Our team at Septic Tank Services like to keep their heads down and get on with doing what they do best – helping customers across Scotland solve their drainage problems. But every now and then it’s good to blow our own trumpet and take pride in work well done. So with that in mind, we’ve collated some of our favourite recent customer reviews about our septic tank service in Scotland which show how valued our team are and continue to be, and why you should speak to us about your septic tank concerns.

Recent reviews for Septic Tank Services

Replacing & installing septic systems

“STS were fantastic! Ours was a complex problem, but from the moment Callum arrived I knew it would be sorted.

Our new system arrived on time and the guys worked tirelessly to get it up and running in double quick time! I couldn’t believe they got it done so efficiently. Great guys to have working for us really friendly and knowledgeable. Given the size of the job and the equipment they needed I was amazed just how tidy they left everything.

Overall I’d totally recommend septic tank services to anyone with a problem. 5 stars to the A team!!!”
Richard, November 2024

“Excellent service from Calum and the whole team. We discovered a failed septic tank just before moving into our new home. STS managed to book us into a slot only a week or so after moving-in to dig out and replace whole tank and pipework. Fully comprehensive, quality service from whole team (4-of) with friendly and professional work throughout. They answered all our questions and were on-hand to answer and followups, even emptying our tank at 1st annual cycle. Highly recommended company.”
Craig, November 2024

“Callum and the team did an excellent job in replacing our septic tank – thoroughly professional, worked tirelessly to get the job done and a pleasure to have around. Location has its challenges geographically but the team were pragmatic and thoughtful about how best to resolve and ensured we were consulted throughout. Would highly recommend.”
Dom, February 2025

“From the time of contacting Septic Tank Services till the completion of the replacement tank installation they were responsive to queries, quick at doing the work and left the area looking tidy where the access had been awkward.”
Mark, November 2025

Fixing soakaway/drainage field problems

“We were delighted with the service provided by Septic Tank Services. We used the company when our soakaway failed last year. Thoroughly professional communications from start to finish and they did an excellent job.”
Pat, November 2024

Emptying septic tanks

“We booked septic tank services to empty our septic tank. A brilliant service. Good communication beforehand. Tommy was very knowledgeable and able to explain potential issues and ways to address them. Very happy with the service and will definitely use them again.”
Rob, 2023

“Septic tank needed emptied, first time I had used this company but certainly won’t be the last. Unfortunately wasn’t at home, but Tommy was great and phoned with estimated arrival time and once again when the job had been completed. Great customer service, very friendly and professional. Would recommend”
Fiona, 2023

“Came to my rescue emptying a very big and very full septic tank. Excellent service!”
John, November 2024

“Contacted for a tanker to empty our tanks that were extremely full thank you so much to the driver Tommy was so helpful and educated myself alot on the process thank you.”
Stephen, 2024

Five-star reviews for our exceptional septic tank service in Scotland

We are so proud of the plethora of 5-star reviews we have received form customers all over the country for the septic tank service we offer. Thank you! If you would like to see them for yourselves, simply click here for Google reviews. If you would like to book us for a job, such as installing a septic tank, emptying a septic tank or anything else septic-tank related, give us a call! Even if you just want to chat so you can understand what work you might need on your septic tank problem, then get in touch with us by clicking here or call 01546 607046. We look forward to your call.

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This hands-on experience gives us a unique understanding of what works best when it comes to leach field design, drainage field placement and septic tank systems. Over the years, we’ve seen many common leach field problems and, more importantly, how to fix them efficiently and properly.

What is a leach field used for?

A leach field (also known as a drainage field or soakaway field) is a critical part of a septic tank system. Its role is to safely disperse treated wastewater into the ground.

Once solid waste has settled in the septic tank and beneficial bacteria have broken it down, the remaining wastewater effluent flows into the leach field. From there, it slowly filters through the soil, where it is naturally treated before reaching the groundwater in a clean and safe state.

This process relies on an underground network of perforated drainage pipes that evenly distribute wastewater across a designated area of land. However, a range of issues can interfere with this process, from blockages and broken pipes to unsuitable soil conditions or ground compaction.

Common leach field problems

Waterlogging and poor drainage

Scotland’s climate presents unique challenges for leach field systems, particularly in areas with clay-heavy soil. During periods of heavy rainfall, clay soil can quickly become waterlogged, preventing wastewater from draining properly.

Instead of filtering downwards, water can remain on the surface, leading to pooling, soggy ground and system failure. Similar problems can occur where the soil has become compacted, often due to vehicle traffic or heavy equipment.

For this reason, we always recommend that drainage fields and leach fields are kept clear and not used for parking, storage or construction.

Tree roots & blockages

Tree roots are a common cause of leach field blockages. Roots can travel surprisingly long distances underground in search of moisture, eventually infiltrating or damaging drainage pipes.

When pipes become constricted or broken, wastewater cannot flow freely through the system. This can cause slow drainage, gurgling sounds in household plumbing, or even water backing up into sinks and toilets.

Blockages can also result from poor septic tank maintenance. While wastewater flows into the leach field, regular septic tank emptying removes solid waste. If you neglect this, solids escape into the drainage field, clog pipes and create strong sewage odours.

Poor leach field design or placement

In some cases, leach field problems stem from poor design or incorrect installation. DIY installations or work carried out without proper knowledge of soil conditions, regulations or drainage requirements can result in systems that are effectively set up to fail.

Although a poorly placed leach field may appear to work initially, problems such as waterlogging, blockages and system overload are likely to develop over time.

How do you know when leach fields need fixed or replaced?

As with most things, early detection is key to keeping costs down. Warning signs to look out for include:

• Slow drainage in your home, or the drains making odd gurgling noises
• Water backing up into your home, from the sink or toilet
• A bad sewage smell outside
• Leach fields with unexpected lush greenery (which means the minerals are being absorbed at the surface, rather than draining away).
• Water pooling in your leach field and not draining quickly (or at all). 

Here is some more information on what to look out for with a faulty leach field system.

See a problem? Get in touch

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, or if something just doesn’t seem right with your leach field or septic tank system, contact Septic Tank Services today.

Leach field problems in Scotland and the north of England can often be resolved quickly and cost-effectively if identified early. Our experienced team can inspect, repair or advise on replacement where necessary, helping you avoid major disruption and expense.

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How to know if you need a replacement tank

Sometimes, if your septic tank isn’t working as it should, you may jump to the conclusion that you need a new one. That could prove to be a costly mistake! Septic tanks can start to behave erratically if they have become blocked, and we’ve gone over some of the main causes here. So even if your septic tank is smelly, making strange noises or water is starting to back up into your sink and toilet, don’t jump to the worst case scenario. Give us a call and we’ll take a look – we may be able to fix your issues for a fraction of the cost it would take to replace the whole system.

Planning for a replacement

If we can’t fix you’re tank, we will advise you on how best to replace it. It’s important to ensure that you replace it with something resilient and long-lasting, which is why we only instal concrete tanks. Concrete is durable and can stand all the stresses and strains of being buried underground much better than plastic. When the ground shifts over time, this can cause plastic tanks to snap, but concrete is stronger and will likely last you a lot longer.

If you have bought a house with a septic tank, or have done modifications and extensions to your property, it may be that there is a better place you would rather install the system. This could be further away from your property or behind a wall. Equally, you may wish to move the location of your drainage field either for convenience or necessity if the field has become unsuitable. We will happily go over all your options and help you come to a satisfactory conclusion that suits your needs and meets any planning requirements.

Getting ready for the change

Once we’ve agreed a date to come and make the switch, you can leave everything up to us. Our team of dedicated professionals will make as little fuss as possible, and don’t worry if you live at the end of a small or narrow road. Our fleet and our drivers are experienced with them and we will make sure to reach you. We’ve had many clients report to us on how pleased they are with our work. Here’s a case study of an installation we performed in 2024 to some very happy clients.

