Image of Ashford

Ashford

Your local depot

Unit 15
Henwood Industrial Estate
Ashford
TN24 8DT

0800 180 4474

Septic Tank Emptying in Ashford

For all wastewater needs

Universal Tankers provides professional, reliable, and compliant septic tank emptying services for domestic and commercial clients across Kent. Drawing on more than two decades of industry experience, our specialist team maintains septic tanks and sewage treatment plants to a high operational standard, reducing the likelihood of blockages, overflows and environmental impact. All liquid waste disposal activity follows the regulatory framework set by the Environment Agency, including compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 and all requirements relating to the transport of controlled waste.

With 19 strategically located depots across England and Scotland providing septic tank emptying, Kent-based customers can enjoy a guaranteed next-day service. This network allows prompt support for scheduled maintenance and time-sensitive situations across a wide range of locations, including residential properties, construction sites, hospitality venues, industrial facilities and remote rural areas throughout both countries. Whether planned servicing is required to keep systems functioning as designed, or an urgent call-out is needed to address an unexpected issue, our team delivers a precise and cost-effective solution that limits disruption and maintains operational continuity.

Call Universal Tankers on 0800 180 4474, or alternatively, you can fill in our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Why Choose Universal Tankers for Septic Tank Emptying?

London septic tanks come with a range of unique challenges, including size, location and access. As such, choosing the right company for your liquid waste management is important for the health of your drainage system. Universal Tankers is a family-run company committed to delivering a professional service built on expertise and reliability.

Unrivalled expertise and reliability

Our highly trained engineers bring decades of experience to every job. We understand the unique challenges of waste management in a busy urban environment like London and have the specialist fleet and knowledge to provide an efficient operation, from initial contact to final disposal. This commitment to a reliable service makes us the chosen partner for thousands of customers.

Compliant and environmentally responsible

We are a registered waste carrier, and all sewage and wastewater we collect is transported and disposed of in full compliance with all UK regulations. Our professional team ensures that your legal responsibilities as a septic tank owner are met, protecting you from potential fines and helping to safeguard the environment.

Flexible and efficient service

We recognise that our clients have diverse needs. We offer flexible service schedules to fit your requirements, whether it's a one-off tank emptying or a regular maintenance contract. For unexpected issues, we provide a rapid emergency response service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to resolve problems quickly and minimise disruption to your property or business.

Comprehensive Liquid Waste Management Services

Universal Tankers offers a complete range of liquid waste solutions for properties across London and the South East. Our services support every aspect of off-mains drainage, helping systems to operate reliably and in full accordance with current wastewater legislation. Owners of septic tanks and similar systems are legally responsible for the standards of wastewater management and disposal on their property, including the correct handling, storage, and off-site transfer of liquid waste.

Regular maintenance, correct desludging intervals, and compliant disposal all form part of these obligations, and failure to meet them can result in environmental harm and regulatory action.

  • Domestic septic tank emptying: for homeowners, regular septic tank emptying is essential maintenance. A full tank can lead to slow-draining sinks and toilets and foul odours, and potentially cause sewage to back up into your property or contaminate your drainage field. Our domestic service is designed to be fast, clean, and minimally disruptive, keeping your system in optimal condition.
  • Commercial liquid waste solutions: we provide tailored liquid waste management solutions for businesses of all sizes in London. From office buildings and industrial sites to hospitality venues, our commercial septic tank emptying services ensure you remain compliant and operational. We also specialise in managing larger systems, including sewage treatment plants and cesspit emptying.
  • Sewage treatment plant emptying and servicing: sewage treatment plants are more complex than standard septic tanks and require specialist knowledge for their maintenance. Our engineers are experienced in sewage treatment plant emptying and servicing, helping to prolong the life of your system and ensure it treats wastewater effectively before discharge.
  • Cesspit emptying services: unlike septic tanks, a cesspit is a sealed underground tank that collects all wastewater and sewage without treating it. As a result, cesspit emptying must be carried out on a frequent basis. Our professional cesspit services provide a prompt and reliable solution to prevent overflows. We offer both scheduled and emergency emptying for any size of cess pit.
  • Non-potable water deliveries: non-potable water provides a practical supply for businesses that require large volumes for operations such as dust suppression, pressure testing, landscaping, construction activity, and equipment washing. As this water is not treated for consumption, it offers a cost-effective option that supports operational demand while protecting drinking water resources. Our tankers deliver directly to site, including locations with restricted access or limited infrastructure.
  • Potable water deliveries: our potable water meets the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and the Drinking Water Inspectorate guidelines. This service supports sites that require a safe supply of drinking-quality water, including welfare facilities, portable accommodation, food production environments, and event locations. Each delivery is transported using dedicated, sanitised tankers to maintain water quality from collection through to on-site delivery.

