Image of Exeter

Exeter

Your local depot

Hitchcocks Business Park
Uffculme
Cullompton
EX15 3FA

0800 180 4474

Septic Tank Emptying in Exeter

For all wastewater needs

Universal Tankers delivers professional septic tank emptying services across Exeter and the surrounding areas, supporting domestic properties alongside commercial, agricultural, and public sector sites operating off-mains drainage. We manage septic tanks and sewage treatment plants to consistent working standards, applying informed operational practices that support a wide range of drainage requirements. This approach allows properties to maintain system capacity, manage liquid waste removal effectively, and reduce the likelihood of disruption or costly repairs associated with unmanaged wastewater systems.

Our services in North Devon are supported by our Exeter-based depot and a modern fleet of vacuum tankers equipped to attend sites with varied access conditions and tank sizes. From residential properties in rural locations to larger commercial and operational sites across the wider Devon area, we deliver a reliable service for both planned maintenance and time-sensitive requirements. Our teams attend with practical experience and technical capability, providing consistent support across all property types.

To arrange septic tank emptying in Exeter and the surrounding areas, call Universal Tankers on 0800 180 4474, or complete our online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Why Choose Universal Tankers for Your Septic Tank Emptying in Exeter?

Maintaining a septic tank is one of a property owner’s legal responsibilities, and working with an experienced provider supports compliant wastewater handling and steady system operation. Our nationwide operation includes dedicated coverage across Devon, providing homeowners and commercial operators with reliable access to wastewater management and water delivery services.

  • Registered waste carrier and fully licensed company: Universal Tankers operates as a registered waste carrier, providing fully licensed septic tank emptying in Exeter for domestic properties, commercial premises, agricultural sites, and public sector locations using off-mains drainage systems. All waste is handled and disposed of in line with current regulatory requirements.
  • Experienced, trained operational teams: with more than 20 years in the wastewater sector, our trained operators bring practical experience to every site. This supports safe working practices, protects site health, and allows septic systems to continue to function as intended across a wide range of property types.
  • Efficient service delivery with a focus on safety: septic tank emptying is carried out using modern vacuum tankers and established processes designed around operational safety and efficiency. Waste removal is completed with controlled handling to reduce disruption and protect surrounding land and drainage infrastructure.
  • Flexible servicing and responsive support: properties can maintain steady system performance through planned, scheduled emptying, while our next-day service capability provides prompt support when rising levels require immediate attention. This flexibility supports consistent wastewater management across Exeter and the surrounding areas.
  • Straightforward contact and dependable coverage: backed by a nationwide depot network, Universal Tankers offers reliable local service supported by national resources.

Contact our team to arrange septic tank emptying in Exeter or to discuss service requirements in more detail.

Our Liquid Waste Disposal and Water Delivery Services

Universal Tankers provides a full range of wastewater management and water delivery services for properties and sites across Exeter and the surrounding areas. Our liquid waste services support the ongoing operation of off-mains drainage systems, prevent avoidable disruption and maintain compliant wastewater handling across domestic, commercial, agricultural, and industrial settings.

Domestic and commercial septic tank emptying

Exeter residential and commercial properties rely on effective septic tank maintenance to support consistent wastewater control. We deliver septic tank emptying services for residential properties and commercial sites operating larger tanks or sewage treatment plants. Routine emptying removes accumulated sludge and scum that can restrict capacity, contribute to bad smells, and increase the risk of system failure. Our teams attend Exeter sites equipped to complete each service efficiently and with minimal impact on day-to-day operations.

Cesspit and sewage treatment plant maintenance

Universal Tankers carries out emptying and maintenance for cesspits and packaged sewage treatment plants. As sealed systems, cesspits require frequent emptying to prevent overfilling, while treatment plants depend on regular desludging to continue operating correctly and discharging treated effluent to the required standard.

Grease trap maintenance

We support hospitality, commercial, and marine operations by managing the removal of fats, oils, and grease from on-site interceptors. Our service includes routine and reactive grease trap emptying and compliant disposal to maintain drainage flow, protect downstream infrastructure, and reduce the likelihood of odours or unplanned interruptions.

Potable water delivery

Universal Tankers supplies potable water that meets the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations and Drinking Water Inspectorate guidelines. This service supports drinking water needs and applications such as washrooms, showers, catering facilities, and welfare units on construction, event, and agricultural sites. Our tankers and equipment are maintained to strict hygiene standards, allowing safe drinking water delivery where mains supply is unavailable, interrupted, or temporarily insufficient.

Non-potable water delivery

Our non-potable water delivery service supplies untreated water for activities that do not require drinking water quality. This provides a practical option for construction, industrial, and agricultural sites using water for dust suppression, concrete preparation, equipment washing, and similar operational uses. Using our modern tanker fleet and nationwide depot network, we deliver reliable volumes directly to Exeter sites, including locations with restricted access.

Cleaning sludge from septic system

Septic Tank Emptying in Devon

Universal Tankers delivers dependable septic tank emptying in North Devon, Dorset and the surrounding regions, supporting domestic properties, commercial premises, agricultural operations, and public sector sites operating off-mains drainage systems. Our teams work from well-positioned depots, allowing us to reach both rural locations and built-up areas with consistent service standards. This includes scheduled maintenance visits, responsive call-outs, and support for sites that require compliant wastewater removal without delay.

Whether you require prompt attendance or routine septic tank emptying in Plymouth, Bodmin or Dorset, our teams can attend sites across these and the surrounding regions efficiently, providing a compliant service that supports reliable system performance across all property and site types.

Other depots in the UK

FAQs About Septic Tank Emptying

What are the signs a septic tank needs to be emptied?

A septic tank approaching capacity will usually present clear indicators across internal drainage and external ground conditions. Slow-draining sinks, toilets, or showers can indicate restricted flow within the system, while persistent unpleasant odours inside the property or around inspection covers may suggest rising waste levels. Externally, pooling water, soft ground, or areas of unusual dampness above the tank or soakaway can develop as wastewater struggles to disperse effectively.

In more advanced cases, wastewater may begin to back up through internal pipework, signalling that the tank no longer has sufficient capacity and requires emptying to maintain effective operation.

How often should a septic tank be emptied?

Most septic tanks require emptying on an annual basis, although the appropriate frequency depends on several practical factors. Tank size, the number of occupants using the system, and overall wastewater volume all influence how quickly sludge and scum accumulate. Properties with higher usage levels or smaller tanks may need more frequent emptying, while lightly used systems may operate effectively with longer intervals.

Regular servicing supports consistent system capacity and reduces the likelihood of blockages or unplanned disruption. A scheduled emptying programme allows waste levels to be managed predictably and provides visibility over the condition of the tank and associated drainage.

Why is it important to regularly empty a septic tank?

Regular septic tank emptying is ultimately cost effective, as it helps to prevent costly repairs associated with overfilled or poorly maintained systems. By removing accumulated sludge before it causes blockages or structural strain, routine servicing reduces the likelihood of damage to the tank, pipework, or soakaway, supporting longer system lifespan and reducing unplanned expenditure. Regular maintenance also keeps property owners compliant with wastewater and environmental regulations governing private drainage systems.

Maintaining appropriate service records and managing waste correctly reduces the risk of pollution incidents, enforcement action, fines, or legal repercussions linked to non-compliance.

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