Get in touch today

If you think your tank needs replaced, then get in touch with us today. The sooner the better as this gives us time to plan your replacement and make sure it is where you want it. Whether you plan on replacing a septic tank immediately, or are planning for the future, give us a call and we’ll make sure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

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One of the most common problems we see when it comes to septic tank systems is blocked drains. Over and above all else, blocked septic tank drains are not only one of the most troublesome of issues, they are also one the the easiest to avoid. Fortunately, they are also straightforward to solve thanks to our high-pressure water jet which can blast through any buildup in next to no time. 

Is your septic tank is blocked? We can help customers in Scotland and the north of England to clean out the pipes and get back to normal. But what causes septic tank pipes to become clogged in the first place? Read on to discover causes, and some solutions to try and fix them yourself.

Main causes of blocked septic tank pipes

Prevention is better than cure, so here are some of the way your pipes can become blocked. 

• Flushing things which shouldn’t be flushed. As a rule, only flush toilet paper down your toilet. And ideally, make it septic tank-friendly toilet paper. Anything else is a no-no. This includes ‘flushable’ wipes which really should not be flushed at all. Instead, place anything you don’t flush in the bin.

• Grease & fat. When in the kitchen, it can be easy to think flushing plate grease down the sink is okay, especially when followed by copious amounts of washing-up liquid. Unfortunately, this is a terrible idea and the fat and grease will eventually combine into a large plug, blocking your pipes completely. Instead, take the grease and fat and either put it in your food waste bin, or in the general waste. Bonus points if you collect the fat waste and make a bird feeder ball from it!

• Too much sold waste. Solids can build up in septic tanks which haven’t been pumped regularly. As a result, the pipes will clog. The solution to this is to have your tank emptied regularly. Speak to us on how we can help keep your septic tank in a healthy condition. 

• Collapsed pipes. Old pipes can collapse, making the flow of water through them impossible. Using our camera equipment, we can find and diagnose any problems like this quickly, and know exactly where to dig in order to fix them. 

• Soap buildup. Believe it or not, the soap you use at home can cause problems in your tank. Over time, the soap residue can build up in  your pipes, eventually leading to blockages. Make sure you use soap suitable for septic tank systems.

• Clogged drainage field. If your drainage or runoff field is overloaded or clogged, wastewater can back up into the septic system. This often leads to blocked pipes. This might happen if the soil becomes compacted, so avoid using it and definitely don’t park your car on it. We can come and analyse your drainage field and get it back into working order. 

Fix your own blocked septic tank drains

Before incurring an expense, you might want to try to solve the blockage problem yourself. That’s not always possible – for example if there is a large blockage deep within the pipe system – but here are a couple of things to try.

Snake drain

Ideally you would hope to avoid needing to flush loads of chemicals into your pipes in order to dissolve a blockage. That’s because this will cause havoc with the good bacteria in your septic tank. So a good place to start is to buy a drain snake. These are relatively inexpensive and available from the likes of Amazon and can reach far into your drainage system and give whatever is blocking it a good push. This might work for smaller or lighter blockages,

Enzyme cleaners

Rather than using harsh chemicals, enzyme cleaners may be able to clear your blockage without destroying your good bacteria. Manufacturers such as envii offer a range of septic tank-friendly products. Whatever you do, do not pour bleach down your drains. This will cause more harm than good in the long run.

Unblocking your drains

If you can’t solve the blockage yourself, it’s time to call in the experts – that’s us! Once the Septic Tank Services team have discovered the cause of your blockage, we can get to work fixing it. This might mean some jet powered water blasting through a blockage, or some maintenance work to fix broken or damaged pipes. Get in touch today and we will help you fix your blocked septic tank drains, and be able to offer advice on how to avoid it happening again.

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Here are some of the problems we have come across (and also why you should hire us to install your septic tank in the first place!)

Unsuitable sites

So often we’ll come across a tank which is simply in the wrong location. It might be that it is too shallow or too deep. It might be installed in an area which is close to many trees, resulting in problems with root growth penetrating the pipework. Some ground is liable to flood, and in such cases the water can actually move the tank. Even slight movement can cause pipes to come loose and the tank to become unstable. 

Finding the right location for your septic tank is crucial. Often, the easiest place to locate it may not be the best long-term, and we can advise on that. 

