Interceptor Tank Cleaning

INTERCEPTOR TANK CLEANING

If your site has an oil, petrol or silt interceptor tank, regular cleaning isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement, and the difference between a compliant site and a pollution incident.

We empty, clean and maintain interceptor tanks for petrol stations, car parks, industrial sites and commercial premises across Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire & Herefordshire.

WHO NEEDS INTERCEPTOR TANK CLEANING

Interceptor tanks are typically found, and legally required at:

Petrol stations and forecourts.

Car parks and car parking structures.

Vehicle wash bays and valeting sites.

Workshops, garages and MOT centres.

Industrial yards and distribution sites.

Construction sites with vehicle wash-down areas.

Bus and haulage depots.

HOW OFTEN DOES AN INTERCEPTOR TANK NEED CLEANING?

Interceptor tanks should be inspected at least every six months, or in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, with busier or higher-risk sites checked more often. An inspection covers oil and silt levels, alarms and any coalescing filter. The tank should be emptied as soon as a significant amount of oil or silt has built up, straight away if the alarm triggers or after a spill, and every five years it should be emptied and given a full integrity check. We can set an inspection and emptying schedule that matches your site’s activity.

OUR PROCESS

Inspect – We check the depth of trapped oil and silt, and the interceptor tank’s overall condition, including any alarms or filters fitted.

Empty – Oil, silt and contaminated water are removed using a vacuum tanker.

Clean – The interceptor’s chambers are cleaned out, and filters replaced where fitted.

Jet associated pipework – Where needed, we jet clear the drainage running into and out of the interceptor to remove any build-up in the connected system.

Dispose & document – Waste is removed by a licensed waste carrier and disposed of at an authorised facility, with a consignment note provided as evidence of compliant disposal.

WHY CHOOSE SMIP

Licensed waste carriers – Waste is collected, transported and disposed of in line with Environment Agency requirements, with consignment notes provided.

One team for cleaning and drainage – If cleaning reveals a wider drainage issue, we can quote for jetting, repair or CCTV survey work directly.

Fully insured – Covered for all work types we carry out.

Local Coverage – Based on the Wales/England border, covering Wales, North West England (including Manchester), Cheshire, Shropshire & Herefordshire and the Midlands (including Birmingham). as standard, with further travel where required.

INTERCEPTOR TANK CLEANING FAQs

Is interceptor tank cleaning a legal requirement?

Yes, most sites with an interceptor tank are required to maintain it, and a poorly maintained tank that causes pollution can lead to enforcement action and significant fines.

How do I know if my interceptor tank needs emptying?

Sites with an alarm will be notified when oil or silt reaches a set level. Without an alarm, regular inspection is the only reliable way to know, we can check this as part of a site visit.

What happens to the waste once it’s removed?

It’s classified as hazardous waste and must be removed by a licensed waste carrier and disposed of at an authorised facility. We provide a consignment note as evidence of compliant disposal.

Can you install an oil level alarm if my interceptor tank doesn’t have one?

Get in touch to discuss your interceptor tank setup. We can advise on the right monitoring approach for your site.

Do you clean grease traps as well as interceptors?

Yes, though it’s a different service given the different waste type and regulations involved. See our Grease Trap Cleaning page for commercial kitchen grease traps specifically.

What areas do you cover?

We predominantly cover Wales, North West England, Cheshire, Shropshire & Herefordshire and the Midlands. We will travel further afield where required.