If you want to maintain your system in the best possible way, there are 3 things you need to know.
How the system works.
Everything happens underground and out of sight, so it’s important you know what’s going on. This page tells you everything you need to know, so you’ve got that covered.
Where the pipes are.
If you’re installing a septic tank system, get your installer to show you where everything is, plus you should always keep plans of the work for future reference. If you’re buying a house that already has a system installed, you should ask for the plans. If they’re not available then use a septic tank specialist to help you find out where everything is.
Potential ways you could damage the system.
You shouldn’t build anything on top of the drainage pipes. If you put any sort of shed or building on top of the pipes, you’re almost definitely going to cut or damage them. Also it stops air from getting into the soil, which would hinder the soil’s ability to filter the water.
Likewise, don’t drive over the pipes, or park a vehicle there. This weight will compact the soil and stop it from being able to accept water at all. In severe situations, the weight of a car could even crush the pipes. You shouldn’t keep large animals there – like horses or cows – for the same reason.
Don’t pour waste chemicals, paints, or cooking oils down the sink. These can kill the microbes in the septic tank that break down the solid substances. They can also clog the drainage field which would eventually fill the tank, and back up into the house.
Always know where your access hatches are too, and keep them clear of obstruction.
Lastly, don’t plant any trees or bushes too near the system as the roots could disturb the pipes too.
8 things to check when buying a property with a septic tank
- Ask if the septic tank has been maintained regularly – ask for invoices or receipts for tanker visits or service calls. A septic tank usually needs to be emptied annually.
- Find out how often the system is currently being emptied. If it’s being emptied every few months, this could be a sign of a problem.
- Ask the current owners how much their service costs, so you can work out how much it’ll cost you annually.
- Don’t rely on homebuyer surveys to tell you what’s going on underground – they only take a basic look at drainage systems. It’s crucial you get a full pre-purchase drainage survey before buying somewhere with a septic system. Get the tank emptied at the same time, to make sure the walls and pipework of the tank can be inspected.
- Ask for a plan of the drainage system.
- Find out if any part of the system is on someone else’s land. You need to know what the relationship is like with the landowner as you’ll need access for repairs, replacements and maintenance.
- Think about access to the property. Tankers need to be within 30 metres of the tank to empty it. Are you planning an extension or similar? If so you’ll need to make sure this access is maintained.
Where does the waste water go when it leaves the tank? If it goes straight to a watercourse or a ditch, this isn’t legal any more. By 2020, you’ll need to have it
Planning permission for septic tanks
If you’re installing a new septic tank system
For installations in England, you need planning permission and building regulations approval.
There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
If you have a system that didn’t get permission and approval
In England, you need to apply retrospectively for both planning permission and building regulations approval.
You don’t need to do this if your system was installed before 1 January 2015.
Regulations for operating a septic system
You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.
The sewage must:
- Be domestic, for example – from a toilet, bathroom, shower or kitchen of a house, flat or business – contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure if the sewage is classed as domestic.
- Not cause pollution – find out how to check for pollution.
There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing sewage to the ground, or into surface water.
Releasing to the ground
You have to use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).
You need to apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):
- To a well, borehole or other deep structure.
- More than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day.
- In a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1).
Releasing to a surface water
You must use a small sewage treatment plant. You must apply for a permit if you’re discharging more than 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day. Use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.
Find out more on the government’s website.
Insurance for skill work
All tradespeople should have public liability insurance, which protects you, and them, against any accidents or injury.
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We are a family run buisness that originated in Lincolnshire. We have relocated to the Kent area and have a fantastic skilled team of builders, carpenters, electricians, landscapers and many more. We thrive on perfection, quality and value for money and will share our knowledge and expertise with you.
James was hired to fit 5 internal doors. It took him 3 days, and the work was careless, lazy, and full of mistakes, excuses, lies and frustration. He blamed the doors, house, locks, anything but himself. I wasn't going to leave a review, but after he left I was able to fix —by myself— issues that he tried to gaslight me into believing it was the best possible outcome. I suspect his "27 years of experience" was made up, and the problem was nothing but absolute lack of skill, care and work ethic.
Reliable plumbing services from a qualified plumber. Over 15 years experience! Any type of plumbing issue from leaks to new installations. -Booster pumps -Central heating issues -Radiator repair or replacement l -Repair or replacing bath, toilet, basin or kitchen sink. -Immersion heater/ boilers -Taps, mixers, bidet spray. -Install kitchen appliances
Norbert wrote an unpleasant message via sms to my phone, which was this offensive and unprofessional. I have reported it.
www.kbaconstruction.online MAKE YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME TODAY WITH KBA CONSTRUCTION'S We are a building company with many years combined experience. working as Builder in London (UK), we help to make your house a home or property investment you can rely on.
