Blog

No vehicle is more synonymous with farming than tractors. Often lamented for blocking up country lanes with their colossal size and being slow on the roads, it is often forgotten actually how helpful these vehicles are to our society.

Since the birth of the tractor in the late Victorian era, broadly, farms have less relied upon manual labour, as tractors have dramatically increased crop turnover. Plus, their affordable price tag has made them a favourite in practical machinery.

Helped launch the agricultural revolution

Developed since 1812, tractors arguably helped kickstart an agricultural revolution. Increasing productivity on the farm, by 1928 the first general purpose tractor was produced which allowed farmers to plant and cultivate three rows at a time. At this time, tractors had steel wheels, yet rubber wheeled tractors were introduced by 1939.

By 1920, tractors became an affordable motor for the masses. With over 150 companies manufacturing them in the US, the competition was so fierce that companies started selling their tractors cheaper than it was to make them. This meant that small farms were also able to purchase them. By 1935 over 1 million tractors had been sold.

More productive farming

Nowadays, you would rarely see a working farm without a tractor. This is because tractors have dramatically changed the agriculture and farming industry, leading to more productive farming.

Before tractors, farms relied on human and animal manual labour. Horses and mules were expensive to care for, took up a lot of the farmers time, and needed extra land to graze and live on. With tractors, and without the horses, farmers used the extra land to grow more market crops creating more cash flow.

Plus, after the innovation of the basic tractor model and engine, innovations quickly developed leading them to become state of the art machines. Tractors arguably were the hallmark for agricultural efficiency.

They look impressive

Have you ever stood next to a tractor? They are huge and actually quite cool. Tractors are popular props for farm weddings, country fashion shoots and more. Their large rubber wheels, primary coloured hues and state of the art technology put  them in a league of their own when compared to other vehicles. Though not to be bought by just anyone, you can see why they are admired by many. They are simply the Bentleys of the agricultural world.

Despite their slowness on country lanes, their colossal engines and horsepower is not to be sniffed at. So hopefully in future when you see a bright green tractor taking its time down a road, you can appreciate how much they have benefited our society and the agriculture industry as a whole.

Here at J.H. Willis and Son, our modern high quality tractors can manage all of your agricultural services including ploughing, pasture maintenance, muck spreading, and more. Plus, their tractors can also provide agricultural effluent handling services. To find out more, click here.

Liquid waste is a byproduct of more areas than you might think; from domestic households, to hospitals, industrial plants and businesses such as wineries. Not all liquid waste is hazardous, but regardless, it’s important to dispose of it correctly to avoid damage to human health or the environment. There are several liquid waste removal techniques that can help depending on your needs, including dewatering, composting and incineration. If you or your business have been looking into how to effectively remove liquid waste, read on for some of the removal techniques available, and why it’s important to dispose of it as safely as possible.

What is liquid waste?

The term ‘liquid waste’ covers many different types of non-solid waste, including wastewater, fats, oil, or hazardous household liquids. It can also be used to describe excess unwanted commercial products (known as industrial liquid waste), such as cleaning fluids, pesticides, or manufacturing by-products. Many liquid wastes are hazardous and so must be monitored carefully when it comes to storage, transportation, treatment and disposal.

Domestic liquid waste (also called wastewater) refers to all excess water from our home sinks, baths, washing machines, lavatories, dishwashers or any other water-based appliance. It is disposed of via a sewer system and sewage treatment plant or held in a septic tank, which we will discuss in more detail further on.

Industrial wastewater is generated by processes used in the paper, dye or sugar industries (amongst others), and often contains toxic chemicals or heavy metals like lead or arsenic. Domestic liquid waste can simply be flushed away, and in most cases you won’t have to do anything further, unless you have a cesspit or septic tank on your property. The removal of industrial waste is much more complicated, and there are certain guidelines you must abide by to ensure the wastewater is being removed effectively and safely. There are several different methods of removal, which we will outline below.

Why is it important to dispose of liquid waste safely?

Proper liquid waste disposal is essential in order to protect the environment, as well as human health. As stated, the majority of liquid waste contains toxic or harmful substances like hazardous chemicals or heavy metals, and businesses can incur heavy fines if they fail to dispose of their waste properly.

