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myEmptying Septic Tank Costs
At a glance
- The average cost of cleaning and emptying a septic tank is around £200
- The job will take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes costs factors to consider, along with what such a task usually involves
- How long the job should approximately take and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed
- How to find and hire a septic tank expert
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Want to find out the cost of emptying a septic tank and cleaning a septic tank?
This price guide looks at all you need to know about cleaning and emptying your septic tank, including rules and regulations, the costs of labour, frequently asked questions and everything you should consider.
On average, the cost of septic tank emptying and septic tank cleaning will be around the £200 mark.
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Table of Contents
- How Much Does it Cost to Empty a Septic Tank?
- Labour Costs & Timescales
- What Affects Septic Tank Emptying Costs?
- Additional Costs of Emptying a Septic Tank
- Annual Septic Tank Maintenance Costs
- What's Involved with Cleaning and Emptying a Septic Tank?
- New Septic Tank Regulations
- DIY Cleaning and Emptying a Septic Tank
- How Often Should I Clean and Empty my Septic Tank?
- Hiring a Septic Tank Expert Checklist
- FAQs
- Sources
Septic Tank Emptying Cost Calculator
How Much Does it Cost to Empty a Septic Tank?
Septic tank emptying usually refers to the full service of removing waste from the tank. Pumping is the suction process used to remove liquid waste and floating scum, while desludging means removing the heavier solids that settle at the bottom of the tank. Cleaning may also include backwashing or rinsing the chamber after emptying, but this is often charged as an additional service.
The average septic tank emptying cost a tradesperson would charge to professionally clean and empty a septic tank or domestic sewage tank is generally around £200. However, this cost will vary depending on the size, scale, and time it would take to clean your septic tank.
Regular emptying and maintenance protects your septic tank installation long-term. Tanks that get proper care last much longer, while neglected systems often break down and need expensive replacement.
What steps can a person safely take to maintain a septic tank?
"With pump out don't do it yourself, very dangerous to do so get an expert in"
Septic Tank Emptying Prices
Below is a table showing typical septic tank emptying costs, including pumping and basic sludge removal for different tank sizes.
Please note, these prices are estimated and should be used as a guideline, many cost-affecting factors could cause these prices to increase or decrease accordingly.
| Tank Capacity | Number of Chambers | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4,500 Litre Tank | Single Chamber | £90-£130 |
| 8,500 Litre Tank | Single Chamber | £150-£200 |
| 12,500 Litre Tank | Multi Chamber | £220-£250 |
| 17,500 Litre Tank | Multi Chamber | £260-£300 |
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Cesspit Emptying Costs
A cesspit (sometimes called a cesspool) is different from a septic tank because it stores waste but does not treat it. This means it usually fills much faster and needs emptying more often.
Cesspit emptying costs are usually between £175 and £300 per visit, depending on tank size, access, and how much waste has accumulated.
Because cesspits do not discharge treated water, some households may need emptying every few weeks or months, making them more expensive to maintain over time than a septic tank.
Labour Costs & Timescales
Most septic tank emptying jobs take between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on tank size. Most drainage companies charge a fixed cost for the complete emptying service rather than hourly rates.
Labour costs are usually included in the overall price and will depend on how large the septic tank is. Check out the table below for average timescales:
| Size of septic tank in litres | The time it takes to empty & clean |
|---|---|
| Small - 4,500L | 45 mins |
| Medium - 8,500L | 1 hour |
| Large - 12,500L | 1.5 hours |
| Extra Large - 17,500L | 2-3 hours |
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What Affects Septic Tank Emptying Costs?
The cost of emptying a septic tank depends on more than just tank size. Access, system condition, and whether extra services are needed can all affect the final price.
Tank Size and Type
Larger tanks take longer to empty and cost more to pump out. Multi-chamber septic tanks can also take slightly longer than single-chamber systems because each section must be emptied properly.
Additional Cleaning or Inspection
Standard emptying usually removes waste and sludge, but full cleaning or internal inspections may cost extra. These may be recommended before repairs are carried out.
Tank Age and Condition
If the tank shows signs of cracks, leaks, damaged covers, or drainage problems, repair work may be needed, which is not included in the standard emptying price.
