What is a Septic Tank?

The purpose of a septic tank is to treat the wastewater (sewage) from your property when the property is not connected to a sewerage or drain system. Septic tanks are usually large tanks buried underground and are typically made of concrete, plastic or fibreglass.

A septic tank works by separating the liquids and solids from wastewater using gravity. The sewage flows into the tank and all heavy solids (sludge) sink to the bottom of the tank, while light solids (e.g. oils and grease) float to the surface. Some of the sludge is broken down and decomposed by natural bacteria.

Septic Tanks

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Wastewater (sewage) from your property flows using gravity into the first chamber, where the heavy solids (sludge) sink to the bottom of the tank. A small amount of anaerobic breakdown occurs at this stage of the water treatment.

The liquid and lighter solids flow over the baffle into the second chamber. A layer of scum forms at the top of the liquid. A specially designed outlet pipe is fitted to the unit to ensure that only the liquid flows into the percolation area. This dip pipe prevents the scum from passing into the percolation area which may block pipes.

Final improvement of the waste water occurs as it penetrates through a specially designed percolation area.

What is a septictank

How Often Should I Empty a Septic Tank?

Septic tanks need to be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent the blocking or flooding of drains. Bolton Tanker Services offer a scheduled septic tank emptying service using vacuum tankers to keep your septic tank clean and free of blockages. Our service is available for domestic and commercial customers and is to government standards.

Our septic tank cleaning service includes high pressure jetting all the lines into the septic tank, checking the soakaway and clearing any vegetation growth or debris around it. All waste is professionally disposed of.

Our 18 tonne gully tanker is ideal for accessing back alleyways, car parks and other hard to reach areas not accessible by larger vehicles.

The bigger your property is and the more occupants in the household, the larger septic tank you will have.

Prices start from a fully inclusive price of £225 for domestic septic tank and cesspit emptying and disposal.

We also offer a 24 hour emergency pumping service for customers who have a tank that is already blocked.

Recommended Septic Tank Pumping Frequency in Years
(Number of Occupants in the Household)

Tank Size (Litres) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2,275 5.8 2.6 1.5 1.0 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 -
3,400 9.1 4.2 2.6 1.8 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3
4,100 11.0 5.2 3.3 2.3 1.7 1.3 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.5
4,550 12.4 5.9 3.7 2.6 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.7
5,675 15.6 7.5 4.8 3.4 2.6 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.2 1.0
6,800 18.9 9.1 5.9 4.2 3.3 2.6 2.1 1.8 1.5 1.3
7,950 22.1 10.7 6.9 5.0 3.9 3.1 2.6 2.2 1.9 1.6
9,100 25.4 12.4 8.0 5.9 4.5 3.7 3.1 2.6 2.2 2.0
10,225 28.6 14.0 9.1 6.7 5.2 4.2 3.5 3.0 2.6 2.3
11,375 30.9 15.6 10.2 7.5 5.9 4.8 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.6