All industries must comply with UK regulations for waste disposal under the Environmental Protection Act, and simply pouring chemical waste down the drain is a criminal offence. It’s important to document not just how you dispose of your liquid waste, but also how it is stored, transported and treated; and failure to do so will result in a fine from the Environment Agency.

Methods of removal

Industrial liquid waste is produced by a wide variety of sectors, from transportation, to food production, farms or hospitals. As mentioned above, all industries must comply with disposal regulations under the Environmental Protection Act, and unlicensed disposal of hazardous liquid waste can get you in a lot of trouble, both legally and financially. Below we will discuss some of the best techniques for removal of liquid waste, that comply with the rules and regulations set out by the Environment Agency.

Composting

This method is perfect if you want to safely dispose of your waste and help the environment at the same time! Composting is only suitable for organic wastewater (for example from farmland), however it must still be disposed of properly to avoid disrupting the environment with its high levels of organic pollutants or pesticides. If the water from organic liquid waste is removed, then the solid sediments that remain can be used as fertilizer – this is excellent for feeding soil as it will contain vital nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium or sodium.

Incineration

Although we refer to these excess materials as ‘liquid waste’, they still contain solid components, and incineration is one of the most effective disposal methods for hazardous liquid wastes. The high temperatures produced by a furnace removes toxic components such as scrap metal, acids, oils or other hazardous chemicals, leaving the leftover water clean.

The most common incineration methods used are fluidised bed furnaces or a multiple hearth furnace; they are kept at temperatures between 1,800 and 2,200 degrees fahrenheit, which is high enough to burn the solid waste and force any leftover gas to stabilise into non-hazardous compounds. Any ash or gas left over is then tested to make sure there are low enough levels of hazardous chemicals present, before being taken to a landfill site and released into the atmosphere, respectively.

Dewatering

This method is suitable for non-hazardous liquid waste, and is a relatively simple and eco-friendly way of separating any potential contaminants from your wastewater. The liquid waste is pumped into a large geotextile bag and then blended with polymers – these help to separate the solids from the liquid. As the polymer binds the solids together, clear water is free to run out of the bag leaving 99% of solids behind; in some cases the water is so clear that it can be reused without the need for additional treatment.

Sedimentation

A sedimentation tank is an essential component of a modern wastewater treatment system, and works by separating solid particles from the water as it flows slowly into the tank. Layers of solids known as sludge will gradually form at the bottom of the tank, and are removed at regular intervals.

Sedimentation is often used as part of the treatment process for turning wastewater back into safe water for gardening, washing and more . Coagulants are added to the liquid waste prior to entering the tank; this helps the waste separate more easily, and the water can then be sent for filtration and other purification processes while the leftover solids are sent to landfill. The full process of purifying this wastewater is known as root zone treatment.

Root zone

This method is used to purify household wastewater (e.g from kitchens or bathrooms) by harnessing the way the earth would naturally process such waste, using an artificial soil ecosystem.

As mentioned above, first the wastewater passes through a sedimentation tank, before pollutants are removed using further filtration, absorption and nitrification processes. The root zone process is one of the more complicated ways of dealing with liquid waste, but it is a very effective and eco-friendly method.

Septic tank emptying

A septic tank is basically another form of sedimentation tank, and they are most commonly found in rural areas that aren’t connected to a mains sewage system. They have a very similar process to a sedimentation tank, except the separated wastewater is spread onto surrounding soil and land via a drain field pipe.

Sedimentation tanks also tend to be part of a sewage plant system and will need to be serviced, whereas a septic tank just needs emptying around once a year.

Regular septic tank cleaning is essential to remove toxins and other bacterial buildups found in the sludge that builds up at the bottom of the tank, so as not to damage the surrounding soil once the treated wastewater exits the tank.

You’ll have to pay for the septic tank cleaning cost yourself if it is part of your home; this will vary depending on the size of the tank but it’s an expense you will only have to budget for every few years.

If you need professional liquid waste management and removal, get in touch with J H Willis & Son. We are fully licensed and work closely with the Environment Agency, Cheshire County Council and Environmental Health to ensure our waste disposal methods have as little environmental impact as possible. Whether you need septic tank maintenance, cesspit emptying or industrial liquid waste management, we have the services for you. Give us a call today on 0151 356 0351, or visit our website to see the full range of services we provide.

