If you have an off-mains drainage system, regular maintenance isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential.
Whether you’ve got a septic tank or a sewage treatment plant, keeping on top of servicing and emptying will help you avoid smells, blockages, and costly repairs further down the line.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
It’s easy to forget about your drainage system when everything seems to be working fine. But both septic tanks and treatment plants rely on ongoing care to function properly.
Without regular maintenance, you can end up with:
- Sludge build-up
- Poor system performance
- Bad smells
- Pollution risks
- Expensive repairs
👉 In many cases, the problems the TWC Draincare team get called out to could have been avoided with routine emptying and checks.
How Often Should a Septic Tank or Treatment Plant Be Emptied?
As a general rule:
👉 Any system that is retaining solid waste should be emptied roughly every 12 months. This includes septic tanks and treatment plants. Though this can vary depending on size and use.
If a tank isn’t emptied regularly:
- Sludge levels rise
- Solids can escape into the outlet pipe, causing pollution
- The system becomes less effective
This can lead to:
- Blocked soakaways
- Strong odours
- Potential system failure
Servicing your treatment plant
Treatment plants should be serviced at least annually by a professional team. Think of it as an MOT, an assessment of whether your system is operating as it should.
This ensures:
- Mechanical parts are working properly
- The system is treating waste effectively
- You remain compliant with regulations
Our engineers are often called out to systems that haven’t been maintained regularly, meaning that pumps have failed or discs have seized. This often leads to costly and disruptive repair work which could have been avoided.
Should you service a septic tank
If you’ve got a septic tank, you won’t have the mechanical parts that a treatment has but that doesn’t mean maintenance isn’t needed. Over time, the structural condition of your tank can deteriorate. Under the General Binding Rules, you are legally required to ensure your system is in good condition. We recommend that at least once a year you should carry out a basic visual inspection to include:
- Signs of Leaks or Overflow.
Check the area around the tank for wet or boggy ground, pooling water and/or strong smells.
- Condition of the tank and pipework
Lift the lid and check for cracks or holes in the walls of the tank. Make sure the ‘T’ pieces on the inlet and outlet pipes are intact and in place.
- Tree roots and vegetation
Roots can be destructive. If there’s evidence of tree roots in the tank, chambers or pipework make sure these are cut back and any underlying damage repaired.
- Make sure the lids fit well and are secure.
A loose or damaged lid is not only a health and safety hazard, but unwanted debris can enter the tank causing blockages.
How TWC Draincare Can Help
At TWC Draincare, we specialise in keeping systems running as they should, not installing new ones.
We offer:
- Septic tank inspections and maintenance
- Sewage treatment plant servicing
- Fault finding and system checks
- Advice on compliance and best practice
We can also help you set up a simple maintenance routine, so nothing gets missed.
Stay on Top of Your System
If it’s been a while since your system was last emptied or serviced, now is the time to get it checked.
Regular maintenance is the simplest way to:
- Avoid smells and blockages
- Prevent costly repairs
- Keep your system compliant
Get in touch with TWC Draincare today to book a service or get expert advice on your system. Email: help@twc-draincare.com or call the team on 03333 052 243.
