Septic Tank Emptying and Cleaning
Septic tanks are responsible for collecting waste water and sewage from domestic and commercial properties that are not connected to the mains sewer lines. Grey-Water Drainage Solutions are responsible for emptying and cleaning them.
- Current response time as of
- 1 to 3 hours
- Recommended emptying
- Every 6 to 12 months
What Are Septic Tanks?
Simply great drainage engineers, at great prices. Septic tank configurations vary to suit the requirement. These work in conjunction with a drainage field to treat the waste water effectively and return it to the environment. Septic tanks provide an affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly way to deal with waste water.
The waste water from your property flows through drains into the septic tank. This fills the tank with effluent (waste water) which is broken down by anaerobic bacteria, separating oils (which float to the top) and solids (which float to the bottom). Once this separation process has taken place, the effluent escapes through a filtered outlet towards the drainage field.
In the drainage field, bacteria have a big area to thrive and the treated effluent can seep into the ground. Aerobic bacteria in the surrounding soil brings the process to a close, taking in the clean, filtered water. All that is left in the tank is the refuse.
Don't risk using an uninsured or inexperienced drainage company, you can use our services with complete peace of mind. Guaranteed to solve your problem, at an affordable price, with an amazing friendly team. What more could you want? You can call us now if you need immediate support, otherwise read on for tips on knowing when it's time to excavate your drains.
Septic Tank Emptying Near You
If you're in the South-East of England, we have it covered with our tanker services.
6 or 12-Month Services
Subject to property size, maintenance is the key to preventing emergency call-out and unexpected costs.
Total Drainage Solutions
We carry out full drainage services meaning we are typically always prepared for any eventuality.
Professional, Reliable Tanker Services
We employ quality tools, tested methods and honed expertise, providing significant value for money.
Septic Tanks and Cesspits
What Are Cesspits?
Cesspits work by providing a similar solution to septic tanks, collecting your waste and sewage. The difference between the two is that cesspit tanks do not process or treat the wastage in any way. They can fill up at a fast rate and require emptying more frequently. Cesspits are typically used when the ground is unsuitable for the waste to be treated; this can include areas in close proximity to water courses.
Prevent Septic Tank Problems
A septic tank that is not emptied on a regular basis is at risk of causing contamination to surrounding areas. A pre-planned maintenance contract is the perfect solution to minimise the risk of overflowing, blockages or costly repairs being required in the future. Routine maintenance also ensures your septic tank is compliant with legal requirements. It can also be useful to ensure no sanitary products, food waste, oils or grease enter the pipes. Using biologically friendly products is also recommended.
Prevent Cesspit Problems
A cesspit that is not emptied on a regular basis is at risk of causing contamination to surrounding areas. A pre-planned maintenance contract is the perfect solution to minimise the risk of overflowing, blockages or costly repairs being required in the future. Routine cesspit maintenance also ensures compliance with legal requirements. It can also be useful to ensure no sanitary products, food waste, oils or grease enter the pipes. Using biologically friendly products is also recommended.
Why Use Grey-Water?
We have years of experience in septic tank and cesspit emptying and cleaning. Grey-Water is a highly trusted drainage company in the South of the UK and will provide you with reliable, hassle-free maintenance. Our certified and professional network of engineers and access to the latest technology and equipment allows us to provide septic tank services that are quick, effective and cause minimal disturbance.
We offer emergency call-outs 24 hours a day, as well as pre-planned maintenance contracts which can help to avoid unnecessary disruptions. Get in touch today.
Tanker Services
Simply great drainage engineers, at great prices. Grey-Water Drainage offer a wide range of tanker services to our commercial and residential customers. With years of experience in the drainage industry, our tankers and team of expert engineers are available 24/7 and are fully equipped to deal professionally with all waste water issues, guaranteeing any disruption to your daily life is kept to a minimum.
Our expertise is in liquid waste disposal and the clearing of sewers, septic tanks and waste removal of sewage and hazardous waste. Our team of highly skilled professional engineers also offer jetting and industrial water waste management.
Don't risk using an uninsured or inexperienced drainage company, you can use our services with complete peace of mind. Guaranteed to solve your problem, at an affordable price, with an amazing friendly team. What more could you want? You can call us now if you need immediate support with tanker services.
Risks of Flooding
Tanker services are crucial to the prevention of flooding as they assist in the removal and redistribution of excess water from areas prone to flooding. We use specialised tanker trucks equipped with powerful pumps to extract water from flooded areas, and so reduce the risk of inundation. Additionally, tanker services can transport excess water to designated storage facilities or discharge points, preventing accumulation on roads or in vulnerable areas. By efficiently removing and managing excess water, tanker services alleviate pressure on drainage systems and reduce the likelihood of flooding events. Prompt response and effective water management strategies are instrumental in safeguarding communities and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding.
Tanker Services Near You
We have access to various tankers with high pressure drain jetting equipment and more. If your septic tank or cesspit needs a service, we are equipped.
Cesspit Emptying and Cleaning
Full emptying, cleaning and maintenance. We will also inspect and report on the condition of your equipment, so you don't get caught out by any nasty surprises with our drain CCTV services.
Recommended 6-12 Month Services
Subject to property size, maintenance is the key to preventing emergency drain blockages that cost and cause more worry.
Cesspit Services
We carry out full cesspit drain services so we have every eventuality covered.
Waste Services
Tanker Service Fleet
We have a range of bulk waste removal vehicles sized to suit all requirements from private residential clients to commercial properties and large industrial premises. With our fleet of tankers, equipped to support customers with bulk waste water removal, you can be sure that your waste is transported and disposed of responsibly.
