Maintaining and emptying septic tanks and cesspits – it’s a horrible job but someone’s got to do it. In fact, we wish people would ask us more frequently than they do. The problem with a septic tank and cesspit is that they are buried underground, so it’s often a case of “out of sight, out of mind” until the owner spots, or smells, a problem. By then it’s too late.

The problems with septic tanks and cesspits

Septic tanks and cesspits are simply holding tanks for waste. If walls are damaged by tree roots, groundwater pressure or the weight of a vehicle from above then waste will leak out or groundwater seeps in.

That’s why we recommend that you get your septic tank and cesspit checked every two to three years, depending on the size of your household.

3 interesting facts 

  • Cesspits were introduced into European cities as populations expanded during the 16th century and the traditional disposal method of emptying a chamber pot into the street became impractical.
  • By the mid 19th Century, Paris had 30,000 cesspits. Moves to replace them with sewers were resisted until the 1880s by “businessmen” who collected and sold the contents for fertiliser.
  • US cities also relied on cesspits until the late 1800s. The writer HL Mencken described the smell in Baltimore in the 1880s as “like a billion polecats”.

Working in confined spaces

Septic tanks and cesspits are confined spaces and can be dangerous; the Institution of Engineering and Technology reckons that around 15 people are killed in the UK in confined space accidents every year. There is a high risk of serious injury as well as exposure to hazardous substances and environmental conditions, including tight spaces, lack of oxygen, flammable atmospheres and high temperatures.

Safe maintenance with Drain and Sewer Services

All of our engineers at Drain and Sewer Services are City & Guild certified in confined space entry, are first aid trained and have the right Personal Protective Equipment to do the job safely.

We provide a full range of septic tanks and cesspits, drain and sewer maintenance services to Local Authorities, business and home owners.

To find out how we can help you, call our Aldershot office on Freephone 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk.