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The Universal Tankers Blog

Latest News Views and Insights

Welcome to the Universal Tankers Blog, your hub for news, insights, and industry updates. Whether you're an industry pro or just curious, our blog provides valuable perspectives, expert commentary, and allows you to stay up to date with all things Universal.

Septic tank outside
Oct 4, 2025

Is Your Septic Tank Full of Water When it Rains?

Is your septic tank full of water when it rains, leading to problems such as flooding or unpleasant odours on site? This guide explains the common reasons septic tanks overflow, the steps that can be taken to resolve the issue, and the preventative measures that reduce the risk of it happening again. It also outlines the regulatory requirements around sewage contamination, highlighting why compliance is necessary to protect both the environment and public water sources.

overhead view of a wastewater plant

Wastewater Treatment in Rural Areas

Managing wastewater in rural areas requires a different approach from the systems used in towns and cities connected to mains sewer networks. In many rural locations, there is no access to centralised drainage infrastructure, meaning wastewater cannot simply be directed into established sewer mains for treatment. Instead, properties, agricultural sites, and remote construction projects must operate using decentralised systems designed to collect, treat, and dispose of waste on-site or prepare it for removal by licensed carriers.

septic tank overflowing
Sep 26, 2025

What to Do When a Septic Tank Overflow Occurs

If your septic tank is full, it may be creating overflow problems such as sewage backup, slow drains, damage to the septic tank and flooding of the drain field. These issues can lead to substantial costs for repairs, breaching health and safety regulations and environmental legislation such as the Water Industry Act 1991 and The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

Overflowing kithcen sink
Jun 29, 2025

Emergency Septic Tank Services: What to Expect

When a septic tank emergency arises, the consequences can be extremely serious. Even if you rely on regular maintenance and frequent septic tank pumping, varying capacity or unforeseen breakdowns of a septic system can lead to environmental damage, health hazards and regulatory penalties for businesses, so it is vital to organise emergency drainage services or repairs when needed.

Man opening a septic tank
Jun 29, 2025

Septic Tank Construction Rules: What Builders Need to Know

Construction contractors planning to install a sewage system with an on-site treatment plant, or those designing systems for third-party transportation and disposal of septic tank foulwater, must meet specific regulatory standards throughout the planning and construction process. All works must comply with relevant legislation covering system design, siting, discharge, and waste handling.

Image of a septic tank
May 19, 2025

How to Check if Your Septic Tank is Full

If you use a septic tank for your commercial or domestic property's waste management, it is vital to know how often to schedule septic tank maintenance and emptying to maintain a hygienic, safe environment. By understanding how to check if your septic tank is full and the signs that it needs emptying, you can avoid the consequences of overspills and remain compliant with the relevant environmental and health and safety standards.

Image of a brewery

Do Regulations for Wastewater Specifically Target Water Treatment at Breweries?

Septic tanks are essential components of wastewater management systems, particularly in rural areas where access to mains sewerage is unavailable. These watertight underground chambers collect wastewater from sinks, washing machines, toilets, and showers, preventing it from contaminating the environment. In this blog, we explain the fundamentals of septic tank systems.

Image of a worker emptying a septic tank
Apr 29, 2024

What Is a Septic Tank and How Does it Work?

Septic tanks are essential components of wastewater management systems, particularly in rural areas where access to mains sewerage is unavailable. These watertight underground chambers collect wastewater from sinks, washing machines, toilets, and showers, preventing it from contaminating the environment. In this blog, we explain the fundamentals of septic tank systems.