If your home or business relies on a septic tank, then you’ll understand how vital regular maintenance is to keep things running smoothly. Septic tanks require routine emptying, but an annual clean is a good way to keep your tank in the best condition possible.

Harsh winter weather may have affected the functionality of your septic tank, and as the climate moves from freezing conditions to the mild and wet weather of spring, problems can arise with your tank that you may not be aware of. Thankfully, most can be avoided with a good spring clean, so read on to learn more about how the weather can affect your tank, and what you can do to prevent future problems.

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank is a simplified, onsite sewage facility for liquid waste removal, most commonly used in rural areas that aren’t connected to a main sewerage system. An underground chamber made from concrete, fibreglass or plastic collects sewage for basic treatment, and wastewater enters the tank which is then separated into solids (which sink to the bottom as sludge) and oil or grease which floats on top as scum. Some solids are anaerobically digested, and the treated excess liquid drains out from the tank to be absorbed by the surrounding soil. Not all of the solid sludge is able to organically decompose, which is why it’s vital to get your septic tank emptied – the frequency of this will depend on the tank’s size and how many people it serves.

Winter septic tank issues

Freezing weather can put your septic tank under a lot of stress, and may seriously damage it if left untreated. It’s not all bad news though – being able to recognise potential problems goes a long way towards prevention, so see below for some of the most common winter issues and how you can prevent them.

Frozen components

Sub zero temperatures and the accompanying frost and snow can infiltrate parts of your septic tank system, or even freeze the entire thing. Even one frozen part will slow down the rate of anaerobic bacteria in the tank, meaning that solid waste will not be broken down as effectively. Luckily, something as simple as covering the septic tank with a blanket, or running water at regular intervals can prevent the chances of freezing.

Damaged pipes

Clogged or leaking pipes can cause havoc to your septic system at any time, but particularly during the colder months. A leak can cause water to freeze outside of the pipes, causing further damage to the entire system, and a clog prevents wastewater from flowing into the tank chambers. A buildup of wastewater in the pipes is also prone to freezing, and could even contaminate your drinking water. It’s important to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them (ideally before cold weather descends), and pay extra attention to what you can and cannot flush to prevent the build up of clogs.

Hard, compacted ground

Frozen ground and compacted snow around the tank and drainfield can lead to less effective drainage and poor insulation of your tank. If the ground of the drainfield is too compacted and hard then wastewater cannot be filtered and drained as easily, and it will also make it much more difficult to pump your septic tank if it needs emptying. Aim to have your septic emptied before winter if necessary, and aerate the soil around the tank to reduce the risk of the ground becoming too compacted.

Signs of a problem

Even if you’ve taken care to avoid the winter issues above, come spring you may still notice some signs that your septic tank is not operating as effectively as it should. It’s essential to have your tank cleaned or emptied if you notice any of the following signs:

Standing water

Pools or puddles of water on the grass near the drainage field area is a serious sign that your septic tank is not functioning as it should. Poor drainage can cause a health hazard, as dirty water is accumulating in places where it shouldn’t, so call the experts immediately to talk about septic tank drainage.

Bad odours

It’s unpleasant, but a bad smell is another sign that your septic tank isn’t functioning properly and a ‘rotten egg’ smell indicates the presence of toxic sulphur. A stronger smell outside around the tank might mean that raw sewage has leaked out, or if you’re smelling odours inside the house it’s likely that the tank is full and needs to be emptied.

Water backup

Water backup or slow drainage from your kitchen sink, bath or shower could indicate blocked pipes in your septic system. If sewage has begun to back up from the pipes call for professional help as soon as possible – this can be the sign of a failing system.

Gurgling noises

Frequent gurgling noises after flushing the toilet or running water is usually a sign that the pipes are blocked or the septic tank is full. This can be easily resolved by pumping the tank, and septic tank emptying costs aren’t as high as you might think.

Spring maintenance

There’s no substitute for a professionals septic tank service, but there are some things you can do to maintain your tank throughout the spring. This season is the best time of year to get your tank back in optimum working condition after the winter, so see below for some of our top spring cleaning tips.

