Septic tank / mini-treatment plant woes

Mrs_Mac_1

CanI anyone recommend a company or tradesperson that works with septic tanks?  I am North Antrim area. I get the tank de-sludged once every year, it was last done in March. However, the whole area is very smelly and there is evidently something not working correctly.  The smell is also very evident in the bathroom. I am reluctant to phone any of the companies in the like of Yellow Pages etc as I don't want to get ripped off.  I was hoping for a recommendation for a genuine tradesperson by word of mouth.  I have checked our drains and they are not blocked at all.  As a matter of interest also, is it necessary to maintain or service septic tanks / mini-treatment plants on an annual basis?  It's not something I would have thought of, until now.  I thought the important bit was getting them de-sludged.

Thank you.

[Deleted User]

Yes, you should get them serviced regularly. If something has gone wrong, for example with the belt, you're going to quickly end up with a nasty situation on your hands.

Ours is serviced by the same company that empties it, so start there.

Mrs_Mac_1

Thank you zx81, would you be able to recommend who empties yours?  I have always used NI Water.