Septic Tank Emptying for Businesses in Kent

Universal Tankers delivers dependable septic tank emptying, London waste management and other key services for commercial sites across the capital, supporting organisations that operate off mains drainage. Our service is designed to limit disruption to day-to-day activity, with scheduling options that allow businesses to plan routine maintenance at intervals that protect system performance. Drawing on more than 20 years of industry experience, we work with sites of varying scale, including offices, hospitality venues, industrial premises, construction projects, and multi-unit developments. This approach helps prevent common operational issues linked to unmanaged wastewater systems and provides a structured solution for ongoing maintenance or one-off requirements.

Alongside our coverage across London, we support neighbouring regions where businesses rely on independent wastewater systems. This includes:

  • Septic tank emptying in Ashford 
  • Septic tank emptying in Kent
  • Septic tank emptying in Surrey
  • Septic tank emptying in East Sussex
  • Septic tank emptying in West Sussex
  • Septic tank emptying in London

Our teams manage septic tanks, cesspits, and sewage treatment plants across these areas, delivering consistent wastewater management for organisations operating from single or multiple sites.

Our Septic Tank Emptying Process

We have refined our process to give customers a structured, efficient, and compliant service from the initial enquiry through to responsible disposal.

  • Contact us for a quote: you can call our team or complete our online form. We provide a transparent, competitive quote with no hidden charges, along with any technical guidance needed to help you understand the scope of the work. Quotations take into account the size of the system, access requirements, and the type of wastewater infrastructure on site.
  • Schedule your service: once the quotation has been approved, we will arrange a suitable time for our tanker to attend your London property. Our scheduling team can work around confined access, timed delivery windows, and operational restrictions across residential, commercial, and industrial locations.
  • Professional tank emptying: when our engineer arrives, they will complete a safety assessment to confirm safe working conditions. Using one of our modern vacuum tankers, the engineer will then carry out a full emptying of your septic tank, cesspit, or sewage treatment plant. This includes the controlled removal of wastewater and solids to support ongoing system performance and reduce the likelihood of odours, blockages, or overflow.
  • Responsible disposal: all waste is documented in line with UK regulations and transferred to a licensed treatment facility. Disposal is completed in accordance with all requirements, supporting full traceability and compliant wastewater management.
  • Ongoing maintenance: regular maintenance plays a central role in keeping septic tanks and treatment systems functioning as intended. Routine emptying prevents the build-up of solids that can restrict capacity, affect treatment performance, or cause wastewater to back up into the property. Scheduled servicing also helps identify early signs of structural or mechanical issues, supporting long-term system reliability for domestic and commercial sites.

Septic Tank Maintenance FAQs

How often does a septic tank need to be emptied in the UK?

The ideal frequency for emptying your septic tank depends on the size of the tank and the number of people in your household. For most homes, an annual emptying is a good rule to prevent the build-up of solids, which can cause blockages and damage your drainage system.

Can a septic tank go 20 years without being pumped?

It is extremely inadvisable to leave a septic tank for 20 years without maintenance. While there are rare anecdotal cases, neglecting your tank for this long will almost certainly lead to a system failure. Solids will build up and block the outlet, causing sewage to overflow into the drainage field or back into your property, resulting in very expensive repairs.

Can I empty my septic tank myself?

It is highly illegal for an individual to empty their own septic tank in the UK. This job must be carried out by a licensed waste disposal company like Universal Tankers. The waste is hazardous and requires specialised equipment for safe handling and compliant disposal to prevent environmental contamination and public health risks.

Contact Our Ashford Team Today

For a reliable and professional septic tank emptying service in London, Kent, and across the South East, get in touch with Universal Tankers. Our expert team is ready to provide expert advice, a free, no-obligation quote, and schedule your service.

Call us free on 0800 180 4474 or use our online contact form and someone will be in touch as soon as possible.

Other depots in the South East

Get in touch

Request a quote or make an enquiry

If you require a quote or have a general enquiry about our services, please complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively call one of our experienced staff on 0800 180 4474 or 01236 434422 from Scotland.

We're happy to help! For a list of our depot locations, visit the locations page.

Stay up to date with all things Universal by subscribing to our newsletter

Image shows a map of the UK with all of Universal Tankers Depots on it

19 Depots Nationwide

We're in your area

Our strategically located depots across the UK ensure that no matter where you are, our high-quality wastewater services are just a call away. Our teams are equipped and ready to provide swift and efficient service.

Call us free on 0800 180 4474 or 01236 434422 from Scotland