As the temperature rises, so does the pressure on businesses to stay on top of wastewater management – especially when it comes to interceptor systems. Often out of sight and out of mind, these underground tanks play a critical role in preventing pollutants from entering the sewer network.
But in summer, the risks of blockages, bad smells and breaches in compliance multiply.
Whether you’re running a busy vehicle yard, a food production facility, or an industrial estate with wash-down areas, summer is the smartest (and safest) time to book in your interceptor cleaning.
Hot Weather, Higher Risk
Summer might bring sunshine and dry conditions, but it also creates the perfect storm for neglected interceptors:
- Odours intensify as oils, silt, and organic matter break down faster in warm temperatures
- Storms and sudden downpours can overwhelm blocked or partially full systems
- Rodent activity often increases around poorly maintained drains
- Increased footfall from staff, contractors or visitors raises the stakes if something goes wrong
In short: a full or failing interceptor in summer is a ticking time bomb.
Stay Compliant, Stay Covered
The Environment Agency and local water companies are under pressure to crack down on pollution incidents – and that includes unintentional discharges from improperly maintained systems.
Your interceptor is designed to trap harmful substances like:
- Hydrocarbons (oils, greases, fuel residues)
- Suspended solids and silts
- Food processing by-products
But it only works if it’s clean and operational. If it fails and polluted water escapes, the responsibility (and the fines) fall squarely on the business.
Planned maintenance = proof of due diligence.
Why Summer Works Best
Many businesses still treat interceptor cleaning as a reactive task – done only when there’s a blockage or foul smell. But there are good reasons to get ahead of it during the summer months:
✅ Dry ground makes access easier for tankers and jetting units
✅ Longer daylight hours give you more flexibility to schedule work without disrupting operations
✅ Reduced risk of water ingress during maintenance
✅ Better odour control at the time of year when it matters most
Summer also tends to be a quieter period for many manufacturers due to scheduled shutdowns or holiday lulls – making it the perfect opportunity to carry out messy or disruptive maintenance work without affecting production.
How Trade Effluent Services Can Help
We provide a full range of interceptor and drainage services tailored to industrial, commercial and food sector sites across the UK:
- Vacuum tankering to remove sludge and contaminants
- High-pressure jetting to clear pipework and silt traps
- On-site separation using mobile centrifuge units (ideal for larger sites or remote locations)
- Waste disposal documentation for full environmental traceability
- Scheduled servicing plans so you never fall behind
Our operatives are fully trained, confined-space certified, and experienced in working with both simple and complex interceptor setups.
Don’t Wait for a Blockage or Breach
Interceptor failure isn’t just unpleasant – it can be disruptive, expensive, and potentially reputationally damaging.
Now’s the time to act.
📞 Call us or request a quote online to get booked in before the summer peak.
Let’s keep your systems clean, compliant and complaint-free.
Leave a Reply