How Much Does it Cost to Empty a Septic Tank?

If your home isn’t connected to the mains drainage network, your septic tank plays a vital role in managing household waste safely. But it does require regular maintenance, and emptying is the most important part.

In the UK, the average cost to empty a septic tank typically ranges between £90 and £300.
The total price depends on several factors, such as the size of your tank, how easy it is to access, and how full it is. Smaller domestic tanks take less time to empty (around 45–60 minutes), while larger systems may take up to three hours.

At Coastal Drains, we provide licensed, environmentally safe septic tank emptying and cleaning services across Sussex and the South East, ensuring your system stays compliant and efficient.

What Affects the Cost of Septic Tank Emptying?

A few key factors influence the cost of your septic tank service:

• Tank size and capacity – Larger tanks hold more waste and take longer to empty.
  
• Access to your property – Difficult access can require longer hose runs or additional labour.
  
• Tank condition – Tanks that haven’t been emptied in years may need extra cleaning.
  
• Number of users – More people using the system means faster waste build-up.
  
• Tank type – Single-chamber and multi-chamber systems differ in complexity.
  

For the most accurate price, it’s best to get a professional inspection. Our engineers can assess your system and provide a transparent quote with no hidden fees.

Why Regular Septic Tank Maintenance Matters

Emptying your septic tank isn’t a one-off job; it’s an essential part of responsible homeownership.
We recommend emptying and inspecting your septic tank every 12 to 24 months, depending on your usage.
Regular servicing prevents costly damage, unpleasant smells, and pollution to nearby land or waterways.

Neglecting septic tank maintenance can lead to overflowing, blocked soakaways, or even legal issues if your system causes environmental harm.

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Septic Tank Owner (UK)

Homeowners in the UK have a legal duty to maintain their private drainage systems under the General Binding Rules.
To stay compliant and protect your property:

• Empty and de-sludge your tank regularly to prevent pollution.
  
• Inspect the discharge area monthly for signs of leaks or blockages.
  
• Repair faults immediately to avoid contamination.
  
• Avoid discharging more than 2,000 litres/day into the ground or 5,000 litres/day into flowing water; otherwise, you’ll need an Environment Agency permit.
  
• Contact the Environment Agency if your system causes pollution or you suspect a leak.
  

These steps protect both your household and the environment and keep you on the right side of the law.

What’s Included in a Professional Septic Tank Emptying Service?

When our Coastal Drains engineers visit your property, we handle every stage professionally and safely:

1. Assessment: We inspect your system to understand the tank type, access route, and waste level.
   
2. Waste Removal: A specialist suction hose removes all sludge and liquid waste.
   
3. Waste Disposal: All waste is legally transported and disposed of at an approved UK treatment facility.
   
4. Tank Backwash: We rinse and clear residual solids to restore healthy tank balance.
   
5. Inspection & Testing: Our team checks for cracks, leaks, or blockages to prevent future failures.
   
6. Final Clean: We use approved cleaning solutions to remove scum and odours, ensuring long-term performance.
   

All services are carried out by trained professionals in compliance with UK environmental standards.

Septic Tank Services Across Sussex

At Coastal Drains, we’ve built a trusted reputation for providing fast, professional, and cost-effective septic tank emptying throughout Sussex and surrounding areas, including Rye, Chichester, Worthing, Brighton, and Haywards Heath.

Whether it’s a routine emptying or an emergency overflow, we’re available 24/7 with no call-out charges.

Need your septic tank emptied or inspected?

Call us today or request a free quote online. Our expert engineers will ensure that your system is running safely, efficiently, and in full compliance.