Access to the Tank
If the tanker cannot park close to the tank, longer hose runs or specialist equipment may increase the cost. Prices can also vary depending on where you live, with rural and remote areas often costing more.
Ground Contamination
If wastewater has leaked into the surrounding ground, specialist clean-up or remedial work may be required, which can significantly increase costs.
Additional Costs of Emptying a Septic Tank
A standard septic tank emptying visit usually covers pumping out waste and basic sludge removal. However, some jobs cost more if extra work is needed during or after the visit.
Full Cleaning or Inspection
Some drainage companies offer a more thorough septic tank clean after emptying, which may include backwashing the chamber, removing stubborn sludge, and inspecting the inside of the tank for cracks, damage, or signs of wear.
A full cleaning or inspection can add around £50 to £150 to the overall cost, depending on tank size and how long the inspection takes.
Repairs
If the contractor finds damage such as cracked chamber walls, damaged pipe connections, faulty covers, or worn internal components, repairs will increase the cost.
Minor septic tank repairs may cost from £100 to £300, while larger repairs involving pipework, soakaway issues, or replacing damaged parts can cost significantly more.
Emergency Callout
If your septic tank is overflowing, backing up into the property, or causing strong odours, you may need an urgent emergency visit.
Emergency septic tank emptying often costs more than a standard pre-booked appointment, with callout charges typically adding £50 to £100, especially for evening, weekend, or remote rural visits.
| Additional Service | Typical Extra Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Cleaning or Inspection | £50-£150 |
| Minor Septic Tank Repairs | £100-£300 |
| Emergency Callout | £50-£100 extra |
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Annual Septic Tank Maintenance Costs
For many households, annual septic tank maintenance costs mainly consist of periodic emptying and occasional inspections.
If your tank only needs emptying every two or three years, your yearly running cost may average less than £100 per year. Larger households that need annual emptying should expect yearly costs closer to £150 to £250.
Additional maintenance costs can include bacteria treatments, filter cleaning, or small repairs if any faults are found during inspection.
What's Involved with Cleaning and Emptying a Septic Tank?
A professional septic tank emptying service is usually quick and straightforward, with most domestic jobs completed in an hour or two, depending on tank size and access.
Here's what the process usually looks like:
- The contractor checks access to the sewage tank and removes the inspection cover.
- A vacuum tanker hose is used to pump out wastewater, sludge, and floating waste.
- The tank may be backwashed to loosen any remaining solids.
- The inside of the tank is inspected for cracks, damage, or signs of wear.
- Waste is taken away and disposed of safely by a licensed waste carrier.
- You may be advised if further cleaning, repairs, or more frequent emptying are needed.
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New Septic Tank Regulations
In January 2020, there was an update on septic tank regulations in the UK. The new laws mean you won't be able to sell your house legally if your septic tank isn't compliant.
The new legislation affects all properties with septic tanks that discharge into watercourses or surface water. If this affects you, you'll need to divert your septic tank to a drainage field or replace it with sewage treatment before selling your property.
Replacement tanks must meet British Standards (BS EN 12566-1) and be the correct size for the property. It's illegal to install any septic tank that doesn't meet this specification.
You must empty and clean your tank frequently, and it can only be emptied by a registered waste carrier. When selling your property, you must inform the new owner (in writing) that they'll be responsible for the septic tank and its discharge. The information has to contain:
- Full explanation of the septic tank and drainage field.
- Position of tank and drainage field.
- Specify any changes made to the septic tank or drainage field from the original design.
- Details of any mandatory routine maintenance.
- Include records of all maintenance, (you have to keep any records for 7 years).
New regulations may mean that you need to upgrade and install a new septic tank, failure to do so may result in you being unable to sell your property.
DIY Cleaning and Emptying a Septic Tank
Emptying and cleaning your septic tank yourself is not a job for any DIY-er. The process can only be carried out by a professional, licensed septic tank engineer.
As of January 1, 2020, new legislation states that it is a criminal offense for anyone who is not a licensed waste disposal professional to empty a septic tank. This is because it is illegal to dispose of toxic waste incorrectly, as it poses a significant health risk for people, animals, and the environment.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to dispose of any septic tank wastewater yourself, or else you could face a hefty fine and up to 6 months imprisonment.
