If you have a septic tank, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How often should a septic tank be emptied?”
Leaving it too long can lead to bad smells, slow drains, overflows, and very expensive damage.

At R Wright & Son, we empty septic tanks across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and this guide explains exactly what you need to know.

✅ Quick answer

Most septic tanks should be emptied every 12 months.

However, this can vary depending on:

The size of your tank

How many people live in the property

How much water you use

Whether wipes, fats or chemicals go into the system

Some households may need emptying every 6–9 months, others every 18–24 months.

🚨 Signs your septic tank needs emptying

If you notice any of the following, your tank may already be too full:

Slow draining sinks, baths or toilets

Gurgling sounds in the pipes

Bad smells inside or outside

Water pooling near the tank or drains

Toilets backing up

If these happen, the tank should be emptied as soon as possible to avoid damage to the system or surrounding ground.

🛠️ Why regular emptying is so important

Your septic tank separates solid waste from liquid. Over time, the solid waste builds up and must be removed.

If it isn’t emptied:

Waste can block your soakaway

Drains can back up into the house

Tanks can overflow

Repairs can cost thousands

Regular emptying is far cheaper than fixing a failed septic system.

🏡 What affects how often it needs emptying?

The main factors are:

Household size – more people = fills faster

Tank size – small tanks need emptying more often

Water usage – power showers, baths, washing machines

What goes down the drain – wipes, fats and chemicals speed up problems

Even “flushable” wipes should never go into a septic tank.

📍 Septic tank emptying in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire

R Wright & Son provide professional septic tank emptying for homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

We offer:

Reliable, scheduled emptying

Emergency call-outs

Responsible waste disposal

Friendly local service

If you’re not sure when your tank was last emptied, it’s always safer to have it checked.

📞 Need your septic tank emptied?

If your septic tank is due, overflowing, or you just want to get on a regular maintenance plan, contact R Wright & Son today.

👉 Call us or visit our contact page to book septic tank emptying in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.