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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Installations at hard-to-reach properties

Chances are that if you are looking to install a septic system, you live somewhere rural or remote. This could be throughout the Scottish Highlands or islands like Skye, Mull or Arran. If so, don’t worry – we specialise in coming to people in the far-off reaches of Scotland and the north of England! Our fleet of vehicles can travel along most kinds of roads, from single-lane to bumpy forest tracks. No matter how far off the beaten path your home is, our team will find a solution that works for you. Check out the video below of a previous installation in the middle of the countryside to see our skilful drivers in action.

A friendly team to inform you

Our team of friendly professionals will be happy to keep you updated on work progress and let you know what’s happening next. If you ever have any questions before, during or after your new septic tank installation, then we’re always happy to chat and help you out. Good communication leads to a stress-free and job for both of us. Get in touch today to start chatting with us about your waste system needs. 

Tailored septic tank plans

Your property is unique. From the geology and soil underneath to the weather and vegetation surrounding homes and businesses, variables are all around. That’s why we will always assess your property first and tailor your septic tank needs. We can advise on where to sit your tank and where to place your drainage field. If we think you would do better with a smaller tank, or a larger sewage system, we’ll chat this over with you. We can also do pre-build checks such as percolation tests to make sure your ground is suitable for a septic system. Our goal is to provide you with a long-lasting and efficient solution that meets all environmental and legal standards. 

Choose Septic Tank Services for your new installation

With years of experience in the industry working all over Scotland (including the islands) and the north of England, we have a solid reputation for excellence in septic tank installation. You can see some of our reviews here. Our combination of technical knowledge, high-quality materials, and outstanding customer service makes us the top choice for homeowners and business owners.

If you’re considering a new septic tank installation, contact Septic Tank Services today.

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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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Septic Tank Installers in Scotland and the north of England

As professional septic tank installers, we know all the legislation surrounding planning for and putting in a septic tank. We have also done enough installs to be able to advise you on the best place on your property to put it, as well as where the best location for your drainage field should be. If you get all of this correct at this stage, then it should minimise problems 10 or 20 years down the line. 

The UK’s terrain is varied, and we’ve installed tanks all over the country. So whether you have thick, clay soil, sandy soil or are perched on a cliff, we can help guide you on the best solution. Sometimes, the easiest option is not always the best for long-term success and that’s what we will advise you on.

What sets us apart from others?

We’re headquartered in Lochgilphead but service all clients throughout Scotland and the north of England. We have worked all over the country and our reputation speaks for itself (alongside some very complimentary comments from happy customers!). Wherever you are, we will come and chat to you about your needs and install your septic tank. This makes us more than just your local septic tank installers, we’ll be your partners throughout the installation. We understand that it is a costly endeavour, so we’ll make sure every aspect of it runs smoothly with you.

From initial contact right the way through to saying goodbye after the installation, we’ll make sure you know what’s going on. We’re customer focussed, and if you have any questions about what we’re doing, just ask! 

We only use the best materials, which further ensures a good lifespan for your septic tank. As a result, we only install concrete septic tanks as these are sturdier than plastic ones. They hold their shape better once the weight of soil is upon them. They are also better for the environment as plastic tanks gradually leach microplastics into the surrounding ground. So if you are looking for a quality install, give us a call. Contact Septic Tank Services today

Trustworthy septic tank installations

Wherever you are in Scotland or the north of England, we’ll come to you to install your septic tank. Our combined years of experience alongside a drive for customer satisfaction means your project will be in great hands. Just sit back and we’ll take care of it. So if you are looking for local septic tank installers in Scotland, then look no further! Find out more about our septic tank installation services here.

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Do you need a septic tank?

If your property is in a rural location far from towns and cities, or an area without access to mains drainage, you will need to find.a way to safely dispose of your household sewage. That’s where septic tanks come in. They separate the liquid waste from the solid. Such tanks ensure that waste water is treated sufficiently so it can be released back into the environment without causing pollution. Once you have confirmed that you need a septic tank, then the next stage is checking local regulations. 