Change the filters

Most septic tanks have filters nowadays – with the exception of some old models – and it acts as an extra screening device to catch solid particles and prevent them interfering with the soil absorption. Filters can become clogged with twigs, leaves or other debris from winter storms or spring rain, which can stop the entire system from working properly. In some cases you’ll be able to clean the filters yourself, or call a professional company if you think they need replacing.

Schedule an inspection

Even if your tank doesn’t need emptying, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection in the spring for some general septic tank care. A professional will be able to spot any issues you might have missed, such as a cracked lid or faulty pipes.

Pump the system

This is simply another way of describing emptying the septic tank; as stated the size and frequency of use will affect how often you need to empty, but most tanks are pumped once every one to five years. This is something that should never be attempted without calling in a professional, but regular pumping can help prevent flooding, reduce the buildup of potentially unhygienic toxins and stop water backing up into your property.

Clean your drains

It might seem unrelated, but the more you take care of the internal drains, the less work the septic tank has further down the line. Keep drains and pipes free of clogs by monitoring what you flush down the toilet, and avoid pouring cooking oil down the sink where possible. Clear drains mean less chance of your tank flooding or water backing up through the pipes.

Redirect gutters

It’s not just April showers – there’s a lot of rainfall throughout all the spring months, so it’s wise to redirect your gutters away from the drainage area to prevent flooding. Too much water directed towards the septic tank can interfere with the settlement of sewage and disrupt the flow rate with the potential for sewage to leave the tank untreated.

If you’re in need of domestic or professional septic tank emptying or maintenance, give J H Willis & Son a call. With over 50 years of experience in the waste management industry, we make sure all waste is disposed of to licensed premises and work with the Environment Agency and Cheshire Council to minimise the environmental impact of waste disposal. Call us today on 0151 356 0351 or visit our website to learn more about our septic tank services.

It is not surprising for us at all to realise that, more often than not, most people do not realise they are entitled to a septic Tank Insurance Claim whenever they happen to have a septic tank problem- which they will almost assuredly do.

The question then begins to rag: when and how does the sewage problem in your house become eligible for insurance claims and how exactly do you go about exerting your right without getting ripped off by insurance companies? This is the crux of this article as we examine the details of septic tank emptying and cleansing, cesspit emptying and what exact steps you should take when you feel there is a need for an insurance company to step up in assisting you with a sewage problem.

Septic Tank Emptying and Cleansing.

It is easy for even a child to have a general idea of what a septic tank is and what fills it all up. We all know that is where all of the great things we eat ends up and that is just about the narrow idea of what an average person thinks fills up the septic tank.

Well, you should know that several types of wastes end up there as well. Just so we are clear, water from all of your laundry, including your showers and sinks, eventually finds there a way to the septic tank. So, as you must know already, it is quite a busy place there and just like pretty much every other thing, it demands your attention. Septic tanks typically have an outlet that connects it to a drainage field or soakaway system, and with this thought, we often wonder why else do we need to empty the tank if the wastes go someplace else anyway?

Well, yes. The septic tank does have a pipe that runs from the tank to a drainage system. Albeit, we would point out a few neat facts from this statement. One, an outlet away from the septic tank is what differentiates it from a cesspit which we shall discuss later – and two, not all wastes get taken away from the septic tank.

Here’s how it works. The outlet system is a septic tank of an array of perforated or slotted pipes which allow the wastewater from the septic tank to enter safely into the ground without causing pollution. By default, septic tanks don’t treat the waste. What it does, is have it separated into three different layers, and it is only it purged wastewater that finds its way into the drainage system.

The rest of the of the more solid sludge remains in the tanks, and this is what needs to be emptied on a regular basis. If not, you will have to put up with a pungent odor around the house. Worse still, you may have more serious problems like toilets becoming more difficult to flush, gurgling sounds in the pipes and even having all kinds of wastes seep into the soakaway system, blocking it and forcing it to pool above ground level. This is not good for you or your environment, and this puts the local watercourses at pollution risks.

Generally, how often the septic tank gets emptied will depend largely on how many people live in the house and the size of the tank, but the general rule is at least once a year. More often than not, you are not likely to go wrong with this approximation.

Typically, to get a tank emptied, a local septic tank emptying company will send out one of their tankers out with a long flexible hose. The tanker operator then goes ahead to fit this into your septic tank, and a suction force is used to get all the waste out. They take this away and dispose of it appropriately. This is their job, and they are licensed for it.

