Domestic Septic Tanks and Cesspits

Untreated wastewater from a domestic property flows into the septic tank, where the solids separate from the liquids...

Domestic Septic Tanks

Certain solids, such as soap scum or fat, will float to the top of the tank to form a scum layer. Heavier solids, such as human and kitchen wastes, settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge.

Bacteria in the tank help the system "digest" these solids or sludge. The remaining liquids flow out of the tank to a land drainage system or drainfield. Baffles built into the tank hold back the floating scum from moving past the outlet of the tank. It is generally recommended that septic tanks be pumped out annually or every six months for households with more than four occupants.

If tanks are not maintained on a regular basis the septic sludge can drift into and block the downstream drainage area . Solids can clog the soil and limit its ability to properly dissipate the septic-tank liquid effluent.

For a Septic emptying service, call Fortress on Freephone 0800 731 3400.

Domestic Cesspits

A cesspit is merely an underground storage tank designed to retain domestic waste water. There is no downstream outlet or associated drainage area and the tank is therefore emptied as soon as it becomes full.

For a cesspit emptying service, call Fortress on Freephone 0800 731 3400.