Septic Tank Cleaning & Pump Out

If your septic tank is full or you require urgent septic tank cleaning or pumping, Enwaste can help right away. One of our vacuum trucks can be at your location ASAP to remove your septic waste.

Standard Old Style Concrete Septic Tank

These concrete septic tanks are a common type of wastewater treatment system for residential use. They are large, underground containers designed to separate and partially treat household wastewater.

With a capacity of roughly 2000 litres, most standard old style concrete septic tanks will have an overflow pit or trench attached.

Pump Out / Clean

These tanks should be pumped out by a professional every 2 to 3 years on average. An Enwaste driver will perform the pump out through the large inspection lid, or if this is not possible, through the smaller inspection lids. They will then rinse the walls with a hose, leaving a small amount of waste in the bottom of the tank to regenerate good bacteria as it refills.

Poly / Plastic Tank

Polyethylene or plastic tanks are similar to concrete systems, but much lighter and easier to install in areas with limited space. They are made from durable, corrosion-resistance materials and have a standard capacity of roughly 3000 litres.

Pump Out / Clean

These tanks should be emptied and cleaned by a professional every 2 to 3 years on average. An Enwaste driver will perform the pump out using the inspection lid to gain access. Once emptied, these tanks are required to be refilled with water to avoid them popping out of the ground. Our driver will advise how much water will need to be replaced.

Maintain Your Septic Tank Regularly

Don’t wait for a disaster. As part of standard maintenance for your septic system, you should ensure that your septic tank is regularly pumped out and cleaned. 

In addition, for an effective sewerage system, you should also have the solids and sludge removed from your sewage tank every two to three years.

Protect Your Septic Tank & Home

Pumping your septic waste and cleaning your septic tank will reduce the risk of a spill or leak into the surrounding environment.

This can prevent damage to your drain field and septic tank, as well as prevent distress from waste spilling into your house.

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Increase Your Septic Tank Life Span

Your whole septic system relies on regular septic tank pumping to function properly. If you take care of your septic tank, your sewage treatment system should last for years.

However, there are several factors that may lead to a reduced life span of your septic system.

Keep Your Septic Tank Clean

Because they don’t quickly decompose, oil, fat and sludge can cause blockages in your septic system. 

Enwaste can remove these materials using our specialised septic tank cleaning methods, provided they have not entered your drainage field, to ensure that your system runs smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Service & Maintenance

How often should I pump out my septic tank?

In accordance with Australian Standards and local council health regulations, most septic tanks should be pumped out every 3 to 5 years. This frequency depends on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household or business.

Common indicators that your tank requires servicing include:

  • Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets.
  • Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
  • Persistent sewage odours.
  • Patches of unusually lush, green grass or pooling water near the absorption trenches.

If sludge is left to accumulate, it can overflow into your absorption trenches (soakage area). This leads to soil clogging, system failure, and potential environmental contamination. Repairing or replacing a failed absorption area can cost thousands of dollars, whereas regular pumping is a fraction of that cost.

You do not need to stop using water before we arrive. Once the pump-out is complete, you can resume normal water usage immediately.

To maintain a healthy system:

  • Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels.
  • Limit the use of harsh bleach or chemical cleaners that kill beneficial bacteria.
  • Keep heavy vehicles or livestock off the absorption area to prevent soil compaction and pipe damage.

Pricing & Logistics

The cost is determined by the volume of waste (measured in litres) and your location. Because disposal fees vary by council and waste type, we provide obligation-free quotes to ensure you receive a fair and accurate price.

The primary factors include:

  • Tank Capacity: Larger tanks take longer to pump and incur higher disposal fees.
  • Location: Travel distance to your property and the nearest licensed disposal facility.
  • Access: If the tank is located a significant distance from where our truck can safely park, additional hose lengths may be required.

Yes. Emergency after-hours call-outs or sites requiring more than 50 metres of hose may incur additional charges. We recommend discussing your site layout with our team when booking.

No, you do not need to be there as long as our operators have clear, unobstructed access to the tank and any gates are unlocked.

Yes. To keep service costs down, we ask that you locate and uncover the tank lid before we arrive. If you are unable to find the lid, our operators can assist in locating it using specialised equipment for an additional fee.

Technical & Environmental

Our vacuum truck operator inserts a high-suction hose into the tank to extract the accumulated sludge, scum, and liquid effluent. We ensure the tank is thoroughly emptied and then securely replace the lid.

While the tank is empty, our operators perform a basic visual inspection. We look for obvious signs of structural damage, such as cracks in the concrete or damaged baffles, and will notify you if we identify any issues that require attention.

Absolutely. Enwaste is fully licenced by the Department of Environment and Science (DES). All waste is transported and discharged at EPA-approved treatment facilities where it is processed according to strict environmental guidelines.

Yes. During periods of heavy rain, the soil in your absorption trenches can become saturated, preventing the tank from draining. This can cause your system to back up even if the tank is not full of solid waste.

If you have recently had a pump-out but are still experiencing slow drains or sewage smells, your absorption trenches may have failed. Our team can help diagnose whether the issue is a simple blockage or a more serious system failure.

Emergency Situations

We maintain a fleet of trucks across South East Queensland and prioritise emergency requests where there is a risk of environmental contamination or property damage.

  1. Stop using all water immediately (do not flush toilets or run taps).
  2. Check if the overflow relief gully (ORG) outside is clear.
  3. Call Enwaste immediately to arrange an emergency pump-out to prevent further internal damage.

Areas we service

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About Enwaste

Our Septic Tank Cleaning Experience

With over 40 years’ experience in the liquid waste management sector, we have the equipment and knowledge to assist you with your septic system management needs.

Enwaste has the capacity to provide liquid waste services throughout Southeast QLD for both domestic and commercial projects.

We work closely with customers to provide prompt, reliable and professional waste management services and support.

Enwaste is fully licensed and EHP Approved. Specifically, by providing environmentally friendly liquid waste services and we keep neighbourhoods and businesses clean and green.

Request a Booking

If you want to enquire about a service that is not listed, please contact the Enwaste team on 1800 677 560

Once we receive your booking, we will send you a booking confirmation & price for your approval