Now that we have covered the emptying process for a septic tank, it is imperative that we consider what is involved in emptying a cesspit.

Cesspit Emptying

As mentioned earlier, a cesspit is only different from a septic tank in that it is sealed, fully enclosed and has no outlet. It does not filter the waste in any way and gets full quicker than the septic tank. It is usually used in locations where there is no access to mains drainage and where are unsuitable ground conditions for a septic tank.

It is important to have a routine cesspit emptying by a licensed waste professional who will dispose of the waste at a registered site. The emptying is usually done in more frequent intervals than the septic tank (usually monthly or quarterly) depending on the size of the family.

It is important to ensure that your cesspit remains in the most optimal possible condition by using bio-friendly household cleaning products and keeping the tank away from dangerous flammable liquids or medicines.

What to do when you have an Insurance Claim over a Septic Tank problem?

Given the dynamics of the claims handled over the years, it does not come to us as a shock that most people are still not aware that they are covered under pre-existing buildings insurance policies against damaged septic tanks, cesspits, soakaways, and other sewage treatment systems. This is usually because most insurance policies often get daunting to understand under the cloak and legal and technical mumbo-jumbo.

In most cases, this insurance coverage plan will be contained in your policy documents, in the section referred to as ‘accidental damage to underground services’ and they must be due to the external actions caused by you as the policyholder.

Care must also be taken to ensure that this coverage plan defined as the standard part of the policy as not just an addon. We do not need to tell you how unscrupulous Insurance companies can get, do we?

You are entitled to Insurance if you have any one of these septic tank problems:

• Water ingress through a split or crack
• Root damages to a tank from nearby trees or shrubs growing through the walls of the tank or pipework
• Missing or damaged Tee pipes
• Cracked or bending tanks.
• Splits or fractures within the walls of the tank

What do you do when you have any of these issues?

As a policyholder, you have a number of options in exercising your claims. You can decide to:

• Call the Insurance company by yourself
• Hire a Drainage Claims Management Agency

Well, this is our candid advice: Hire a reputable Drainage Claims Management Agency. This is because spoofing through insurance policy documents can be off-putting and that is exactly the intentions of insurance companies – to frustrate you with technicalities until you give up on the entire situation. But Claims Management agencies chew insurance documents for a living, and they are always to go all out against the insurance company with a brawl.

In clear terms, here are the exact steps we advise that you take:

• Call the Drainage Claims Management Agency and strike up a hire
• Ensure to provide complete and relevant details
• Work with them as they get your claims registered
• Negotiate a settlement when your problems have been fixed

Protecting yourself from Insurance Claims Rejection

The sordid tales of most insurance is how often they tend to reject claims and leave policyholders stranded. To protect yourself, we will highlight some of the reason Insurance companies reject claims and how you can protect yourself.

• They act based on the Opinion of their Specialists: it is common to find that most insurance companies have their exclusive specialists that do their assessments. Typically, these specialists are to ‘big’ to have actual and accurate knowledge of how drainage system work, hence they do shoddy work and promptly sing the refusal song to the insurance company. In these situations, make sure that your case gets taken to the Ombudsman committee who will have a thorough look at the situation.
• They get fixated on the cause of the Damage. Usually, insurance companies will get unnecessarily hung up on the cause of the damage that is almost impossible to prove what has happened to a drainage system which is underground. Well, how many people sit their septic tank to find out when damage occurs. In this situation, all you have to do is prove what happened to your septic tank and that it meets with the definition of accidental ‘damage’ set down in the policy statement.

For more information, or to get in touch to discuss your situation in more details, get in touch with our specialists here.

Farming is an old industry, but it’s come a long way from the days of one solitary farmer tending a few crops and sheep. Nowadays farming is far more technologically advanced and split into different divisions, with separate farms for dairy, poultry or crops like wheat and barley. The farming industry is much more varied than people might imagine, with a whole range of careers and jobs available, from machine operators to horticulture, nutrition, consultancy, crop growers, dairy farmers and more.

Working in agriculture is very rewarding, but can be hard work, with a lot of manual labour and working in all weathers. However, the connection with the land and the rewards gained are like no other, so if you’ve ever considered a career in farming or agriculture, read on to see what you need to get started.

