Sewage Disposal Services
Reliable Septic Tank and Cesspit Emptying & Maintenance
Steel Drains provides licensed Sewage Disposal services throughout West Sussex and surrounding areas, supporting both commercial and residential properties. We specialise in the safe emptying, cleaning, and maintenance of septic tanks, cesspits, and sewage treatment systems, helping you prevent blockages, odours, and costly environmental damage.
What is Sewage Disposal?
Understanding Cesspits and Septic Tanks
A cesspit (or cesspool) is a sealed underground tank that collects wastewater and requires frequent emptying, as it has no outlet or treatment process.
A septic tank, on the other hand, allows partial treatment of wastewater and typically discharges to a soakaway or drainage field.
Both systems require regular servicing to remain safe and effective.
Why Proper Sewage Disposal Matters
Without regular emptying and maintenance, these systems can overflow, causing raw sewage leaks, foul odours, and even legal penalties.
Whether you’re managing a food business, care home, school, or private property, compliant sewage disposal is essential for hygiene, safety, and environmental protection.
Free no obligation quote!
No job too big or small, simply fill in the form below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
Our Sewage Disposal Services
We offer a full range of sewage disposal services tailored to both residential and commercial properties. Whether you manage a rural home or a high-usage site such as a care home, restaurant, or industrial unit, our team delivers efficient, compliant waste removal and system maintenance to suit your schedule and setup.
Septic Tank Emptying
We use high-capacity vacuum tankers to remove waste from your septic tank efficiently, with minimal disruption to your property or business. Our service includes desludging and optional inspection for signs of wear or failure.
Cesspit Emptying
Cesspits need more frequent emptying due to their sealed design. We offer scheduled collections to prevent overfilling and ensure your system never becomes a risk to health or the environment.
Cleaning & Desludging
Regular desludging improves system efficiency and prevents build-up that could cause backups. We fully clean the interior of tanks, removing sediment and FOG (fats, oils, grease) where applicable.
Inspection & Maintenance
Our engineers can inspect tank walls, inlet and outlet pipes, manhole covers, and drainage fields for early signs of failure or root ingress. Early detection helps avoid expensive repairs and environmental penalties.
Understanding UK Sewage Disposal Regulations
Sewage systems such as septic tanks and cesspits are governed by strict environmental regulations in the UK. The Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules outline how and where you can discharge waste, while Building Regulations Part H sets out construction and maintenance standards for private drainage systems.
All waste removed from your tank must be handled by a registered waste carrier, and proof of proper disposal should be kept for your records. If you’re a commercial operator, you may also need trade effluent consent from your local water authority.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to system failures, pollution offences, and significant fines. At Steel Drains, we ensure all work is fully compliant and documented, protecting your property, the environment, and your legal obligations.
Why Choose Steel Drains?
Local, Responsive Service Across West Sussex
With teams based across the county, we respond quickly to scheduled services and emergency callouts, whether you’re in Chichester, Horsham, Crawley, Bognor Regis, or a rural village.
Domestic and Commercial Experts
From large-scale commercial sites with high-output systems to rural homes on private drainage, we tailor our service to suit your setup and ensure regulatory compliance every time.
Fully Licensed Waste Carriers
We are registered waste carriers, authorised to remove and dispose of liquid waste safely. We provide all the necessary documentation for your records, including waste transfer notes and compliance logs.
When Should You Empty a Cesspit or Septic Tank?
General Recommendations
Septic tanks: should be emptied at least once a year.
Cesspits: often need emptying monthly or quarterly, depending on usage and capacity.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Slow-draining sinks, toilets, or showers
- Pooling water near the tank or drainage field
- Strong, persistent odours outdoors
- Tank alarms activating (if fitted)
Free no obligation quote!
No job too big or small, simply fill in the form below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
Book a Sewage Disposal Visit Today
Whether you need a one-off septic tank empty, a regular cesspit service plan, or emergency assistance, Steel Drains delivers reliable, compliant Sewage Disposal solutions across West Sussex. Get in touch today to arrange your visit and keep your system running safely.
- 01903 259 487
- 07946 061 074
- office@steeldrains.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a septic tank and a cesspit?
A septic tank partially treats wastewater before discharging to a soakaway, while a cesspit is a sealed tank that requires regular emptying with no outlet.
How often should a septic tank be emptied in the UK?
At least once every 12 months, though frequency can increase based on system size and household or business usage.
Do cesspits need emptying more often than septic tanks?
Yes. Because they don’t discharge, they fill up faster and typically require emptying every month or quarter.
Can I empty my own sewage system?
No. Only licensed waste carriers are permitted to remove and dispose of sewage waste legally in the UK.
What are the signs my tank needs emptying?
Odours, slow drainage, wet ground near the tank, or audible alarms are all signs that servicing is overdue.
Is it illegal to discharge a septic tank into a watercourse?
Yes. Since 2020, septic tanks must not discharge directly to a watercourse such as a stream or river. Upgrades or treatment systems may be required.
Do you provide regular emptying schedules?
Yes, we offer scheduled service plans to suit domestic and commercial needs, helping you stay compliant year-round.
What happens if I don’t empty my cesspit?
It will overflow, potentially contaminating the environment and resulting in fines from the Environment Agency or local authorities.
Are there environmental penalties for overflows?
Yes. Overflowing tanks can result in pollution offences and penalties under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.
Do you cover all areas of West Sussex?
Yes. We operate throughout the county, including Worthing, Haywards Heath, Midhurst, Petworth, and surrounding areas.
Can you provide waste transfer documentation?
Yes. All waste removals are accompanied by proper paperwork to meet UK Duty of Care requirements.
What size tanks can you handle?
We service everything from small domestic tanks to large commercial systems and treatment plants.
Do you work with commercial and industrial clients?
Absolutely. We work with restaurants, care homes, farms, schools, manufacturing sites, and more.
How quickly can you attend an emergency?
We offer responsive emergency services across West Sussex. Same-day callouts may be available depending on location and demand.
Can you advise if my system complies with current regulations?
Yes. During inspections, we assess your system against current Environment Agency and Building Regulation requirements and offer advice if upgrades are needed.