Wrong tank size

It’s important to think of the future when installing your septic tank. Although at the moment you may just be a couple moving into a home, you may soon start a family. Who knows how big that will get! So make sure you future-proof your septic tank and get the right size installed at the start. This way, you don’t have to dig it up and put in a bigger one later. 

If your tank is too small, then not only will you have to empty it more often, it runs the risk of overflowing which can cause very smelly problems. 

Poorly planned drainage field

The drainage field is where your waste water is released back into the environment so it can percolate down back to the water system,. To do so, the ground must be able to allow water to run through it. Not too fast, and not too slow! Get this part wrong, and you might end up with a muddy, smelly bog in your back garden. There might even be some flooding with water you really don’t want to be standing in barefoot.

We can help you decide on where to put your drainage field, and perform percolation tests to make sure it’s suitable. Speak to us at your planning stage to really feel the benefit of our years of experience. 

Get in the professionals

Whilst it may be tempting tog to think you could dig a hole and install a septic tank yourself, it’s probably going to be easier in the long run to get us to do it. We’re efficient, professional and have seen enough mistakes made by others to know what to avoid. We’ve also got all the correct gear, tools and machinery. Of course, we’ll happily come to fix any problems that may occur if you do try to put a septic tank in yourself. But we’d rather do it right for you first time. Septic Tank Services cover all of Scotland and the north of England, and septic tank installation companies like us are trustworthy and customer focussed. Get in touch today to discuss your installation needs. 

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Do you need a septic tank repair?

Some of the more common symptoms which indicate a problem with your septic tank include:

Your toilets and drains are slow

Have you noticed that water is draining away more slowly than usual from your sinks or toilets? This indicates that there might be a blockage in a pipe somewhere, or even that your septic tank is full. If your drains are also gurgling, this is a sign that air is trapped somewhere and not letting your wastewater flow away freely. It could indicate a hole in a pipe. The sooner this is checked out, the better.

Strong smells

If you are noticing troubling odours around your drains or septic tank, that is a sign that something is wrong. It could be blocked, full or even leaking into the ground. 

Water is pooling or not draining well outside

If you find your soakaway area is starting to become marshy, then water is not draining from it. This may be because the ground has shifted, your pipes have become blocked or the soil is too compacted. 

It may come as a surprise to you that particularly lush vegetation in isolated areas of your property may indicate a problem! This may be where waste is leaking from a pipe, and the water, whilst helpful to the plant life, may also be carrying some nasty pollutants which should not be released into the environment. This needs to be checked out urgently. 

Take care of your tank

The tanks we install can last up to 30 or even 40 years. However it is important to take care of them. This means regular maintenance, and keeping an eye out for little problems before they become big problems. 

Remember to follow the basic rules, which is don’t put anything down your drains that isn’t designed for septic tanks, and definitely no harsh chemicals like bleach. 

However if you are starting to have concerns, then it’s time to call us. We can investigate the health of your plumbing and tank. And if it’s a blockage we can obliterate it with our high-powered water jet. 

If you are looking for trustworthy professionals who can assess your tank and fix it whenever possible, then give us a call today. Our septic tank repair services are available throughout Scotland an the north of England.

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Signs your drainage field is having problems

Also known as leach fields, these areas are a vital component of your wastewater system. It is where your waste water is let back out on to the ground to continue its filtration back down before rejoining the water cycle. But if it’s not working correctly, you need to fix it quickly before it starts casing problems like polluting the environment or causing issues in your home. 

One of the first you might notice is a gurgling noise form your pipes. This can be an indication that water is not flowing freely through your pipes, perhaps because your drainage field is blocked. This can happen if there has been soil compaction, perhaps from cars on it. Whatever the cause, always keep an ear on your drains.

You might also smell some bad smells. Now, bad smells can indicate a number of problems when it comes to septic tanks, but if you are getting a nasty whiff near your drainage field then that’s the best place to start looking for issues. 

Also, when you are visiting your field, keep an eye out for any vegetation looking unusually healthy. As we’ve mentioned before, sometimes this can be the result of an overfilled septic tank, but it can also be a problem with your drainage pipes. This can be due to too many nutrients leaking through and not draining properly. 