Septic system installation regulations

Before a single spade is thrust into your soil, you should make sure you have all the permissions needed from the local council, SEPA (if in Scotland) or the Environmental Agency if in England. Not all sites are suitable for or capable of supporting a septic tank. It’s important that you are permitted to install a septic tank at the location you want it. You also need to make sure there is enough space for your tank as well as the soakaway field. We can help guide you on this before getting the authorities involved – just give us a call. We can give you all the information you need to ensure your application runs smoothly. 

Getting the work started

Once all permissions have been given, it’s time to start the installation! This is where we come in. Our trained staff can get our equipment like diggers along pretty much any narrow road to your property. We will dig holes and trenches causing as little disruption as we can. Everything will be done to an agreed timescale. Exactly what this timescale is depends on location, size of tank and how much plumbing is required. This includes how far away your drainage field is. 

We’ll set to work digging drainage trenches, make sure you’ll have room for future access so it can be maintained (speak to us about regular maintenance). We’ll install a septic system to the correct depth, making sure it is stable. Finally, we’ll build your drainage field and make sure everything is up and running before leaving. 

When everything in installed, we’ll backfill and can offer landscaping services to help get everything back looking great in no time!

Trust Septic Tank Services

We know that this is a big job. You need to be able to trust the people managing your septic system installation in Scotland or northern England. So, check out our feedback from happy customers, as well as a recent case study. Just get in touch with us and we’ll happily take you through all the steps and work out how best to proceed. 

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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.

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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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When a property is connected to the public sewer network, all wastewater from toilets, sinks and outside drains is transported to a sewage treatment plant. With a domestic septic tank system, however, wastewater must be treated and dispersed on-site. That’s why correct septic tank installation and drainage field design are so important.

If you’re ever unsure about designing or building a septic tank drainage field, call Septic Tank Services for expert advice and professional support.

What is a septic tank soakaway drainage field?

Regular septic tank emptying is essential to prevent overflow, leaks and system failure. We provide professional septic tank emptying services across Scotland and the north of England.

However, emptying alone isn’t enough. A properly designed soakaway field is just as vital to the long-term health of your septic tank system. So what exactly is a soakaway field, and why is it so important?

A septic tank soakaway drainage field (also known as a drainage field or leach field) is an area of land designed to safely disperse treated wastewater from your septic tank into the surrounding soil.

It consists of an underground network of perforated drainage pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches. Once wastewater has been partially treated in the septic tank by natural bacteria, the liquid effluent flows into the soakaway field. Here, it undergoes further natural filtration before gradually re-entering the local water table.

A well-built soakaway field is essential for environmental protection, public health and regulatory compliance.

What makes a good soakaway field?

For a soakaway drainage field to work effectively, the soil must have the correct water absorption and percolation rate. If the conditions aren’t right, serious problems can occur.

Soil that is too sandy allows wastewater to drain too quickly, potentially contaminating nearby rivers and streams before it is fully treated.

Heavy clay soil or poorly draining ground can prevent absorption altogether, leading to surface flooding, waterlogging and damage to your property. The ideal soakaway field allows wastewater to drain at a controlled rate. Not too fast and not too slow.

This is why soil percolation and absorption testing is essential before installing a septic tank drainage field. Our specialists carry out professional soil tests to ensure your chosen location is suitable and fully compliant. Simply give us a call and we’ll take care of it.

Keep your septic system healthy

A properly designed and maintained soakaway drainage field significantly extends the lifespan of your entire septic tank system. Without it, septic tanks can become overloaded, leading to backups, foul odours and potential health hazards.

Regular septic tank maintenance and inspection ensures your system continues to operate efficiently for many years. They key is catching small problems before they escalate into large (and expensive) isues. We offer ongoing maintenance services for both septic tanks and soakaway fields throughout Scotland and northern England.

