Leeds drainage experts Jet Aire Services warn home owners to act now to avoid septic tank problems

Leeds-based Jet Aire Services, a firm of drainage and sewerage experts, say that as lockdown restrictions ease and normality returns, home owners should be turning their attention to key maintenance tasks such as arranging inspections to prevent bigger issues building up.

Marketing director Jamie Swan said: "For more than a year, we've spent more time at home than we usually would and as a result there will be systems that are close to blocking up.

"People have had more important things to worry about throughout the pandemic, and we fully appreciate that thinking about their drainage systems in their homes or businesses may not have been at the top of their priority list.

"A build-up of solids causes slower draining, and that will be a tell-tale sign if people have noticed a difference. If that is the case, then now is the time to act."

While the occupancy levels of a house or building mean waste collection schedules will vary, the general advice is to get an inspection every two years while one of those collections takes place and the septic tank is emptied.

This is done to reduce the risk of build-up in the system which could ultimately find its way back into properties and leave the owners with a costly clean-up job.

The business, which operates from a head office in Aberford, is advising its customers to not only get their septic tanks emptied but also to have them cleansed and arrange a visual ‘health check’. This health check of the tank is used as a means to detect any blockages which could lead to problems.

Mr Swan said: "Systems have been placed under a higher amount of pressure than normal in people’s homes, and at the same time businesses will also have a natural surge as premises get back to full capacity.

"As well as slower draining, there are other warning signs such as unusual smells or even leaks from pipes. It is far easier having the problems detected and rectified now rather than waiting until there is a genuine emergency."

Set up more than 30 years ago, Jet Aire Services counts itself among the leading businesses in the north of England in the drainage sector and works for customers across the UK.

The company has invested around £1m in new technology over the last year, with specialist crews available to carry out work on septic tanks.