Watch out for water

Just because you have a septic tank shouldn’t make you any more likely to suffer form flooding if you keep an eye on things. If your field is unusually wet and boggy, then the water isn’t able to drain away efficiently anymore. This might be reflected in your home with slow-draining water from your sink. If this happens, go check out your field. 

A drainage field might start to see problems if there are too many roots growing around it. Maybe when it was installed it was out on its own with nothing near it, but over time trees and bushes may have crept in. Too many roots can cause pipes to be moved or broken, creating chaos for the system. Try to keep the area clear of all large plants to avoid this from happening. 

Call us for help

If you realise something has gone wrong with your field, give us a call. Drainage fields for septic tanks only last around 20-30 years before it needs replacing so it’s worth having a health check if yours is getting a bit long in the tooth. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help and offer advice throughout Scotland and the north of England. 

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Broken inspection chambers

It’s rare that an inspection chamber will break, as they are built from sturdy materials. However, accidents happen and if you suspect something has broken, it’s best to call us straight away. A broken chamber can lead to blockages, leaks, and even system failure if not handled correctly and promptly. 

The first person to call is Septic Tank Services. We help customers all over Scotland and the north of England and can bring our expertise wherever it’s needed. We will quickly assess the damage and provide appropriate solutions. If we can repair the damage, that’s what we’ll do. 

However, if the damage is more serious – perhaps through some unexpected land movement – then it may require a bigger job. Fortunately we have all the digging equipment needed to excavate and replace any problem inspection chamber. We will give you a quote for the job before continuing with any work. 

Customer satisfaction

If we’re new to you, then you might want to check out our customer reviews. It’s important to make sure whoever comes to fix your chamber is fully qualified and confident.  Take a look at some of our customer reviews here. 

Septic tank services across Scotland and the north of England

So if you are looking for help to assess or fix your broken septic tank inspection chamber, or need help with any other aspect of your septic tank wastewater system, simply get in touch. From regular emptying to inspections, we can help with all aspects of keeping your tank healthy. Get in touch today.

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But first, here’s a few tips on what to look out for when selecting laundry detergent for your home with a septic tank to avoid unnecessary problems. 

What to avoid

Firstly, here’s what to avoid when it comes to septic tank-friendly detergents. If you are using detergents with heavy fragrances to help your clothes smell ‘clean’, then those chemicals are probably hurting the good bacteria in your septic tank. Similarly, avoid antibacterial laundry cleansers. These are meant to clean your machine but with a septic tank, they are going to do a whole lot of damage to your little bacteria friends, especially if you use them regularly. 

You should also avoid detergents with dyes in them. These are added to some types of detergents and pods in order to make whites ‘whiter than white’. They don’t actually make your clothes any cleaner – they just give the impression of it, whilst potentially disrupting the balance in your septic tank. Avoid!

Laundry detergents to use

So what should you be looking for in a detergent that won’t cause your septic tank to fail? Ideally, choose products marked as eco-friendly or septic-safe. These formulas actively clean your clothes without disrupting the beneficial bacteria in your tank’s ecosystem.”They are also better for the environment too.

A good laundry detergent for septic tanks should be free from chemicals like surfactants. Although these help break down oils in your dirty clothes, they can be harmful to your tank’s bacteria. It’s always a good idea to choose liquid detergents if possible, over powder. That’s because powder can sometimes clump together in your pipes or create a sludge. Liquid will avoid this issue altogether. 

High-efficiency (HE) detergents are another good option to consider. They are designed to produce fewer suds and to use less water in a wash. This is great for your septic tank as it means less going into it, whilst you still get the same result of clean clothes. Excessive suds from regular detergents can also overflow into your drain field, causing issues with water absorption and soil clogging.

Septic tank-friendly laundry detergents

So here’s a list of laundry detergents you can consider using. We’re not sponsored by them, and do let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page:

Ecover Zero Laundry Liquid – With 0% fragrance and enzymes to minimise the risk of allergies on sensitive skin, this one is approved by the British Allergy Foundation.

