Cesspit and Septic Tank Services

Not every house and business is hooked up to the main sewage system, so many thousands of people are still reliant on a cesspit or septic tank for the storage of domestic waste. As long term users know, regular emptying, cleaning and maintenance are the keys to ensuring that they remain fully functional and with the correct capacity. If you have recently purchased a property with a cesspit or septic tank, you may be a little less sure about what to do and how often to do it, and at J.H. Willis and Son, we are the professionals who are on hand, ready to give you all the support and advice you need.

The Cesspit

There is a difference between a septic tank and a cesspit, with the latter essentially being an underground storage tank, used for the temporary collection and storage of waste such as faeces, used for on-site sanitation. Traditionally, it was a chamber dug into the earth, while today this has been replaced by the installation of sealed tanks, which need to be periodically emptied. It is important to understand the capabilities of a cesspit, which due to the nature of gravity, will gradually lose some of its capacity as heavier and denser materials sink to the bottom and will not be extracted by a normal emptying. As it is not entirely waterproof, it is susceptible to flooding in times of heavy rain. J.H. Willis and Son recommend a full cleaning every six months to a year, to prevent any excessive build-up of solid matter and are able to offer an inspection service during cleaning, to update you on the general condition and health of your sanitation system.

The Septic Tank

Septic tanks are a type of basic on-site sewage facility, involving a tank made from concrete, fibreglass or plastic through which sewage flows and allows for the separation of solids and liquids through an anaerobic process. The term “septic” refers to the decomposition of the waste from the bacteria that develop inside it. Sludge collects at the bottom, while partially cleaned water is allowed to run off toward the top, though below the surface level where scum collects. The sludge will collect faster than the rate at which it is decomposing, and similar to a cesspit, needs to be vacuumed out from time to time. New legislation will impact the run off from a septic tank from 1^st January 2020, to prevent any of it from potentially contaminating any of the country’s waterways. With over 50 years’ experience in waste management, and a dedication to remaining at the forefront of legislation and solutions, J.H. Willis and Son are perfectly placed to advise you on what actions you may need to take, such as bio filters, or other additional onsite wastewater treatment.

What Happens to the Removed Waste

We are a fully licensed waste management company, who work closely with the Environment Agency and the local council to minimise the environmental impact of waste products. All waste material collected is brought to our three farms covering 1,250 acres and stored in our bio treatment storage lagoons. Treated waste is then used across our crop cultivation areas in relation to the rotation of the crops being grown. An environmentally friendly process, returning valuable minerals to the soil. We are happy to assist and advise you in any way, so whatever your question or problem, get in contact with us online or call us on (0151) 356 0351.