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Septic Tanks

For Septic Tank installations anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

For Septic Tank installations anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

For Septic Tank installations anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

For Septic Tank installations anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

- Smart Drainz -

A Leading Name for Septic Tank Services in Andover, Hampshire & Across the South of England

Diagram of a two-compartment septic tank system. Wastewater enters from the house into the first compartment. It flows into the second, passing a filter, and exits through an outlet to a drain field. Labeled sections show scum and sludge—a drainage contractor's guide to preventing blocked drains.

Searching for a team of skilled drainage engineers capable of installing, maintaining, repairing and replacing septic tanks throughout the South of England? Smart Drainz has you covered, serving domestic, commercial, and industrial clients across the South of England in key areas such as Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.

Below, we’ve provided information on what septic tanks are, how they differ from sewage treatment plants, and the various services we provide to ensure clients benefit from effective, reliable septic tanks. If you’re more interested in other areas of expertise, such as drainage installations, soakaways, and sewage treatment plants, browse our wider website to find dedicated pages covering our full range of offerings.

Septic Tank Services

Smart Drainz offers a comprehensive range of services, ranging from new septic tank installations to replacements, repairs, and both proactive and reactive maintenance. Give us a call if you require:

  • Septic Tank Installation

    Expert installation of durable, regulation-compliant tanks designed for efficient waste separation, safe drainage, and long-term reliability.

  • Septic Tank Repairs

    Professional repairs for cracks, leaks, and blockages using modern techniques to restore performance and prevent contamination.

  • Septic Tank Maintenance

    Routine inspections, cleaning, and emptying to maintain efficiency, prevent overflows, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

  • Septic Tank Replacement

    Safe removal and replacement of old systems with high-quality, eco-friendly tanks built for durability and regulatory compliance.

Our drainage engineers cover the entirety of the South of England, and are always willing to provide advice and answer any questions you might have regarding the ins and outs of septic tanks.

What Are Septic Tanks & How Do They Work?

A septic tank is an underground, sealed chamber that acts as a private wastewater treatment system for properties not connected to the main public sewer system.

Unlike a cesspool, which merely stores waste and requires regular emptying, septic tanks partially treat the sewage they collect. Using gravity, they separate liquid waste from solid waste. Solid waste (sludge) settles at the bottom, while the liquid effluent flows out into a drainage field, where further treatment occurs naturally in the soil.

Septic tanks may be single or multi-chamber designs. The solid waste remains in the tank and needs to be emptied periodically, typically once a year, depending on tank size and household usage.

What’s the Difference Between a Septic Tank & Sewage Treatment Plant?

Feature Septic Tank Sewage Treatment Plant
How it works Uses gravity and natural bacteria to separate solids and partially treat wastewater Uses aeration and aerobic bacteria for a more thorough treatment
Discharge Effluent must go to a drainage field for further treatment Effluent is cleaner and can often be discharged directly into a watercourse or soakaway
Electricity No power required Requires power to run aeration system
Servicing No regular servicing needed (by law) Regular servicing required
Emptying Needs emptying at least once a year Needs emptying, but less frequently
Cost Lower initial and maintenance costs Higher initial cost and maintenance needs

Septic Tank Installation

Smart Drainz’ professional septic tank installation services ensure your system is correctly designed, positioned, and connected for optimal waste management. We assess ground conditions, calculate tank capacity, and install all pipework to meet current environmental regulations. Using durable, high-grade materials, our engineers guarantee watertight performance and long-term reliability.

Our installation process includes:

  • Site Survey & Assessment – Evaluating ground conditions and soil permeability to determine ideal tank size and location.
  • System Design – Calculating capacity and flow requirements, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations and Environment Agency standards.
  • Excavation & Base Preparation – Prepare a stable foundation to support the tank and prevent future settlement or movement.
  • Tank Installation – Positioning and connecting the tank using watertight fittings and high-quality pipework.
  • Testing & Certification – Pressure testing and inspecting the full system before issuing completion certification.

Each installation is completed with full testing and certification, ensuring efficient waste separation and safe discharge to soakaways or drainage fields.

Septic Tank Maintenance

Regular septic tank maintenance is essential to prevent overflows, odours, and costly repairs. Our maintenance services cover routine inspection, sludge level checks, and tank emptying using specialist vacuum equipment. We also clean inlet and outlet filters, assess soakaway performance, and ensure all components function safely.

Our maintenance services include:

  • Annual Inspections – Checking tank integrity, pipework, and soakaway efficiency
  • System Emptying – Removing accumulated sludge and waste using vacuum tankers
  • Routine Servicing – Cleaning filters, inspecting pumps, and checking general health
  • Performance Monitoring – Ensuring optimal operation and environmental compliance year-round

Scheduled maintenance helps maintain system balance, prevents pollution risks, and keeps your septic tank performing reliably throughout the year, so don’t forget to book a visit from the expert technicians at Smart Drainz.

Septic Tank Repairs

Smart Drainz also carries out septic tank repairs to resolve cracks, blockages, and leaks that can lead to system failure or groundwater contamination. Our team uses CCTV drain surveys to diagnose structural or pipework issues and applies modern repair methods such as resin lining, joint sealing, or chamber refurbishment.

Common faults include:

  • Mechanical Faults – Damaged pumps, blocked filters, or broken inlet/outlet mechanisms.
  • Structural Damage – Cracked tank walls, leaking joints, or collapsed pipework.

Our repair process:

  • Inspection & Diagnosis – CCTV or manual inspection to identify the root cause.
  • Repair Planning – Selecting the most cost-effective and durable repair method.
  • Implementation – Carrying out targeted repairs such as patching, lining, or component replacement.
  • Testing & Restoration – Ensuring watertightness, system balance, and full operational efficiency.

We prioritise cost-effective solutions that extend the lifespan of your system while restoring its full performance and compliance.

Septic Tank Replacement

When repairs are no longer viable, our septic tank replacement service provides a modern, regulation-compliant solution designed for efficiency and longevity. We safely decommission and remove the existing unit, assess site suitability, and install a new system matched to your property’s waste output and ground conditions. By choosing high-performance septic tanks, we ensure watertight integrity, improved waste treatment, and full compliance with current Environment Agency standards.

Aerial view of a Gothic cathedral with a tall spire set amidst lush greenery and surrounded by a quaint town. Among the historic buildings, a modern sewage treatment plant discreetly enhances the picturesque scene, nestled under fluffy clouds in the vibrant sky.

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