How to Maintain Your Septic Tank System Year-Round: South West Homeowners’ Guide
- Drain Cleaner
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
By Aquablast Drain Services Ltd – Serving Somerset, South Gloucestershire & South Wales
If you live in a rural area of Somerset, South Gloucestershire, or South Wales, chances are your property relies on a septic tank or cesspit rather than the mains sewer network.
Your septic system quietly handles all your household wastewater — but only if it’s cared for properly. Without regular maintenance, even the best-built systems can overflow, clog, or fail.
At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd, we’ve spent over 25 years helping homeowners keep septic systems running safely, efficiently, and in full environmental compliance.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to maintain your system throughout the year — so you can avoid costly repairs, nasty smells, and emergency callouts.
Why Septic Tank Maintenance Matters
A septic tank’s efficiency depends on the natural separation of solids, fats, and liquids inside the chamber. Over time:
Sludge builds up at the bottom
Scum (grease and oils) float to the top
The liquid effluent in the middle flows out to your soakaway field
If the sludge layer isn’t removed regularly, it reduces the tank’s capacity, allowing solids to pass into your soakaway — leading to blockages, foul odours, and environmental contamination.
Regular maintenance helps you:
Keep your drainage field working efficiently
Prevent costly damage and repairs
Stay compliant with Environment Agency regulations
Extend your septic tank’s lifespan by decades
For professional cleaning and emptying, visit our Septic Tank Emptying Services.
Routine Septic Tank Maintenance Checklist
Below is your simple year-round care routine, recommended by our engineers at Aquablast Drain Services Ltd.
✅ 1. Schedule Regular Emptying (At Least Once a Year)
Even if your tank appears to be working fine, sludge and grease build up over time.
Property Type | Recommended Frequency |
Standard 3-bed home | Every 12–18 months |
Large family / holiday let | Every 6–12 months |
Farm or business premises | Twice per year |
Book your annual Septic Tank Emptying appointment today — we serve all of Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and South Wales.
✅ 2. Use Septic-Safe Cleaning Products
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, disinfectants, or antibacterial cleaners — they kill the beneficial bacteria your system needs to break down waste.Instead, use biodegradable, septic-safe detergents.
✅ 3. Keep an Eye on Water Usage
Too much water entering your septic tank too quickly can cause solids to flow out before settling.Spread out laundry loads and fix leaky taps or toilets promptly.
✅ 4. Protect the Drain Field (Soakaway)
Don’t park cars or heavy equipment on top of the drain field
Avoid planting deep-rooted trees nearby — roots can damage pipes
Redirect roof or surface water away to prevent oversaturation
If your soakaway is slow or flooding, ask about our CCTV Drain Surveys to identify issues early.
✅ 5. Inspect Your System Seasonally
🌸 Spring
Check for rainwater pooling around lids or covers
Inspect for frost damage or cracked pipes
☀️ Summer
Schedule tank emptying before heavy use (guests, holiday lets)
Monitor odours — warm weather intensifies smells
🍂 Autumn
Clear leaves and debris from soakaway vents
Ensure rainwater runoff isn’t entering your tank
❄️ Winter
Keep lids insulated if frost is common
Avoid large water surges (defrosting, long baths)
We provide year-round Emergency Drainage Support across the South West.
Common Septic Tank Problems (and How to Prevent Them)
Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
Slow drains or gurgling | Sludge buildup or partial blockage | Schedule a full empty and jet wash |
Bad smells outdoors | Blocked vent or overfilled tank | Book a CCTV survey |
Pooling water | Drain field failure or excess rainwater | Inspect outlet pipes & flow |
Tank alarm activated | High liquid level | Call Aquablast immediately |
Eco-Friendly Septic Care Tips
Sustainable maintenance not only protects your tank but also your environment.
🧴 Use biological activators monthly (enzyme tablets or liquids)
🚫 Never pour fats, oils, or grease into sinks
🧻 Stick to toilet paper only — no wipes or sanitary items
💧 Conserve water with low-flow fixtures
♻️ Divert rainwater gutters away from the system
Learn more about High Pressure Jetting to keep soakaway lines clear and prevent future blockages.
Legal Requirements & Compliance (England & Wales)
Since 2020, all septic tanks in England and Wales must meet Environment Agency General Binding Rules.
You must:
Empty and maintain your system regularly
Prevent pollution or overflow to ditches or watercourses
Use a registered waste carrier for septic disposal
Replace non-compliant systems discharging to water
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd is a fully licensed waste carrier and can provide documentation for your environmental records.
Areas We Cover
We provide septic maintenance, emptying, and repairs throughout the South West, including:
Somerset: Weston-super-Mare, Wells, Glastonbury, Taunton, Bridgwater
South Gloucestershire: Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury
South Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Monmouth, Abergavenny, Pontypool
Even in the most remote rural areas, our compact vacuum tankers and flexible hoses can reach difficult sites with ease.
Why Choose Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
25+ years’ experience in rural drainage
Licensed waste carrier – Environment Agency approved
Modern equipment for safe, clean pump-outs
CCTV diagnostics for outlet and soakaway health
24/7 emergency coverage across the South West
Our mission: to keep your septic system safe, compliant, and worry-free — so you can focus on enjoying your home.
📞 Call 0800 097 8255 or contact us online to book your maintenance appointment.
Summary
A well-maintained septic tank keeps your property running smoothly, your family safe, and the environment protected.
By combining annual emptying, seasonal checks, and eco-friendly care, you’ll extend your system’s life — and avoid costly repairs down the line.
For professional help anywhere in Somerset, South Gloucestershire, or South Wales,trust Aquablast Drain Services Ltd — your local experts in septic tank maintenance and rural drainage solutions.
Visit our Septic Tank Services Page for pricing, coverage, and service details.
📞 Contact Us Today
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
📍 Serving Bristol and surrounding areas
📞 0800 097 8255
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