You can also protect your system with good daily habits such as:

• Only flush biodegradable waste. Additionally, see out blog on the best toilet paper to use for septic tanks.
• Avoid pouring harsh chemicals or bleach down drains, as these kill beneficial bacteria. See out blog on the best laundry detergents for septic tanks.
• Never drive or park vehicles on your soakaway field as this will compact the soil, making it harder for water to soak away.
• Avoid building structures over the drainage area as they will be liable to flooding and reduce soakaway rates.
• Compacting the soil reduces absorption and can cause system failure. When properly maintained, soakaway fields often develop into thriving natural habitats, sometimes even attracting local wildlife.

Field of (soakaway) dreams

The septic tank soakaway drainage field is a critical part of any septic tank system. Getting the design and installation right from the start is key to reliable wastewater treatment and long-term performance. By understanding how your septic tank system works and investing in professional maintenance, you can enjoy a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible solution for your property.

Contact Septic Tank Services today to discuss septic tank installation, drainage field design, maintenance or emptying services.

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Understanding drainage fields

Also known as leach fields, these drain fields perform an important job of allowing the wastewater from septic tanks to be filtered before reaching the waterway which includes rivers and streams. This waste water is not allowed to enter rivers directly. That’s because there is still some filtering to take place before it is clean enough. By allowing the water to gradually filter through the soil, impurities are taken out before it reaches the waterway. 

A septic tank drainage field is an essential component of a septic system. It is a network of perforated pipes laid in trenches filled with gravel or other porous materials. It distributes the liquid waste over a stretch of land.

When planning a septic tank installation, we can come and perform a percolation test. This is important because the land you want your drainage field on needs to be able to allow water to drain away not too fast and not too slow. 

Water has to go somewhere

The drainage field plays a vital role in ensuring the overall effectiveness and longevity of your septic system. That’s because it is responsible for the final stage of wastewater treatment. As the waste water percolates through the soil, it undergoes natural filtration, removing harmful bacteria. This also stops the septic tank from overflowing, which can lead to burst pipes, nasty smells and a costly repair bill. 

By properly treating and dispersing wastewater, a septic tank drainage field helps protect the surrounding environment. It prevents contaminants from entering local water sources, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

Keep an eye on your drainage field

Keeping an eye on your drainage field is important. Over time, the perforated pipes in the drainage field can become clogged with solid waste, grease, or other debris. This clogging prevents the effluent from dispersing properly, leading to backups and system failure. Regular maintenance can ensure the pipes continue to work properly for many years. 

We also recommend that you do not use the soil for other purposes, such as car parking or growing plants. That’s because the soil can be compacted under the wheels or roots, making it difficult for water to flow out unhindered and harder to absorb the bad bacteria.

A properly installed and maintained septic tank drainage field is essential for the effective and safe management of wastewater. By planning the location wisely and keeping it free from obstruction and compaction, it can mean fewer problems and longevity of your tank. Your septic tank drainage field is such an important aspect of your wastewater system. If you have any questions or problems with yours, then just give us a shout. 

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The importance of professional septic tank installation

Proper installation of a septic tank is crucial to ensure they comply with Scottish or English health and environmental regulations. The professionals at Septic Tank Services are familiar with these requirements. We will ensure that your system meets all necessary standards.

A professional septic tank install will ensure everything is put together and plumbed in correctly. This adds to the longevity of the installation. Proper installation ensures that the system can handle the waste load of your household without frequent issues. This leads to savings for you over the course of the tank’s life.

Our septic tank install process

Installing a septic tank involves several critical steps, each requiring expertise and precision. The first thing we will do is pay you a visit to assess your proposed site. We’ll look at where you would like to have the tank and your drainage field. We’ll make sure the land is suitable and won’t flood by performing a percolation test. Even if you already have a septic tank and are looking to replace it, it’s worth checking the site is still suitable. 

Once all is done and any required permits are received, we can begin work at an agreed date. Our team of excavators will be on hand to easily dig a hole suitable for your tank. We will also dig any ditches needed for pipes or electricity if you are installing a sewage system. 

All our septic tanks are concrete. We believe they offer the best value for money in the long run. This is because they can withstand being outside better and can hold up against ground movement and flooding better than plastic ones. 

