Septic Tank & Sewage Solutions
We work on both domestic and commercial properties to ensure that if you are faced with a drainage, septic tank or sewage related problem, we can help sort it out. As a professionally run business we pride ourselves on the comprehensive services we provide and our high levels of customer satisfaction. Our staff have all been trained to the highest standards and are able to offer quick solutions to whatever problem you have.
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Drainage
Beacons Drainage are drainage specialists covering Wales and the borders
Work undertaken for Local Authorities, Landlords and Private Customers.
Problems with a Septic Tank
Septic tank problems can be the cause of much concern for property owners with some of the most common septic tank problems being associated with odour nuisance, structural issues and pollution in ditches and streams. However, the most common septic tank problem we come across is where the existing septic tank is flooding due to the receiving soakaway failing.
Its crucial that any septic tank problem is addressed and not ignored as this could result in the problem becoming even worse over time, and in some instances preventing the foul drainage pipework from being used or leaving the owner liable for prosecution in instances where the septic tank is causing pollution or a health risk.
Did you know that new rules were introduced in January 2015 regarding the use of septic tanks and how these systems are regulated.
These rules were introduced by DEFRA and the Environment Agency, and are referred to as ‘General Binding Rules‘. If you are the owner of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant, by law you must comply with the ‘general binding rules‘. If the ‘general binding rules’ cannot be adhered too then it would be necessary to either apply for an Environment Agency Permit or carry-
Did you know that the cost to resolve your septic tank problems may be covered by your existing buildings insurance policy?
A septic tank problem can sometimes be due to the tank or receiving soakaway / drainage field being damaged in some way. In these instances it may possible that the damage to the septic tank may be covered under the homeowners insurance policy, with an insurance claim being applicable to cover the cost of any remedial works. Read more…
Septic Tank Problems Explained
Septic Tank Problems With Odour Nuisance
The process within a septic tank is called ‘anaerobic digestion’ which reduces the sludge volume. During the digestion process methane, hydrogen sulphide and other gases are produced and these gases can in some cases cause a serious odour nuisance. In view of this, it is essential that septic tanks are correctly vented to allow the noxious gases to escape into the atmosphere.
Septic Tank Problems With Effluent Discharge
The effluent from a septic tank is disposed of to a drainage field / soakaway. Under no circumstances should it be allowed to discharge to a ditch, stream or river. Such a discharge is an offence and contravenes the Environment Agency’s Binding Rules. Find out more about the new septic tank rules and regulations…
Septic Tank Problems With Flooding
There are many reasons which may cause a septic tank to flood and these can range from something as a simple as an outlet ‘dip pipe’ being blocked to more serious problems involving the receiving drainage field / soakaway system.
The effluent level inside a septic tank should be at the level of the outlet pipe. In some instances either the inlet or outlet pipes for a septic tank can become blocked with materials such as fat or tissue. If the inlet ‘dip pipe’ becomes blocked this would result in the foul drainage to the tank flooding, and this is more common in older traditionally built septic tanks. If the outlet ‘dip pipe’ becomes blocked this would result in both the septic tank and incoming foul drainage pipe work flooding. In some cases it is only necessary to clear the blockage with drainage rods.
The most common cause for a septic tank flooding is due to the receiving drainage field / soakaway and not the septic tank. If a drainage field / soakaway fails and prevents the effluent from percolating through the sub-
1 – Ground Conditions
The soakaway being constructed in ground conditions which are non-
It is important that the percolation characteristics of the ground are suitable in both summer and winter months. To identify whether the ground conditions are suitable for a drainage field / soakaway and to determine the size required it is necessary to conduct a Percolation Test. Without the results of a Percolation Test there is no way of knowing the size of drainage field / soakaway required or if this disposal method would indeed work.
2 – Natural Water Table
The drainage field / soakaway being under the natural water table. This can often be the cause for septic tank soakaway systems failing during winter months only. When a drainage field / soakaway is operating underneath the natural water table the septic tank, soakaway and foul drainage pipework will be at the same level as the surrounding water table and as a result the flooding within the system can be moderate or severe.
Problems with septic tank systems operating in high water table areas can be overcome by installing a Mantair septic tank conversion system.
3 – Root Ingress
The drainage field / soakaway being constructed in close proximity to trees and shrubs. Roots of trees and shrubs planted too close to a drainage field / soakaway can enter the drainage pipe work and block the pipes. Root ingress into drainage fields / soakaways is the cause of many systems blocking and as a result flooding of the septic tank system. Mantair offers a unique insurance claims management service to our customers for situations where root ingress has damaged a drainage system.
4 – Physical Damage
Physical damage to the drainage field / soakaway. In some cases a septic tank can flood due to the receiving soakaway pipe work becoming damaged and broken. This can often be due to heavy machinery moving over the soakaway and crushing the pipes. Older ‘but-
5 – Increase in Flow
Additional waste water entering the septic tank. A septic tank and the receiving drainage field / soakaway are designed to cater for a certain volume of flow per day. If the flow being discharged to a septic tank increases and the tank is not designed for this additional flow then problems can be experienced with both the septic tank and drainage field / soakaway system.
6 – Sodium Binding
Excessive use of detergent based products i.e. dishwasher tablets, washing powders etc. will lead to eventual failure of the soakaway. This is caused by a process called sodium binding where the sodium present in detergents cause any silt or clay particles in the sub soil to bind together to form am impervious layer. The same effect occurs if a water softener is present as the softened water will have relatively high sodium content.
7 – Age of the Soakaway
Older drainage fields / soakaways can fail due to a build-
8 – Prefabricated Septic Tanks
Within most prefabricated septic tanks are internal baffles or cones which are designed to prevent solids and floating material from passing through the tank. In some instances baffles and cones can collapse resulting in solids and floating material passing through the tank and into the drainage field / soakaway.
Prefabricated tanks can also implode if there is substantial ground movement around the tank or if the tank hasn’t been installed using the correct back-
Mantair offers a unique insurance claims management service to our customers for situations where an existing septic tank baffle has collapse or where the tank has imploded or split.
9 – Traditionally Built Septic Tanks
One of the most common failures on traditionally built septic tanks is when the dip pipes fall away from the inlet or outlet pipes. This can sometimes occur when the septic tank is emptied.
Concrete septic tanks can crack and leak allowing ground water ingress. If ground or surface water enters a tank this can result in flooding and failure of the soakaway. Excessive water ingress into a septic tank would result in sludge solids passing through the tank and into the soakaway, resulting in failure of the soakaway.
Mantair are able to identify whether the damage to a septic tank may be covered by the homeowners Insurers, and if so, provide the expertise needed to ensure the cost of any remedial works are covered.
Septic Tank Problems With Cooking Oils & Fats
Excessive draining of cooking oils and grease can cause the inlet drains to block. Oils and grease are difficult to degrade and can cause difficulties with the emptying. Disposing of non-
Septic Tank Problems & Warning Signs
Work undertaken for Local Authorities, Landlords and Private Customers
official installers in South Wales
Septic Tank Problems & Solutions
As detailed throughout this page, there are various reasons that can cause a problem with a septic tank. The solution will depend on a number of factors and it is advisable that professional advice is sought prior to any remedial works taking place.
What are the options?
There are three main ways in which you can overcome a septic tank problem:
Septic tank inspection
Septic tank inspections are important for existing owners of septic tanks to ensure their system is compliant with the new septic tank rules for which come into force in January 2020, and to highlight any potential faults with the system at an early stage.
Call us today regarding any septic tank problems, repairs and servicing on 07817 322201 or email us