your responsibilities

As a homeowner, it's your job to make sure your household waste is properly and legally managed. And it's our job to help you.

Reasons to keep your tank in good working order:

You'll save money
If your septic tank, cesspool or pumping station isn't looked after, it'll eventually let you down. Which can be disruptive and expensive. Bear in mind too that once the problems start, it's probably too late. So aim for prevention rather than cure.
You'll stay on the right side of the law
You're legally bound to look after your sewage system properly. Those who don't will eventually get sniffed out by the Environment Agency.
It can help you sell your house
An unusable septic tank or one in a bad state will lower your property value and could be a major liability.
It protects the environment
Without proper tank maintenance, sewage can leak into local streams and rivers, killing plant and animal species for miles downstream.

Other stuff you should know:

Only deal with experts
Anyone you book to remove your waste must be registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. If you use someone who isn't registered, you face a fine of up to £50,000. If you're in doubt, contact the Environment Agency and then get someone reputable to do the job, like us.
Your waste transfer note
Once a job's finished, the tanker company is legally required to give you a waste transfer note. This should detail the type and amount of waste that's been taken away, and where it's going to for disposal. You should keep this note for a minimum of two years.
Our waste carrier / broker registration number is CB/JM3851QQ.
It sounds like a lot to deal with but we can help lighten the load. Send us your details and we'll call you to talk things over.

do

regularly inspect and empty your system annually (or more often if it needs it)
use water efficiently, e.g. keep your plumbing in good repair, spread your washing over the week and always wash full loads rather than half-loads
flush used nappy disinfectant and bottle-sterilising fluids down the loo instead of the sink (this dilutes it better)
collect all waste cooking oils and fats in a secure container - never pour them down the drain
use plug strainers in sinks and put the contents in the bin
compost your veg peelings, etc. rather than use a waste disposal it's much better for the environment
plant trees, veg and long-rooted flowers as far away from the drains as possible the roots can cause havoc with the pipes
plant fragrant flowers, such as lavender or sage, around your septic tank to keep everything smelling as fresh as possible, but remember to leave good access when it comes to servicing and emptying the tank

pour neat disinfectant or bleach down sinks or outside gullies, if these areas smell bad then you may have a blockage, which a plumber will be able to fix
put anything down your toilet or sinks that could block pipes, kill bacteria or take a long time to break down
tip your homemade booze away if you can help it as the yeasts in wine and beer are 'alive' which means your tank has to work extra hard to treat it (one pint of beer takes as much work as 24 hours' worth of normal human waste)
put these in your septic tank:
- rainwater from gutters and storm drains
- cooking fats, oils and grease
- motor oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid, etc.
- paint, thinners, creosote, gardening chemicals, etc.
- medicines: take unused medicines to a pharmacist for safe disposal
- chemical toilet waste
- photographic developing fluids
- nappies, sanitary towels, rags, soft toys, tennis balls, etc.
- water from hot tubs or jacuzzis