Our frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does a septic tank or waste treatment plant work?
All liquid waste from your house (sinks, toilets, showers) enters a buried, watertight tank, separating into scum (grease/oils) on top, sludge (solids) at the bottom, and liquid effluent in the middle, which then flows to a field drain / soakaway for final filtering through soil.
What is a soakaway or drainage field?
A septic drainage field or soakaway is an underground network of perforated pipes set in gravel trenches that receives, treats, and disperses liquid wastewater (effluent) from a septic tank into the surrounding soil. It's the final, crucial filtration stage of a septic tank system, removing contaminants through natural soil bacteria. Soakaway failure can cause septic tank and waste treatment plant issues.
Do I need to have my septic tank or waste treatment plant emptied?
Yes, all septic tanks/ treatment plants will need to be regularly emptied. Debris buildup can lead to problems such as blockages and tank or soakaway failure. Looking to schedule an emptying service? Count on us to get it done quickly and efficiently.
Why is my septic tank or waste treatment plant full?
Septic tanks should always be at their working level, which, to the untrained eye, can look full. They are designed to work that way. If they are overflowing or overly full, however, that is not good! There may be an issue with the tank or soakaway system.
What can I do to care for my septic tank or waste treatment plant, and how can I make it last longer?
You can take multiple steps to care for your septic tank or sewage treatment plant. These include regularly emptying your tank, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and avoiding letting things like grease, plastic, wet wipes, earbuds, or other household items you may be tempted to flush down the toilet, get in.
How often should I have my septic tank or waste treatment plant emptied?
In our experience, most people leave too long between empties, which can cause early failure of tanks and drainage fields. We recommend having your septic tank or waste treatment plant emptied every 1 to 2 years, depending on usage and manufacturer guidance.
Once we've emptied your tank for the first time, we can set you up on a reminder service, giving you one less thing to remember. Get in touch to find out more.
How much does it cost to have my septic tank or waste treatment plant emptied?
It depends on your location, the volume of your tank and the type of service you want. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a quote.
Do you offer emergency septic tank emptying?
Yes, please give us a call on 01479872800 to check when we can come. Outside our office hours, calls are forwarded to Kevin or Keith, the company directors. If they don't answer, you can leave a message and they'll get back to you when they can.
We don't do weekend or evening call-outs, but they'll be able to tell you when we could come or who else might be able to help.
Where does the waste go?
Waste is treated in our yard in Grantown-on-Spey, and any excess sludge is taken to a treatment facility.
Should I be worried about discharge or overflow from my septic tank or waste treatment plant?
All septic tanks are installed differently. The vast majority of tanks we see have no visible discharge when they're working properly. Some wastewater treatment systems have visible discharge into a watercourse, but this discharge should be clear, treated waste.
In short, if there is liquid coming out of your system that you're not used to seeing, you have a potential issue. It could be fixed by arranging to have your tank emptied, or it could be a more in-depth issue.
What causes crust in a septic tank or waste treatment plant?
Crust buildup is caused by anything that floats. Think fat or plastic, for example.
Do you clean septic tanks or waste treatment plants?
While septic tanks may require routine pumping, there is no reason to clean them out.
How long will my septic tank or waste treatment plant last for?
Your septic tank or waste treatment plant should last between 15 and 40 years, depending on factors such as the local environment and how well you maintain it.
What are the different septic tank and waste treatment plant types?
We know our way around many septic tank types, including old concrete, fibreglass, and plastic tanks, as well as more modern treatment plants. There are lots of different brands out there, but some of the more common ones we come across are Clearwater, Graf, Klargester, Marsh, TRICEL, Biodigester, Balmoral and Sintex.
What is a two-stage septic system?
This is a tank with two compartments, one larger than the other. Waste is exclusively collected in the larger tank, which allows the waste to settle more efficiently.
What is septic tank or waste treatment plant pumping?
Septic tank pumping is the process of emptying the septic tank to remove all sludge buildup.
What UK locations do you service?
Look out for us in the Highland and Islands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
Do you do septic tank or waste treatment plant installations?
Installing septic tanks isn't something we do; try your local groundsworks companies or a drainage contractor for quotes.
Where should I put my septic tank or waste treatment plant?
We recommend getting a professional drainage contractor to design your system. They’ll consider multiple factors, such as available space, ground conditions, drop, local regulations and more.
How big a septic tank or waste treatment plant should I have installed?
That depends on the size of the house and household. Builders and professional drainage contractors will be able to advise.
Can I get a septic tank or waste treatment plant for a static caravan?
Absolutely yes, it's the same as having one installed for a house.
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is an off-grid waste treatment container used to treat waste from domestic properties.
What is a waste treatment plant?
Domestic sewage treatment plants do the same job as a septic tank. They treat wastewater from toilets, sinks and appliances for homes that aren't connected to a mains sewer. Unlike septic tanks, these plants use a mechanical motor to aerate wastewater, creating a 'biological soup' that breaks down organic waste. The resulting wastewater is cleaner, meaning it can be discharged directly into streams, rivers or the sea.
Which do I need: a septic tank or a waste treatment plant?
A small sewage treatment plant is generally required if the position or size of your plot means you'll be discharging wastewater into a stream or river. If you have a large enough garden with suitable soil, a septic tank and soakaway may be used to discharge into the ground. Septic tanks are generally cheaper as they don't need electricity, but treatment plants don't require as much space. You can find out more on SEPA's website.