CLEARMASTERS
Whether it's a routine empty of a cottage septic tank or regular grease trap collections for a busy kitchen, we handle liquid waste for homes, farms and businesses across the South East. Every load is taken away by our own crew, in our own tanker, and disposed of legally with a waste transfer note. Need something urgently? We're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Our liquid waste services
What do you need emptying?
Choose a service to find out more, or get in touch if you're not sure. It may just be that we call it something different.
For homes and farms · tanks, plants and private drainage
Septic Tank Emptying
A septic tank deals with most of the liquid, but the sludge and fats build up and need pumping out, usually about once a year.
Find out moreCesspit Emptying
A cesspit has no outlet, so everything stays in it until it's emptied. We can empty it as often as you need, on a regular schedule if you like.
Find out moreTreatment Plant Desludging
However well the mechanical parts are looked after, a treatment plant can't clean the wastewater properly if the sludge isn't removed.
Find out morePump Station Emptying
Regular emptying removes the solids, fat and the things that shouldn't have been flushed, before they block or damage the pumps.
Find out moreSoakaway Maintenance
Silt and debris slowly fill a soakaway and stop it draining. Washing it through and removing the waste keeps it working.
Find out morePond & Pool Emptying
Draining a pool for maintenance or desilting a pond is a job our tankers are well suited to, whatever the size.
Find out moreFor businesses and sites · commercial and industrial liquid waste
Grease Trap Emptying
Grease trap waste is controlled waste. Regular emptying by a registered carrier keeps your drains clear and your records in order.
Find out moreGully Clearance
Leaves, silt and debris block gullies and stop rainwater draining away, which causes flooding in heavy rain.
Find out moreOily & Contaminated Waste
Contaminated waste has to go to a designated disposal site. We take it there and give you the paperwork to prove it.
Find out moreHolding Tank Emptying
Holding tanks, like cesspits, have a maximum capacity. Whatever you're holding, we can arrange to empty it.
Find out morePortaloo Emptying
Portable toilets for events, sites or while building work is going on, emptied as often as they need it.
Find out moreFlood & Groundwater Removal
After a burst pipe, equipment failure or heavy rain, removing the water quickly limits the damage. Available 24/7.
Find out moreCan't see what you need? Tell us what you've got and we'll let you know if we can help.
Ask usA quick guide
How often does it need emptying?
Every system is different, but these are the typical intervals. We can look at yours and set up a regular schedule so you don't have to remember.
| Cesspit | Every few weeks to every few monthsDepends on its size and how much water the household uses. |
|---|---|
| Septic tank | Usually about once a yearSooner for a large household or a small tank. |
| Treatment plant | At least once a yearEnvironment Agency guidance is to remove sludge before it reaches capacity, and at least yearly. |
| Pump station | Typically every 6 to 12 monthsBusier or commercial stations may need more. |
| Grease trap | Every few weeks to every few monthsDepends on the size of the trap and how busy the kitchen is. |
| Gullies | At least once a yearIdeally before autumn and winter, when leaves and heavy rain arrive. |
A guide only. The right interval depends on the size of the system and how much it's used.
Paperwork done properly
Whoever produces waste has a legal duty of care to make sure it's handled by a registered carrier and disposed of properly. For businesses, that means keeping waste transfer notes on file.
- A waste transfer note for every collection
- Waste taken to licensed disposal and treatment sites
- Records that keep you covered for inspections or a house sale
What our customers say
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Questions answered
Liquid waste and tank emptying FAQs
How often should my tank be emptied?
It depends on the type of tank, what it's used for and how many people use it. As a guide, most septic tanks need emptying about once a year, while cesspits can need emptying every few weeks. Treatment plants should be desludged at least once a year. We can look at your system and set up a schedule that suits it.
You get a waste transfer note for every job, whether it’s oily and contaminated wastewater, a grease trap, portaloos and welfare units, a holding tank or a pond or swimming pool.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
What size tankers do you use?
Our tankers range from 2,000 to 4,000 gallons, and all have jetting equipment, so we can clear the inlet and outlet pipes on the same visit. If your lane is narrow or access is tight, tell us when you book and we'll send the right one.
Do I get paperwork for the waste you take away?
Yes. We're a registered waste carrier (CBDU405449) and every load comes with a waste transfer note. Businesses are legally required to keep these records, and they're useful for homeowners too, especially when you sell a property.
How much does it cost?
It depends mainly on how much waste needs removing and how easy it is to reach the tank. We give free quotes, with no charge just to give you a price. Call 03333 233566 or book online and we'll come back to you with a price.
Do you do regular emptying for businesses?
Yes. We empty grease traps, gullies, interceptors, holding tanks and pump stations on a regular schedule for restaurants, pubs, housing estates, management companies and industrial sites, with a waste transfer note for every collection.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.
Our other services
Fully accredited & compliant
We're independently vetted and certified so you can trust who you're letting onto your site.
SafeContractor
Health & safety pre-qualification accreditation, verifying our processes meet recognised safety standards.
RISQS
Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme — approved to work safely within the rail industry supply chain.
Achilles UVDB
Utilities Vetting Database membership, confirming we meet the utilities sector's supply chain standards.
Trading Standards Approved
Vetted and approved under the local authority's trusted trader scheme for honesty and fair dealing.
NADC Member
Members of the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the UK trade body for the drainage industry.
Registered Waste Carrier
Registered with the Environment Agency, so your waste is handled and disposed of fully within the law.