Timely and professional

As a team of professionals, we know what we are doing and this means you’ll have your septic tank installed in no time. We’ll give you an estimate of timings when we meet you. Remember, wherever you live, be it on a coast, down a valley or by a city, our fleet of vehicles are used to small roads and will do everything they can to come to you. 

We’ll test the system and make sure it works with no leaks or other issues. Then, after some final checks, we’ll tidy up and let you get on with your life, knowing your septic tank, with regular maintenance, could last you for 30 to 40 years. 

Septic Tank Services installations

By choosing Septic Tank Services, you can be confident in receiving expert service and advice, quality materials, and a system designed to meet your specific needs. So contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your septic tank install.

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Septic tank installations in the north of England

Septic tank installations are usually straightforward, even in the most awkward of locations! We have many customers living in rural areas in the north of England who rely on our services. From ground assessments through to installation and maintenance, we are here to help whenever it’s required.

Our septic tank installation services are perfect for those considering upgrading their existing tank, or those who need a new one installed. Perhaps you have recently extended your property or even your family and need a larger tank. If so, we can ensure your ground is suitable. We’ll do this by performing a percolation test for your effluent discharge field. We can then draw up a plan of action with you.

Small homes to large mansions

Whether you are in a small home near Berwick-Upon-Tweed or a larger dwelling by Otterburn, we offer our services to everyone in the North of England. You may be looking for your septic tanks to be emptied, which is a vital part in ensuring they last for decades. If you are concerned about their health (or even just curious) we offer camera inspection services. These help us get up close and personal with every inch inside your septic tank. This means we can detect problems when they are easily fixable and before they become expensive issues.

Access to your home

Septic Tank Services are perfectly used to finding our way through roads and streets which can be narrow, single-lane and bendy. Often, it’s only a road by name but is more like a gravel path! Our professionals are accustomed to navigating bendy roads in the countryside. So whether you are by a rocky coastal road near Alnmouth or a quiet country track by the Solway Coast, we’re confident we can reach you and help you out with your septic tank.

Septic tank services throughout the north of England

If you are in the north of England and require work on your septic tank, then give us a call at Septic Tank Services. We are a family run business and are dedicated to providing professional work every step of the way. All of our positive reviews prove it. So if you want to chat about your septic tank inspection, installation or maintenance services, get in touch today.

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Is your current site still suitable?

If your domestic septic tank has been in place for a long time, it’s important to make sure the land is still suitable to hold one. Rising groundwater levels and ground movement can all impact the suitability of a tank site. We would also want to ensure that your discharge area is still performing as well as possible, and we can do a percolation test to make sure everything is still in order. Effluent from a septic tank needs to be able to drain away so as to avoid flooding and creating marshy conditions. If your current site is experiencing those problems, we can help advise on other alternative locations.

Do you need a different sized septic tank?

One of the key questions to consider is whether the tank you have is the appropriate size for your needs. Are you planning on having a family? Are you going to sell your house and a larger tank might increase your home value? You might even want to move the septic tank location and as a result need to downsize. We can help talk through your options.

Would you be better off with a domestic sewage treatment plant?

It may be that a septic tank is no longer enough for you and your family’s needs. A domestic sewage treatment plant might be a better option. Two of the benefits of such systems are that they produce a more environmentally friendly effluent, and they also do not require a soakaway system. Check out our blog for more.

Keep in mind costs for landscaping

One of our key aims when replacing septic tanks is to keep any ground distrubance to a minimum. However in cases where that may not be possible, it’s important for you consider any costs involved in re-landscaping after the new tank has been installed. This is something we are happy to advise you on, and our landscaping team are experts at making it look like we were never there!

Speak to us for professional advice

Wherever you are in Scotland or the north of England, give us a call and we can help ensure replacing your domestic septic tank happens with as little fuss to you as possible. We are a family run business and understand that such large projects need to be managed carefully and by experts like us. Get in touch today to arrange a chat.

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