Empty and Septic Tank Treatment Plant for Christmas

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Emptying Your Septic Tank or Treatment Plant

Times are tough right now. We know many households are cutting back, and it’s tempting to stretch the time between emptying your septic tank or treatment plant. But delaying can end up costing far more in the long run - sometimes tens of thousands of pounds. Here, we explain why:

Call us today to find out more.

How a septic tank works:

A septic tank or treatment plant relies on separation.

   •   Solids sink to the bottom.

   •   Fats float to the top.

   •   The water in between flows through for further treatment.

That middle “gap” is what keeps the system working.

But if the solids at the bottom build up, and the scum layer at the top sinks under the waterline, you lose the separation space. Without that space, your tank can’t do its job. Waste slips through, clogs land drains, and eventually causes pollution.

The real risk of skipping emptying

Some say you can leave a tank for three or four years. In practice, that’s rare, and dangerous.

Here’s what happens if you delay:

   •   Solids harden at the bottom. A tanker driver may suck out only the liquid, leaving the crust. That means the separation space never comes back.

   •   Food particles and fats escape. These clog your drainage field or soakaway.

 Once blocked, it can cost £4,500–£6,000 to replace.

   •   Pollution spreads. If your treatment plant or tank overflows, fats and sewage can leak into rivers, streams, and the sea. That’s damage not just to your property but to the wider environment.

Why emptying once a year matters

Done properly, with all solids removed, an annual empty keeps that vital separation space clear.

It protects your drainage field, avoids pollution, and saves you from huge disruption and expense.

A seasonal reminder

Christmas means extra guests, more food, more water down the drains. Add heavy winter rainfall, and your system is under more pressure than any other time of year. If your tank is already struggling, this is when problems show up.

A cost-effective safeguard

Annual emptying is a small, predictable cost. Compare that with:

   •   £4,500–£6,000 for replacing a soakaway,

   •   weeks of disruption in your garden,

   •   the stress of failed drains during the holidays.

It’s not just maintenance, it’s protection for your home, your family, and the environment.

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👉 If your septic tank or treatment plant hasn’t been emptied this year, now is the time. Book your service with ASL Limited here.