Septic tank pumping: cesspits, septic tanks and grease traps
What a septic tanker does and when to call one
A septic tanker pumps wastewater out of cesspits, septic tanks, grease traps and pit latrines. You need to call one when the pit is full, water drains slowly from sinks or a bad smell appears. Some owners pump on a schedule: once every few months or once a year, depending on the volume and the number of people.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe the situation once, and operators reply in the chat with a price, an arrival time and conditions. They see where their offer stands, so the price is often better than after several phone calls. It is free for buyers, and your phone is hidden.
What the price depends on
First of all, the volume: pumping a few cubic metres costs differently from fully emptying a big pit. Then the distance from the base to your address, because remote addresses can cost differently from the city. The distance the tanker can get to also counts: the hose has a limited length, so if the pit is behind the garden, the price will be different.
Another factor is the condition of the pit. If it has not been emptied for a long time, the sludge hardens or silts up, and ordinary pumping will not help: it needs flushing and extra time. It is better to write about this in advance.
What to include in your request
- What to pump — cesspit, septic tank, wastewater, grease trap, toilet cabins.
- Volume — in cubic metres, if you know it, for example 6 m³.
- Address — city or village, street.
- Access — how far the tanker can stop, what the road is like and how wide the gate is.
- Condition of the pit — silted, not emptied for a long time, thick sludge.
- Frequency — one-off or regular, for example once a month.
- Date — when you need it.
- Budget — if you want to name one.
Example: “Tuen Mun: I need a cesspit of about 6 m³ pumped out, silted up and not emptied for a long time. The tanker can stop 15 m from the pit, the gate is wide. Tomorrow. Budget up to HK$270.”
What to look at in the replies
- whether the price is per trip, per cubic metre or a fixed sum for the whole volume;
- how many cubic metres the tanker holds and whether one trip is enough;
- whether there is an extra charge for a long hose or a distant call-out;
- where the waste is taken: it must be discharged only at places meant for it;
- whether you get a receipt or a record of the work.
Reviews next to the offer help you weed out those who dump waste in open land. This must not be done, and responsibility can fall on the customer too, so ask where the waste will be taken.
Common mistakes
Not measuring the distance from the pit to the road and then being charged extra. Not mentioning silting. Not checking whether the tanker's volume is enough: otherwise a second trip is needed. Waiting until the pit overflows and pumping becomes urgent. For regular servicing, agree a schedule: it is more predictable and convenient.
Around the house you may need other help: rubbish removal or gardening and grounds maintenance. All home services are collected in “Household services”.
