Find septic tank pumping services near me

Pumping is the method used to empty your septic tank.

You should generally pump your septic tank at least every three to five years. But sometimes, you may need to do so sooner.

Here, we’ll share all you need to know about septic tank pumping services near you – from when you might need them, to who you should hire for the job.

Simple ways to hire a specialist for septic tank pumping near you

Regular pumping is key to keeping your septic tank in good condition and avoiding nasty issues like clogged drains and backups.

Here are three easy ways to find and hire specialists covering your local area.

1. Use the Checkatrade app

Why not keep things easy? Search, contact, and book local septic tank pumping services via the Checkatrade app.

2. Use our request a quote form

Fill in our request a quote form and a selection of local tradespeople offering septic tank emptying can get in touch directly for quotes and further details as required.

3. Search online for septic tank pumping near you

Enter your postcode in our search tool to see relevant tradespeople who offer septic tank pumping in your area.

Why might you seek nearby septic tank pumping services?

Regular septic tank pumping is an essential maintenance task.

But there are also times when you’ll need to schedule in extra services, outside of your regular schedule.

Here’s how to know when to pump your septic tank.

• Full septic tank - Septic tank emptying is generally recommended every three to five years, but your tank may get full quicker if you have a large family or a small septic tank

• Septic tank failure - Root damage from trees, clogged pipes, or even ground movement can cause issues. Septic tank repairs typically involve pumping first

• Sewage pump maintenance - Sewage pump maintenance, repairs and replacements will also require you to pump your septic tank

• Selling a house - Although it isn’t a legal requirement to pump your septic tank before selling your house, buyers will want to see that you’ve carried out routine maintenance and pumping – and may also want the system to be properly inspected

• Moving to a new house - If you’ve moved to a house with a septic tank system, getting your septic tank pumped and inspected as soon as possible will give you a clear idea of what you’re dealing with

What to look for in septic tank pumping services near you

When you’re getting your septic tank pumped, it’s important to hire someone you can trust.

Here are some key things to look for in septic tank pumping services near you.

• Experience and expertise - Hire a licensed professional to ensure that your septic tank is pumped and the waste disposed of properly and safely

• Reputation and customer reviews - Check out online reviews and ask local friends or family if they would recommend a company for septic tank pumping near you

• Insurance and guarantees - Check that your chosen tradesperson (or company) has valid public liability insurance and ask if they offer any guarantees on the work they carry out

• Pricing - It is a good idea to get a few estimates for septic tank pumping, so you can ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work

What to expect from nearby septic tank pumping companies on Checkatrade

When hiring any trade, we know how important it is to find people committed to quality.

That’s why we only give our seal of approval to trades who pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding The Checkatrade Standard to:

1. Deliver a high quality of workmanship

2. Maintain high standards of personal conduct

3. Work safely, ethically, and within their skill set

4. Communicate clearly and honestly

5. Agree costs and contract terms upfront

6. Encourage and welcome customer reviews

We also check all the reviews our tradespeople receive are from real people so you can be sure they’re the real deal.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

Checkatrade guarantee

At Checkatrade, we’re so confident in the quality of our tradespeople that we even offer a guarantee.

Find and book a trade through us, or pay via the app, and we'll guarantee their work for up to £1,000*. *12 months guarantee – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

How does hiring a specialist for septic tank pumping work?

Ready to get your septic tank the TLC it needs? Here’s what the process of hiring a local specialist to pump your septic tank looks like.

1. Enter your postcode to find septic tank pumping services in your area

Use the Checkatrade app or enter your postcode into the box below to browse licensed companies offering septic tank pumping near your address.

2. Get in touch

Reach out to local experts you like the look of, and ask them for their septic tank pumping prices or timescales.

Tradespeople will be able to take down relevant details to get a good picture of your needs before providing a quote.

3. Compare prices

Once you receive quotes from the tradespeople you contacted, it’s time to compare.

Make sure you’re comparing quotes like-for-like, and remember you don't have to go for the lowest price every time.

4. Choose your favourite provider

Pick out your preferred company and let them know you’d like to go ahead with the work.

They might ask to take a deposit, or they may be happy to take the whole payment after the job is complete. Either way, they should never ask for the full payment upfront.

5. Book a date to have your septic tank pumped!

Finally, all that remains is to find a suitable date and book the work.

Your specialist will travel to your property to pump your septic tank. This could take as little as30–45 mins for a small septic tank, or as long as2–3 hours for an extra large one.

Your questions about septic tank pumping answered

How often should I get my septic tank pumped?

It’s generally recommended to get your septic tank pumped every three to five years.

However, exactly how often is right for you will depend on factors including the size of your septic tank and the number of people in your household.

Head over to our guide on how often you should empty your septic tank to learn more.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

Some signs that your septic tank is full and needs emptying include:

• Your drains and toilet are slow to drain

• Standing water over the septic tank

• Bad smells coming from the location of your septic tank

• Gurgling water coming from your drains or toilets

• Sewage backing up

When your chosen septic pump emptying services turn up to empty the tank, you can also take the opportunity to quiz them for details. For example, how often you should schedule septic tank pumping, based on your individual needs.

How much does a septic tank cost to empty in the UK?

The average cost of emptying a septic tank in the UK can range from £175 to £312.50, depending on the size of your tank.

Our septic tank emptying cost guide goes into more detail.

Is it illegal to sell a house with an old septic tank?

Not necessarily. You can sell a house with an old septic tank, as long as it complies with current septic tank rules and regulations.

If it doesn’t, your septic tank will need replacing.

Normally, your buyer will insist that you upgrade your tank to make it compliant before selling – you can learn more about the process on our page dedicated to septic tank installation near you.

Ready to start searching?