With AFS, a standard septic tank empty starts from £150. That covers up to 1,000 gallons of waste and up to 30 metres of hose between our tanker and your tank.
We confirm the price before we book, so you know what you will pay before we arrive.
This guide explains what is included, what can change the price and how to keep the cost of looking after your tank down.
Quick answer
A standard household septic tank empty with AFS costs from £150.
Larger tanks, long hose runs, difficult access or more than one tank can cost more. We price these before we book.
Most households need one empty a year, so for many homes that is the main yearly cost of running a septic tank.
What the £150 standard empty includes
Removal of up to 1,000 gallons of septic waste, using our own tanker.
Up to 30 metres of hose between where the tanker parks and the tank. Longer runs are often possible if you tell us when you book.
A look at the tank while we are there. If something seems wrong, such as a blocked outlet or a tank that refills too fast, we tell you.
What can make it cost more
More than 1,000 gallons in the tank. Larger tanks take longer to empty and use more of the tanker's capacity.
A hose run longer than 30 metres. We may need to bring extra hose or equipment.
Narrow, weight-limited or soft access. If a full-size tanker cannot get close, the visit needs more planning.
Distance from our base in Alton.
More than one tank or chamber. If you have a cesspit as well as a septic tank, tell us when you call and we can plan both for the same visit.
Urgent attendance. If your tank is overflowing and you need us quickly, the price can be different. We still confirm it before we book.
How often you will pay for an empty
Many household septic tanks need emptying around once a year, but it depends on the size of the tank and how many people use it.
Leaving it too long lets solids pass into the drainage field. That can block it, and putting a drainage field right costs far more than a regular empty.
If you are not sure when your tank was last emptied, we can suggest a sensible interval after the first visit.
Ways to keep the cost down
Know your tank size. Even a rough idea helps us give you the right price first time.
Clear the lid. Make sure plants, garden furniture or vehicles are not covering it.
Send a photo of the access. Narrow gates, weak driveways, low branches and soft ground all affect how close a tanker can get.
Empty it before it overflows. A planned visit avoids an urgent call-out and protects your drainage field.
Book tanks together. If you have more than one tank, emptying them on the same visit is simpler than separate trips.
Fix the cause if it fills too fast. Emptying more often only treats the symptom. A blocked outlet, groundwater getting in or a failing drainage field needs finding and fixing.
Septic tank, cesspit or treatment plant?
A septic tank separates the waste and lets the treated liquid drain away, so it only needs the sludge removing, usually around once a year.
A cesspit is sealed and stores everything, so it fills much faster and needs emptying far more often. That makes its yearly cost much higher. See our cesspit emptying page.
A sewage treatment plant also needs desludging, often alongside a service visit. See treatment plant emptying, or ask us to price both together.
Getting an accurate price
To price your empty, tell us the rough tank size, where it is on the property, how far it is from where a tanker can park, any access limits and when it was last emptied.
We cover Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex, Berkshire and nearby areas from our base in Alton.
Get a price or book on our septic tank emptying page, or call 01420 561661.
Call AFS on 01420 561661 or send the details through for practical advice.
Contact AFSFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to empty a septic tank?
With AFS, a standard empty costs from £150 for up to 1,000 gallons and up to 30 metres of hose. Larger tanks, longer hose runs or difficult access are priced before we book.
Is the price confirmed before you come?
Yes. We check the tank size and access and confirm the price before we book a date.
How often will I need to pay for an empty?
Many households empty their septic tank around once a year. It depends on the tank size and how many people use it.
Why does my tank need emptying more often than it should?
The usual causes are a blocked outlet, groundwater getting in or a failing drainage field. We can find the cause rather than just emptying more often.
Do you empty cesspits and treatment plants?
Yes. We empty cesspits, holding tanks and sewage treatment plants as well as septic tanks.