Ecover Zero non-bio washing powder refill – This features biodegradable ingredients and is formulated with 0% fragrance and 0% enzyme. So it is perfect for septic tanks. The refillable package means less waste, too.

Sonett Sensitive Laundry Liquid – Non-scented, non-coloured washing-liquid made from pure vegetable surfactants. This liquid is free from petrochemical ingredients, fragrances, colourings, preservatives, enzymes, GMOs and complexing agents. This makes it a great choice for use if you have septic tanks.

Eco Egg – an alternative to detergents is an eco egg. This clever device is suitable for septic tanks because it doesn’t use any soap or harsh chemicals at all. Rather, it has refillable mineral pellets to clean your clothes. Great for the environment and those with sensitive skin.

Soap nuts – a natural alternative, these are the fruit of the Sapindus family of trees. They contain naturally occurring soaps and surfactants and have been used for washing for centuries.

Clean clothes, healthy tank!

So do make sure that you use the correct sort of detergent that won’t clog or harm your septic tank. However if you do have a problem and are looking for someone to investigate and fix it, then give us a shout. We cover all of Scotland and the north of England. Get in touch today. 

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With so many rules to follow about what you can and can’t put down your toilet and drains, you might think that toilet paper is toilet paper and it doesn’t really matter what sort you use. Whatever you bum prefers, right? Wrong! Choosing the right septic tank toilet paper is more important than you might think. Septic systems are designed to handle waste efficiently. However, the type of toilet paper you use can significantly impact how well your system functions.

Some toilet papers break down easily and are safe for septic tanks. Others can cause blockages or have chemicals harmful to a tank’s bacteria. As septic tank experts covering Scotland and the north of England, we’ve seen out fair share of toilet paper disasters. Here’s a rundown of the types of paper to go for and avoid.

And remember, if you are having problems with your septic tank, book it in for an assessment with us before the issues get even worse!

Best types of toilet paper for septic tanks

The best type of toilet paper for septic tanks is one that is biodegradable and dissolves quickly in water. Biodegradable toilet paper is specifically designed to break down rapidly once it enters the septic system, reducing the risk of clogs and build-up in your tank. Biodegradable toilet paper is often made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice as well.

Another key factor is the ply of the toilet paper. Sure, we all love a nice thick double or triple ply. But this can cause problems with the way septic tanks work. Single-ply toilet paper tends to dissolve more easily than thicker, multi-ply options, making it a safer choice for septic systems. So unfortunately you will have to decide on whether to give your bottom an extra-special treat, or if you want to avoid septic tank issues down the line.

Some companies offer toilet paper specifically designed for septic tanks, for example Papernet and Novatissue.

Other options include Unbleached Bamboo Toilet Paper, which breaks down at a steady rate, and The Cheeky Panda Bamboo Toilet Tissue which is biodegradable, free from fragrances and suitable for vegans.

Worst types of toilet paper for septic tanks

The worst types of toilet paper for septic tanks are those that are thick and heavily quilted. These types of toilet paper don’t break down easily and can cause serious problems in a septic system. Any that contain added lotions or perfumes should be avoided at all costs. These types of rolls often contain chemicals that can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in your septic tank, which is essential for breaking down waste. When these products accumulate, they can lead to blockages, slow drainage, and even septic system failure. If you find you have a blockage, perhaps because you didn’t realise the importance of choosing the right paper, then we can help.

Paper over the cracks

So if you have a septic tank, it’s best to choose toilet paper that is single-ply, biodegradable, and free of added chemicals. Remembering these three rules can ensure a longer-lasting septic system and keep everything running smoothly. By selecting the right type of septic tank toilet paper, you can help ensure that your septic system remains healthy for many years.

The post What are the best (and worst) choices for septic tank toilet paper? appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

When selling a property with a septic tank, many homeowners choose to arrange a professional septic tank inspection before putting their house on the market. Septic Tank Services are frequently asked to inspect septic tanks in Scotland and northern England prior to sale. This allows any issues to be identified early and resolved before buyers become involved.

