Septic tanks are cleaned by removing the material left at the bottom through a specialist suction pump. Tanks are then cleansed using a combination of industry specific cleaning materials and hydro-jet technology. All septic tank works should be carried out by a registered specialist waste handler to avoid pollution.
New Septic Tank legislation
Previously, wastewater from a septic tank has been allowed to run straight into a surface waterway, such as a river or stream. However the rules changed in January 2015:
• From 1 January 2015, new installations of private sewer systems (septic tanks) must not discharge directly to a watercourse.
• By 1 January 2020, all existing septic tank installations must either output to a drainage field (built to relevant BS standards), or be replaced by a sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant).
• But, if you plan to sell the property before 1 January 2020, you have to carry out the replacement or create a drainage field before you sell.