Water Waste Disposal
Our tankers are ideal for removing liquid waste such as oil, foul water, and grease. Grey-Water Drainage offers reliable 24/7 service for safe disposal, contact our team today to learn more about our tanker services.
Gully Sucking
Gully sucking, using our powerful vacuum tankers, removes silt, debris, and water from gullies and drains to prevent blockages and reduce flood risks. Regular use helps maintain drainage efficiency and avoid costly repairs.
Have we not got you flowing yet? It's time to call the drain unblocking experts
Commercial or residential, our team are fully equipped to resolve your issue today.
Are You a Commercial Enterprise, Public Highway or Council?
Our options satisfy the most demanding requirements in addition to resolving the most immediate problems.
Full reporting
Thorough inspection with a full written report of findings.
Flood prevention
Flood prevention and management strategies for your infrastructure.
Emergency response
Fast response that keeps disruption to a minimum.
Consultation & planning
Long-term drainage strategies, upgrades and recommendations.
Simple estimates
Clear estimates so you know how cost links to the work.
Vulnerable residents
Patience, clear explanation and priority for elderly or frail clients.
High-risk areas
Security-vetted teams, including airport airside facilities.
Standard payment terms
Invoice billing and payment schedules as jobs complete.
Who we work with
Households
Fast help with blocked toilets, sinks and outside drains, day or night. Our engineers explain what they find, work clean and tidy, and give you an estimate before any repair.
Local councils
Reactive call-outs and planned work across council buildings, housing and public spaces, with full written reports for your records and priority care for elderly or vulnerable residents.
Public highways
We clear blocked road gullies and storm drains to reduce surface flooding, using jetting and tanker units. See our gully cleaning service.
Commercial enterprise
Blockages cleared with minimal disruption to trading, including out-of-hours visits, with clear estimates and invoice billing when the job is complete.
Commercial property
For managing agents and landlords across multiple sites: reactive unblocking, CCTV evidence to share with tenants and owners, and scheduled maintenance to stop repeat call-outs.
Investment companies
A clear picture of drainage condition across your assets, from CCTV inspections and written reports to long-term upgrade recommendations.
Estate agents
Quick fixes that keep a sale moving, and pre-purchase drain surveys that flag problems before completion.
Government & quango
Security-vetted teams, documented work and standard payment terms that fit the way public bodies operate.
NHS & private
Fast response to keep wards, clinics and healthcare sites running, with engineers who work considerately around patients and staff.
Airports
Security-vetted teams cleared to work in high-risk areas, including airside facilities, with work planned around operational demands.
Distribution
Yards, loading bays and site drainage kept flowing, with tanker and jetting units for large-volume work and visits planned around your operations.
Manufacturers
Reactive and planned drain maintenance for production sites, flood prevention planning and full reports for your health and safety records.
Some of our commercial clients
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Septic Tank Take to Fill?
This is subjective to the owner of the septic tank. The time it takes for a cesspit to fill up can vary depending on several factors such as its size, the number of occupants using the system, and their water usage habits. However, it's important to note that cesspits are not designed to be filled and are typically emptied on a regular basis to prevent overflowing.
How Much Does Septic Tank Emptying Cost?
Cesspits will vary in size - a larger cesspit will ultimately be more costly to empty than a smaller one. Generally, a 4,500 litre cesspit will range from £100 to empty, whilst an 18,000 litre will mark up at upwards of £250. Of course, total sums will differ from case to case when it comes to cesspit cleaning.
Is There Septic Tank Emptying Near Me?
If you live in the Kent or London area, we have local operatives in your area. We are available to carry out commercial and residential cleaning of septic tanks, depending on what you require. Give us a call and we will provide you with our next available visit date.
Can I Empty My Septic Tank Myself?
Due to specialist training and equipment needed in order to empty cesspits, only experts are qualified to undertake them. Talk to us today and find out how we can save you stress and money with our experienced staff.
Do I Have to Pay in Advance for Septic Tank Emptying?
As this process can be time-dependent, we ask for payment after the job is complete.
Will a Septic Tank Smell?
Kept in the proper condition, a septic tank will not cause odour to permeate outside. All waste water is contained within the tank and without any cracks or leakage, the smell will also be contained. If you smell unusual odours coming from your septic tank, give Grey-Water a call; it may be that the tank has sustained damage.
What Size Septic Tank Do I Need?
The size of the septic tank that suits your needs depends on what your needs are. For example, if you live in a house alone or with one or two other people, you may only need a small septic tank with around 4000 litre capacity only to be emptied once every year or two. Although, if you need to accommodate a lot of people, a much larger septic tank could be necessary (perhaps in the realm of 18,000 litres).
How Do You Empty a Septic Tank?
Septic tank emptying can only be done with specialised equipment and proper training. A waste removal vehicle is brought in and through the use of a large pressurised vacuum attached to a hose, the sewage is sucked into the vehicle's waste tank ready for transporting to the correct disposal facility.
Where Would You Find a Septic Tank?
Septic tanks are found commonly in rural and urban areas where centralised sewage systems are not available. They are typically located on the property of residential homes or commercial buildings, away from water sources such as wells, lakes, or other bodies of water.
How Often Does My Septic Tank Need Emptying?
Emptying and cleaning your septic tank can help prevent any overflowing or malfunctions from occurring, whilst helping maintain efficiency. How regularly you empty your septic tank all depends on the size of the property and how frequently it is used. It's recommended that you empty your tank every 6-12 months to maintain effective performance.
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