Drain cleaning
Surveys and diagnostics
Blocked drain right now?
Engineer on call 24/7. Typical Dublin arrival approx 90 minutes.
We empty, clean and repair septic tanks for residential and rural properties across Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, using vacuum tankers and handling all waste disposal in line with EPA regulations.
Our Prices
Our septic tank service covers emptying, cleaning, inspection and repairs for residential and rural properties. When we empty your tank, we use a vacuum tanker to remove the accumulated solid and liquid waste, then clean the tank interior and inspect it for any signs of damage. We check baffles, check the outlet pipe condition, look for cracks in the tank structure and assess the soakaway where access allows. All waste is transported to licensed treatment facilities in full compliance with EPA regulations.
We arrive at a time that suits you, access the tank through the inspection covers and get to work with the tanker. The emptying process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a standard tank. After emptying, we inspect the inside and talk you through what we found. If there are repairs needed, such as a cracked baffle, a blocked outlet or a failing soakaway, we explain what's involved and quote you for the work before proceeding.
Available 24/7, 365 Days a Year
Dylex operates around the clock every day of the year, including weekends and bank holidays, so you're never left waiting when a drainage emergency strikes.
Priority Emergency Call-Out
When you call with a blocked drain or plumbing emergency, your job goes to the front of the queue and the nearest van is sent, across Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Dylex holds internationally recognised certifications for quality management and environmental management, giving customers confidence in the standard of every job.
Transparent Fixed Pricing
Every job comes with an upfront quote before work begins, no hidden charges, no surprises, just honest pricing you can trust.
Most Blockages Cleared on the First Visit
Fully equipped vans carry high-pressure jetting gear and CCTV cameras to every job, meaning Dylex engineers can diagnose and fix most drain problems in a single visit.
We've been cleaning and repairing septic systems since 2006 and we know every variation of tank and soakaway arrangement across Dublin and the surrounding counties. All waste is disposed of at licensed facilities in line with EPA regulations, and we can provide documentation of disposal if you need it for compliance purposes. We carry out all associated repairs ourselves, from baffle replacement and pump servicing to soakaway repairs and percolation area checks, so you don't need separate contractors.
Septic tank problems often surface without much warning. A bad smell in the garden, slow-draining fixtures throughout the house or soggy ground near the tank area are all signs that something needs attention. The sooner it's addressed, the simpler and less expensive the fix tends to be. If you're unsure whether your tank needs a clean or a repair, call us and we'll advise you based on what you describe and how long it's been since the last service.
Most septic tanks need emptying every one to two years, depending on tank size and the number of people using the property. Leaving a tank longer than that risks outlet pipe blockage, soakaway damage and sewage backing up into the house, all of which are significantly more expensive to deal with than a routine empty.
Beyond routine emptying, we carry out structural and mechanical repairs on septic systems. Cracked tank walls, broken or missing baffles, blocked outlet pipes, failed pump systems and damaged inspection covers are all within our scope. We carry out percolation area checks and soakaway repairs for systems where the ground absorption is failing, which is one of the more expensive septic problems but manageable if caught before it causes widespread contamination.
For wastewater treatment systems and more complex package treatment units, we carry out pump replacement and servicing alongside the routine cleaning. If you've inherited an older system and aren't sure of its condition or capacity, we can inspect it and give you an honest assessment of what it can handle and what, if anything, needs upgrading.
Coverage
We cover Meath, Wicklow, Dublin and Kildare. Fast response times across every area listed here.
You may also need
01
We use waterproof cameras to inspect your drains from the inside, identifying blockages, cracks, root damage and collapsed pipes without any digging. You get a full written report and video footage.
02
Blocked drain? We respond 24/7, 365 days a year and clear most blockages on the first visit. Our engineers arrive with high-pressure jetting equipment and CCTV cameras ready to go.
03
Professional grease trap cleaning and maintenance for restaurants, hotels, and food businesses across Dublin and surrounding counties. We remove sewer grease build-up, keep your drains flowing, and help you stay compliant.
Most tanks need emptying every one to two years. A smaller tank or a larger household may need more frequent service. If you're not sure when it was last done, a visual inspection and a check of the sludge level will tell us straight away.
Solid waste builds up until it blocks the outlet pipe, which causes sewage to back up into the house or overflow into the garden. It can also damage the soakaway system, which is an expensive repair. Regular emptying is far cheaper than the consequences of leaving it too long.
Yes. All waste is transported to licensed treatment facilities and disposed of in full compliance with EPA regulations. We can provide documentation of the disposal if you need it.
A standard empty and clean takes 30 to 60 minutes. If the tank needs a deeper inspection or repairs are identified during the clean, the visit may take a little longer, and we'll let you know before extending the work.
Empty the tank every one to two years, avoid flushing wipes, nappies or sanitary products, don't pour cooking oils, harsh chemicals or medications down the drain, and keep heavy vehicles off the tank and soakaway area. Early attention to any warning signs saves significantly on repair costs.
If you are asking when should septic tank emptied, the honest answer is usually before it starts giving you trouble – not after. A septic tank should be emptied on a schedule based on use, tank size and the type of property, with warning signs treated as a sign that the system is already under pressure.
Read more →
If you are pricing up septic tank maintenance after a bad smell, a slow-draining toilet or an overflow, you are already late to the job. Septic tank cleaning cost is usually far lower than the cost of dealing with a blocked outlet, contaminated ground, emergency call-outs or damage to the system itself.
Read more →
In our experience at Dylex Drains & Plumbing, the most common cause of a slow-draining kitchen sink is a combination of grease, food waste, dishwasher wastewater and detergent residue building up inside the waste pipe. Many homeowners assume the blockage has appeared overnight, but in reality, most kitchen sink blockages develop gradually over months or years.
Read more →24h emergency · helpdesk@dylex.ie