Education

It’s definitely not essential to have a degree to enter the farming profession, and a lot of farmers are born into the family business and gain experience through observation and practice as they grow up. However, degrees in agriculture are available, and as farming becomes more modernised it can be extremely helpful to have some formal training as well as practical experience. Agricultural degrees cover all aspects of farming including biology, agricultural science, production and global food science, with the option to specialise in areas such as organic farming, plant diseases and crop development. For those who don’t want to go to university, there are sites dedicated to explaining all the different routes you can take to enter the farming business, be that through diplomas, work experience or apprenticeships. For those choosing an undergraduate degree, most courses require at least two A levels (preferably in science subjects) and some practical experience is always a great advantage.

Apprenticeships and training

Apprenticeships are a great option as you gain qualifications while working on the job – as well as getting paid. Apprenticeships can specialise in several different roles, including farm worker, livestock technician and agriculture machinery operator.

Higher level apprenticeships can lead all the way up to becoming an assistant farm manager, hatchery supervisor and more, so there’s plenty of opportunity to progress.

Work experience

Whether you’re studying for a formal degree or not, work experience is absolutely crucial before entering a career in the farming industry. Universities may be able to advise on internships or placements through the course, or you can gain experience through hands-on work with experienced farmers. Some farms offer their own internships and there are plenty of places that will need help with seasonal jobs like fruit picking. Of course this is all a lot more practical if you live near the countryside, but many cities do have inner city farms so don’t let that put you off. There are even organisations that can organise farming work experience placements abroad, where candidates volunteer in exchange for free room and board.

Every farmer needs the right equipment and reliable services they can trust, and at JH Willis & Son we have plenty. With everything on offer from muck spreaders to ploughs, tractor hire, sowing and round baling, we have everything you need to keep your farm running smoothly and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to visit our website to see the full range of agricultural services and machinery on offer.

When it comes to the maintenance of your home there are lots of different things to keep on top of. For many people, cleaning and emptying your septic tank regularly is probably not the first thing that you think of – after all, out of sight can mean out of mind. Emptying your septic tank regularly is, however, extremely important and should not be overlooked or forgotten.

Failing to clean and empty your septic tank can lead to a number of unpleasant problems and issues that you will most certainly want to avoid, which is why it is very important to get clued up when it comes to your septic system and the maintenance required. Below we have put together a guide on why emptying your septic tank is so important.

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank is an underground watertight chamber that is made of either plastic, concrete or fiberglass. This chamber collects and treats sewage and wastewater produced by kitchen drains and bathrooms at properties that are not connected to main sewer systems. They are far more common in rural areas than in big cities, which usually have large sewer systems.

How does a septic tank work?

A septic tank works by separating sewage and wastewater into three different layers: scum, liquid effluent and sludge. The layer of scum is made up of materials that float on water such as fats, oil and grease. The second layer is made up of liquid waste and the third bottom layer, sludge, is made up of materials that are more dense than water (the solid portion). The bacteria that thrives in these three layers breaks down and liquifies the layers of scum and sludge, allowing them to degrade into the liquid layer. Typically, water leaves a house through one main drainage pipe which leads to a septic tank. The liquid wastewater layer exits the tank into a drainfield: a shallow pit of unsaturated soil. This soil filters through the wastewater while treating it.

Causes of blockages and damage

Septic tank emptying is very important, and failing to empty your septic tank correctly can lead to a number of different issues, such as a build-up or blockage. Worse still, incorrect maintenance can lead to overflow issues. Signs of a damaged septic tank include the smell of sewage, your drainage slowing down, wastewater backing up into your household drains, pools of effluent on the surface of the tank and unusually green grass around your system.