Septic tank regulations

Firstly, by law your septic tank needs to be registered if it is in Scotland. You can check if it is or not on this SEPA page. If it isn’t, then you need to ensure it follows all regulations before registering it. If you are unsure, then we are happy to do a full assessment on the septic tank and drainage field for you. Should your tank be registered, it is good practice to have registration confirmation available to view for potential buyers. There is usually no need to register your septic tank in England so long as it meets ‘general binding rules‘.

When selling a home with a registered septic tank, it’s good practice to have proof of registration available for potential buyers. This reassures buyers that the system is legally compliant and properly maintained.

Transparency is key when selling a property with a septic system. Buyers will expect clear information on the septic tank’s condition, location, age, and maintenance history. Providing inspection reports, servicing records, and repair details helps build trust and confidence, making your home more attractive to buyers.

Septic tank inspections

Arranging a septic tank inspection before selling your house is highly recommended. A pre-sale septic tank inspection provides an up-to-date, independent assessment of the condition of the tank, pipes, and drainage field.

If the inspection confirms your septic tank is in good working order, you can proceed with confidence. If issues are identified, you have options. You can carry out repairs before listing the property. Alternatively you can be transparent with buyers and reflect the condition in the asking price. In some cases, sellers prefer to adjust the price rather than invest time and money into repairs.

What you want to avoid when selling a house with a septic tank is a last-minute problem discovered during a buyer’s own survey, which can lead to delays, renegotiation or even a collapsed sale.

Septic tanks in tip-top shape

Selling a house with a septic tank in Scotland and England should be a straightforward process. By ensuring compliance with regulations, being transparent with potential buyers and conducting a thorough inspection, you can rest easy knowing you have done everything you can. Get in touch with us today if you are planning on selling a house with a septic tank in the UK, and we will be happy to organise an assessment.

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A smelly septic tank is not just an annoyance; it can be a symptom of a much larger problem with your drainage. Often, these problems need to be addressed quickly before they escalate into a serious issues that could damage your home. That’s why if you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your septic tank or drainage field, it’s important to take quick action. Here are some of the potential causes of septic tank odours, and what you can do to address the issue.

Why does my septic tank smell?

Several factors can cause a smelly septic tank. Some common causes include:

Full septic tank: One of the most common reasons for septic smells is a tank that is overdue for emptying. When the tank is full, waste can build up and cause foul smells. We strongly recommend regular emptying of septic tanks before they reach this stage. We offer septic tank emptying services throughout Scotland and the north east of England. 

Drainage field issues: Problems with the drain or runoff field, such as clogs or saturation, can prevent proper drainage and lead to unpleasant smells. Get in touch and we can assess the saturation of the soil and make some recommendations to improve matters. 

Improper maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance, such as infrequent emptying or inspections can cause small problems to build. This can result in larger issues like leaky pipes of a cracked tank. Speak to us about regular maintenance on your septic tank to avoid this.

Use of harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that help break down waste, leading to a buildup of solids and unpleasant smells. There are some things you simply should not flush into your septic tank, such as bleach.

Blocked vents: Septic systems are designed with vents to release gases safely. If these vents are blocked, gases can accumulate and cause odours to escape into your home or yard. This is something we can pick up on with regular assessments. 

What to Do If Your Septic Tank Smells

If you notice a foul odour coming from your septic tank or around your property, you can check for obvious problems first. These include blocked air vents, which may be covered with leaves or debris or, in bad weather, heavy snowfall. You can also look for obvious plumbing issues such as leaky pipes both inside and outside your home. 

Consider using cleaning products such as Green Gobbler, many of which are safe for use on septic tanks. These contain biological additives like enzymes which help break down waste products in your tank. 

However, if nothing is obviously wrong, it’s time to call in the professionals. Here at Septic Tank Services, we are able to quickly get to the bottom of things and see what the cause of the smell is. 

Smell-B-gone

A smelly septic tank is often a sign of a more serious problem, so once you have checked your system as best you can yourself, give us a call for a more in-depth investigation. Wherever you are in Scotland or the north east of England, we’ll be able to come and take a look and help your smelly septic tank out. Get in touch with Septic Tank Services to book an appointment.

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