Did a fantastic job and at good price
Pocock developments has been trading in and around Berkshire and the home counties for some 30 years with great references. its a family run business with myself and my wife Kerry. We Produce fixed price quotations. we are Elecsa certified.
Spencer at Pocock Developments project managed our work very well. From the fully detailed quote, to advising on any pricing changes and providing some extra plastering work - got to say everything was managed smoothly and transparently, and the one hiccup over the roof tiles was put right quickly. Plus we appreciated Myron and Ivan's eye for detail and managing their work around the weather. Our two dormers look great, so thanks Pocock Development and we'd definitely use them again ????
DX Construction ltd is a building company based in sheffield south yorkshire with Experienced and qualified builders With over 11 years experience in the trade we pride ourselves on perfection & 5 STAR quality. We have the skills, knowledge and creativity to solve your site specific problems. References available. Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service We cover following areas: - Sheffield - Rotherham - Doncaster - Chesterfield - and other surrounding areas SERVICES WE PROVIDE 1 Extension 2 Loft conversions 3 Refurbishments & full house renovation 4 Roofing 5 Chimney removal 6 Landscaping and garden work 7 Carpentry & joinery 8 Kitchen & bathroom fitting 9 Electrical & plumbing Please get in touch for a great reliable and professional service
Andrea and his team were excellent. He is very reliable, efficient and hard working. He made a very challenging job look easy and did some extra things for me that weren’t included in the quote, without charging extra. He got back to me quickly and the whole job took less than 2 weeks from me posting to completion. I would definitely recommend this company and I’m sure I will ask him to do other jobs for me.
FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS
my potting shed was reglazed and the rotten wood replaced arrived on time to give an estimate Work completed to a high standard prompt reliable Michael was open honest and the work done was value for money
We are a friendly family run business of 3 generation's We offer a complete building service with all of our trades men in house. we have completed some major restorations such as Vermont hotel 108 bathrooms county hotel full conversion many extensions and house builds also maintenance for landlords and home owners give us a try and hope to see you soon.
Excellent. Did the work with no bother. Good price.
22 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON BUILDING and construction. With my team we did from Garden Landscape all the way to new build yet making sure Clinet saves as much as possible on they projects cost . We are qualified Gas safety Electrical Plumbing We specialaise on: Loft conversion Bathroom Kitchen Extensions Paiting and Decorating Plumbing Roofing Garden Landscaping Insured and insurance backed services
Prompt efficient service. Left area clean after work completed.
Very fast service. Well within my budget.
Father's House Carpentry/Painting & Decorating Services
Septic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / Cleaning
Based in Bath, Father's House Carpentry/ Painting & Decorating is a trusted, rated and reliable team of Carpentry specialist.
Some what difficult job done to perfection. Pleasant young man did a brilliant job . Highly delighted.
CG Building LTD , it is a small company , established back in 2016. We carry work all around UK , but now we are based in Somerset and we cover all surrounding areas. •We take small & big jobs ! •We do all aspects building •We offer a friendly and reliable service, working closely with the client to make sure they have a clear understanding of the works that are being carried out throughout the process. -Renovations- - Kitchen and bathroom insulations- Plastering. - Painting and decorating. - Carpentry-
Very professional. I would definitely recommend this trades person. Good pricing and great work. I am keeping his contract for work in the future.
Are you in search of a reliable and experienced building and landscape company? Look no further than LT Construction & Landscape Ltd! With over 20 years of experience, we have established ourselves as a professional, family-run business dedicated to providing top-notch services to our clients. From painting and decorating to new build extensions and garden services, we offer a wide range of construction and landscaping solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to renovate your home or create a stunning outdoor space, we have got you covered. At LT Construction & Landscape Ltd, we take pride in our work and strive to exceed our clients' expectations. Our team of experts is committed to delivering high-quality results, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards. What sets us apart from other companies is our dedication to customer satisfaction. We understand that every project is unique, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their vision comes to life. We prioritize open communication, transparency, and integrity in all our interactions, creating a seamless and stress-free experience for our clients. As a token of appreciation for choosing us, we promise to beat any quote you've had. This is our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your project. We are confident in the value we bring to our clients and are committed to providing affordable solutions without compromising on quality. So, if you're in need of reliable and professional construction and landscape services, look no further than LT Construction & Landscape Ltd. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you bring your vision to life. #construction #landscape #building #renovations #freequote ????????