Damage, blocks and overflows can be caused by a number of issues:

• Dangerous gasses. When sewage is decomposing it has the potential to turn into hydrogen sulphide which can then turn into sulphuric acid. This can attack the inside of the tank, causing the baffle to crumble and therefore leak.
• Rusting and cracking. Septic tanks can corrode (depending on the type of chamber that you have) from toxic gasses inside the tank, or simply from rust. The concrete inside the tank is also susceptible to cracking due to the pressure.
• Tree roots. Tree roots can play a big factor in septic tank leakages. Typically, roots get into the tank through a damaged inlet or through the seal around the lid. It is usually difficult to tell if there is a problem with a tree root in your septic tank as it is underground and hidden.
• Everyday items. Blockages can be caused by various items being flushed down our toilet or kitchen drains, such as cigarettes, dental floss, baby wipes, sanitary items, cotton buds and other non-biodegradable items.
• Age of septic tank. The age and condition of your septic tank is important and could be the reason for any leaks or blockages. Some septic tanks can be extremely old and therefore work less efficiently than modern ones.
• Septic tank maintenance. The maintenance of your septic tank is very important and a common misconception is that once you have a septic tank, you do not need to do anything. Failing to have your septic tank emptied regularly can lead to blockages.

Benefits of septic tank emptying

Regularly emptying your septic tank has many advantages that go far beyond just preventing bad smells and avoiding blocked toilets and drains. Other benefits of septic tank emptying include:

• Extend the life of the tank. Emptying your septic tank regularly and removing solids from wastewater ensures that the drainfield and soil absorption area does not become clogged up. If this area does become clogged it can cause your septic system to fail and reduce the lifespan.
• Protect the environment. Damaged or overflowing septic tanks can be extremely damaging for the environment. Chemicals that are used in septic tanks can be very dangerous if they leak and can cause a number of issues for the environment. An overflowing tank can contaminate the ground with dangerous pathogens and viruses which can be harmful to the environment. Prolific plant growth caused by overflowing tanks can also lead to algae blooms, which can result in the blooms of toxic cyanobacteria. Cyanobacterial mass populations can lead to water quality problems leading to both animal and human poisonings.
• Good health. A poorly maintained septic tank can lead to improperly treated sewage and wastewater, contaminating the surface and groundwater. This can lead to pathogens in your drinking water, potentially spreading harmful diseases such as dysentery and hepatitis.
• Property value. Naturally, no one wants to buy a home that has potential issues, especially when it comes to blocked toilets and drains, horrible smells and a leaking septic system – all of which can cause a number of unpleasant issues. A poorly maintained septic tank can put buyers off your home after inspection and reduce the value of your property.
• Financial savings. Having your tank cleaned and emptied regularly by a company means that they will be able to spot any possible issues or potential damage early on, and can advise you on preventing these problems before they occur. This will save you from having to spend a lot of money on getting your entire septic system replaced if an unresolved issue caused the system to fail. The cost of septic tank pumping far outweighs the cost of a brand new tank entirely.

Septic tank cleaning: how often should you do it?

Generally, it is recommended that you empty your septic tank around once a year. Even if your septic tank is not completely full, you should have it emptied regularly to keep it in good condition and to ensure that it continues to work correctly. Other factors to take into consideration when deciding on how regularly to empty your tank include the number of people that live in your household and the water usage in your property, the size of your tank, the age of your tank and the weather (for example, torrential rain can overload the drainage field and stop the tank from emptying).

What is the difference between septic tank emptying and cesspit emptying?

Septic tanks and cesspits both serve the same purpose: they are buried underground and collect sewage and wastewater. While a septic tank has a drainage system that treats wastewater and filters the water back into the ground, a cesspit has no treatment or drainage process. This means that a cesspit needs to be emptied more regularly as they do not have an outlet and the only way for the water to leave the tank is by being manually emptied by a registered waste handler. Septic tanks should be checked and emptied annually whereas cesspits may need to be emptied monthly or quarterly, depending on the number of people in the household and the amount of water used.

J H Willis and Son: Septic tank emptying and servicing

The best way to keep your septic system in top condition and to avoid potential leaks, blockages and damage is to have regular inspections, maintenance and emptying by a professional company. Here at J H Willis and Sons, our team of experts provide regular domestic and commercial maintenance and routine emptying in the North West of England to ensure that your septic tank functions smoothly and efficiently, taking the stress off you.

We are passionate about minimising the environmental impact of waste disposal which is why we work closely in collaboration with the Environment Agency and Environmental Health. All of our waste is disposed of responsibly to licensed premises.

To discuss your septic pumping and waste management requirements, simply get in touch with us today. We also provide agricultural contracting services and industrial waste management services.