As a groundworks company, we’re based in West Sussex, but we work throughout Surrey and Hampshire. Many of the areas we are fortunate to do business in are beautifully rural. It’s for this reason that we’ve seen a fair few septic tanks in our time.
Septic tanks are prevalent in rural areas. Main sewers tend to be located on the roads. So, if you are off the beaten track, it is highly likely that you will have a septic system that manages your waste. Read on to discover how we help keep your septic tanks happy!
Septic Tank Installation:
If you are building a new property in a rural area with no main sewer, you will likely need to install a septic system. Sometimes, you may need to upgrade or replace an existing system if it has become inefficient or damaged. A septic tank installation generally takes around three days for the tank itself. Additionally, if required, it will take a further four to five days to construct a large drainage field.
This year, (2020), new septic tank legislation was introduced in the UK. From this year, an existing tank cannot discharge into an open watercourse or near a borehole that supplies water to the local authorities. This is to counteract potential contamination. If your septic tank is damaged beyond repair or backing up, you must replace your system with these new regulations in mind.
Bad Smell Under Your Nose?
Bad smells can be the first early warning sign that your existing septic system is not functioning as it should. Other causes for concern are a serious rise in the tank level or worse still the system backing up to your WC or bathroom!
Whenever we are called out to inspect failing septic systems, the causes will often fall into two main categories.
Blockages:
Blockages are usually fairly straightforward when caused by the introduction of materials a septic system doesn’t like. Drainage rods will generally easily dislodge blockages caused by nappies, face wipes and sanitary products.
Tree roots can also cause blockages, and these are trickier to deal with, but not impossible! Blockages caused by tree roots must be addressed before the whole system becomes undermined.
Undersized Drainage Fields:
If you have extended your property in recent years, you may not have at the time considered the effects this might have on your septic system. Nevertheless, we can help you resolve any issues by increasing the size of your drainage field, as necessary.
Let’s Talk Maintenance:
Finally, it’s important to remember that many septic tank issues are easily avoidable with regular maintenance.
An annual pump out of your system (de-slugging) is something we can help you organise, throughout West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
If you are having problems with your system, we are happy to carry out a visual inspection, or you can even send us a photo that may help us diagnose the fault.
If you’re based in Surrey, West Sussex, Hampshire talk to us about septic tanks. Contact us HERE.