Contractors made arrangements to call, arrived on time, they seemed very nice & efficient; however we did not receive a quote as promised, when I queried it; he apologized saying he thought he had emailed me to say it would be late as he had broken his collarbone. Then I received a text saying he wasn't going to quote as he was off sick for 6 weeks, so unfortunately we are unable to rate his work...
JSF Plumbing Services is a full-service plumbing company that offers a wide range of services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. We have been in business for over 20 years and are proud to be one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing companies in the industry. Our team of highly trained and experienced plumbers are committed to providing excellent customer service and delivering high-quality workmanship. • Residential Plumbing Services: Our residential plumbing services include everything from fixing leaky faucets to installing new plumbing systems. We also offer emergency services for urgent plumbing issues. • Commercial Plumbing Services: We provide a wide range of commercial plumbing services, including installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems for office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, and more. • Water Heater Services: We offer installation, repair, and maintenance services for all types of water heaters, including tankless water heaters, gas water heaters, and electric water heaters. • Drain Cleaning Services: Our drain cleaning services include unclogging blocked drains, fixing slow drains, drainage jetting and repairing damaged sewer lines. • Leak Detection Services: We use the latest technology to detect leaks in your plumbing system and provide efficient and cost-effective solutions. • Emergency Services: We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent plumbing issues. Why Choose Us: • Experienced and highly trained plumbers • Reliable and efficient service • Competitive pricing • High-quality workmanship • 24/7 emergency services • Excellent customer service • Free estimates
Wow. Super quick to respond and was round to see the problem as soon as I was available. I was expecting to have to buy a new tap and pay for labour but James fixed my existing tap problems as well as also looking at a separate issue. All for no charge at all. No matter how I tried to force some money on him he refused. As if that wasn’t enough he’s also a thoroughly likeable chap .
My name is Jamie. I run j.smith & son roofing and building Ltd. We are a family run business that's been running for almost 30 years. I have been running it myself for the past 14 years. We also offer free quotes and all work comes under guarantee and also fully insured. Fascia/soffits Guttering Porches Aluminium guttering Cast guttering Lead work Lead roofing Flat roofs Dry ridge Dry verge Roof repairs New roofs Chimneys removed Conservatory tiled roofs plus much more We also give a 15 year quarantee with most work. We will beat any like for like, genuine quote by 20% These are the services we can provide: -Block Paving -Slabbing -Gravel -Driveways -Patio's -Fencing -Tarmac -Patio/Driveway Cleaning -Landscaping
Excellent communication, friendly and professional. The work was completed to a great standard and at a good price. I would recommend, great job.
Hello everyone, I am civil engineering, I worked with different company in France and UK , I finally decided to create my own company COMFOROOMS LTD. I have long experience in building and groundwork . I am a serious person, I like my job, I respect my customers and I always tried to make them happy. I promise you a good job, nice and clean. You have my warranty for every job I will do. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon Thank you H.Turki Director
Hass from Comforooms came to replace our in-wall shower system. From the initial discussions to costings all the way through to the final work, he was super professional, efficient, reliable, friendly, considered and helpful. Clearly, Hass always aims to do the best work he can do with the best result for the customer in mind. ?Can’t recommend him highly enough.
LITA CONTRACTORS LTD We are a family owned construction company with over 10 years of successful commercial and residential building projects. Based in London, we help clients with all kinds of construction needs, with existing plans or brand-new designs and solutions. Some of our services include: - Ground work - Drainage - Basements - First Fix & Second Fix - Kitchen & Bathroom Fit Out - RC Frame & Steel Frame We are specialised in delivering reliable and best quality services that will last a generation.
We are a family run business with lots of experience no job is too big or too small many thanks onestop team
Very pleased with the quality of the repair. Would recommend them to Neighbours.
Whether you're in need of a renovation, facing an emergency leak, requiring asbestos removal, or seeking efficient waste management services, we've got all your needs covered. Look no further for comprehensive property solutions at competitive rates. As proud members of the Federation of Master Builders, our skilled and experienced team possesses the necessary expertise to tackle any project. With a robust track record of successfully completing a variety of jobs in both commercial and residential settings, our team is fully equipped to handle projects of any size and complexity. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are committed to delivering optimal results for you. Choose Nu Space for a seamless, reliable, and expert approach to meet your requirements.
A time and date was agreed with this company to attend our home and then provide us with a quote. However on the due date, the Representative of the company did not arrive. When we tried to call the company to find out why, we continually received an out of office message even tho this was only late afternoon . Very poor , we will not use this company again
General maintenance
All work completed on time and on budget and to a very high standard. Couldn’t have asked for better.
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