Let’s face it — your treatment plant or septic tank isn’t exactly the most glamorous part of your property. It doesn’t sparkle like your kitchen, it definitely doesn’t smell like freshly baked bread and it doesn’t add curb appeal to your property. But it does play a vital (and often underappreciated) role.
At TWC Draincare Ltd, we know that what goes on underground is just as important as what’s happening above it. Whether you’ve got a septic tank tucked away behind the hedge or a treatment plant quietly doing its thing, regular servicing isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential and you have a legal obligation to make sure things don’t go wrong.
Out of sight, out of mind… until it isn’t!
The problem with treatment plants and septic tanks is that they’re easy to forget. They sit quietly underground, dealing with everything you flush or drain away, day after day, without complaint. Until, one day, they do complain — and when they complain the consequences can be disastrous.
Don’t worry, it won’t happen overnight. Your drains and your tank will generally give you warnings that something is wrong. You should look out for:
- Toilets, sinks etc backing up or running slowly.
- Mysterious gurgling noises in the pipes.
- Unpleasant odours.
- Waste holding above the outlet level of the tank.
If you’ve got a treatment plant you may also notice:
- Error codes or lights flashing on your control panel.
- A change in the noise level of the pumps.
- Electricity shorting out.
These are your system’s way of saying, “Excuse me! Remember me? I need some attention!”
The truth is, just like your car or boiler, your drainage system needs regular TLC to keep it working efficiently. A professional service can spot small issues before they become big, smelly, and expensive problems.
What are my legal obligations
The General Binding Rules were introduced back in 2015 and apply to owners of properties that have a septic tank or treatment plant.
The basic premise of the rules it to ensure tanks and plants do not have a detrimental effect on the environment, i.e., that they are not polluting the land, or watercourses. A key part, and an often overlooked part, of these rules is that they require owners to ‘have your system regularly maintained’.
What do I need to do?
If you have a septic tank or treatment plant, you should, on a regular basis ensure you do visual checks on your system that include:
- Checking the condition of the tank itself – Are there visual signs of deterioration – cracks, holes etc.
- Check the contents of the tank – are the levels too high? Are there things in the tank that shouldn’t be (e.g. non-flushables….)
- Checking the equipment (treatment plants) – are the pumps running as they should, are they hot, are they noisy?
- Checking the ground around the system – is the ground in good condition, are there any signs of that waste has overflowed/escaped?
If any of these visual checks give you cause for concern don’t them. If you take action early you could avoid a disaster. Nobody wants to deal with fines or enforcement because of a neglected tank!
Why regular servicing pays off
Here’s the thing — prevention is always cheaper than cure. Regular maintenance means fewer breakdowns, fewer emergency callouts, and fewer unpleasant surprises. Plus, it helps your system last longer and operate more efficiently, which is better for your wallet and the environment.
What does servicing actually involve?
A typical service includes checking and cleaning key components, inspecting the condition of the tank, measuring sludge and scum levels, ensuring pumps and blowers are working correctly, and confirming that your system is discharging safely and effectively.
At TWC Draincare, we provide full maintenance and servicing for treatment plants and pumping stations. Think of it as an MOT for your system.
Our engineers are fully trained, experienced, and (most importantly) not afraid to get their hands dirty. We make sure everything is working as it should be, keeping your system compliant and your property problem-free.
How often should you service your system?
Most treatment plants and septic tanks should be serviced at least once a year, though some larger or more heavily used systems may need attention more frequently. If you’re not sure, give us a call — we’ll happily advise you based on your system type, usage, and location.
And don’t forget: regular emptying (desludging) is just as important as servicing. We can arrange both, so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors.
Let TWC Draincare take care of it
As a family-run business based in Thirsk, we cover Yorkshire, the North East, and North Lincolnshire, providing reliable, professional drainage services with a personal touch. From annual servicing and tank emptying to repairs, inspections, and emergency callouts — we’ve got you covered.
So, if it’s been a while since your septic tank or treatment plant had a check-up, consider this your friendly reminder. Don’t wait until it starts making a fuss — book a service today and keep things flowing smoothly.
Because when your tank’s happy, everyone’s happy.
👉 Get in touch with TWC Draincare Ltd today for treatment plant and septic tank servicing. Call us on 03333 052 243 or email help@twc-draincare.com