Nor should you ever attempt to climb inside a septic waste tank, as you are at risk of severe health complications and even life-threatening conditions.
The updated Environmental Permitting Regulations state that there is a specific way to dispose of any toxic wastewater correctly so that no animals, habitats, and wildlife are harmed in the process. We suggest leaving it to the professionals.
How Often Should I Clean and Empty my Septic Tank?
Most domestic septic tanks need emptying every 1 to 3 years, depending on tank size, household size, and water usage. Larger households usually need more frequent emptying because sludge builds up faster.
If a septic tank is left too long between emptying visits, sludge can build up and cause blocked drains, bad smells, slow drainage, or sewage backing up into the property.
Here is a look at typical household sizes and how often the septic tank may need to be emptied:
| Household Size | Typical Emptying Frequency | When Emptying May Be Needed Sooner |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people | Every 2-3 years | Heavy water use or older systems |
| 3-4 people | Every 1-2 years | Frequent laundry or multiple bathrooms |
| 5+ people | Every 12 months | Large households or shared systems |
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If your tank needs emptying more often than expected, it may indicate heavy water use, poor drainage, or a developing fault in the system.
How Can I Tell if my Septic Tank is Full?
There are many signs that you can watch out for that indicates your septic tank needs emptying:
- Puddles of water - Pools of water around your septic tank's drainage system outlets imply that your tank is full or overflowing.
- Blocked drains - Blocked or lack of drainage in your home is another common sign that your septic tank may be full, along with gargling and bubbling sounds coming from inside the drain.
- Odours - Often, homeowners will recognise a foul-smelling odour coming from their sinks and toilets, which indicates that the waste is not clearing correctly, or a blockage is present.
- Sewage backing up - If the septic tank becomes so full that it fails to function correctly, you will likely have a backup of sewage inside your home. This is a cause for concern, and you should immediately contact your local septic tank drainage specialists for an urgent visit to your home.
Hiring a Septic Tank Expert Checklist
As with other projects, there are specific steps you should consider taking when hiring a qualified septic tank specialist. Below are our tips for hiring a septic tank expert.
- Research local septic tank drainage companies to compare the services they offer.
- Gather multiple quotes to get the best price and service for your needs.
- Never pay the full amount up-front and always ask for a written quote and service breakdown.
- Check that your engineer is qualified and licensed to carry out the work and dispose of waste correctly.
- Ask where the waste will be disposed of to ensure legal waste handling procedures are being followed.
- Enquire about regular maintenance and any additional services for future cleaning.
FAQs
Do You Have To Empty A Septic Tank?
Yes, regularly. In order to maximise the performance of your septic tank, it should be cared for with the appropriate maintenance. If looked after correctly, your septic tank can be an excellent investment that lasts up to 40 years.
What Happens If A Septic Tank Isn't Emptied?
If a septic tank isn't emptied, the layer of solids will build up inside the tank chamber, causing an overflow in the waste capacity. Over time, the sludge and wastewater will back up and have no choice but to make their way into your home.
How Long Does A Septic Tank Last?
If regularly cared for and inspected, your septic tank system will likely last anywhere between 15 and 40 years. Proper maintenance is the key to promoting the longevity of your septic tank system.
How Much Does It Cost to Empty a Septic Tank in the UK?
For most domestic properties, septic tank emptying usually costs between £150 and £250 depending on tank size, access, and whether any additional cleaning or inspection is required.
Is a Septic Tank with Soakaway Legal?
Yes, septic tanks that discharge into a properly designed soakaway or drainage field are still legal in the UK, provided the system meets current environmental rules and is well maintained.
Is It Illegal to Sell a House with an Old Septic Tank?
No, but the septic tank must comply with current regulations. If it discharges directly into a watercourse, it may need upgrading or replacing before a sale can proceed. Sellers must also provide the buyer with written details of the system, including maintenance records and discharge arrangements.
Is Septic Tank Pumping the Same as Septic Tank Emptying?
Yes, septic tank pumping is the process used during septic tank emptying. A vacuum tanker pumps out liquid waste, floating scum, and sludge so the tank can continue working properly.
Is a Sewage Tank the Same as a Septic Tank?
A sewage tank is a general term often used for systems that store household wastewater. In many homes this means a septic tank, but it can also refer to a cesspit or other private drainage system.
