Who covers Exeter
Exeter itself is largely on mains sewers, but the villages around it, the Exe and Teign valleys, the Blackdown Hills and Mid Devon farms have many private systems. Our listed firms reach Exeter from different bases.
Spirebourne, family run since 1987, has offices at Witheridge between Tiverton and South Molton. It has the widest service list: emptying, plant and pump servicing, compliance checks for sales, discharge tests and new installations. MJ Drains, based at Shiphay in Torquay, names Exeter, Crediton, Tiverton and Honiton, and offers fixed prices and maintenance plans. Always Cleansing empties tanks, cesspits and plants across Devon with trucks built for narrow lanes, and refers repairs to partners. Aquablast Drain Services covers Exeter from a network of South West numbers and states no call-out charge. Euroloo has a cesspit page for Exeter.
Which firm for which job
For a sale, a failing system or a treatment plant with a pump, Spirebourne covers the most ground. For a fixed price empty or a plan that reminds you, MJ Drains. For a property down a narrow lane, ask Always Cleansing what truck it would send. For an emergency on the M5 side of the city, Aquablast's 24 hour tanker is an option.
Spirebourne asks for payment in advance and does not guarantee a timeslot, so build that into your plans.
Rules and councils
Devon follows the Environment Agency general binding rules. A septic tank must discharge to a drainage field, not a stream or ditch, and sludge must go with a registered waste carrier. Exeter City Council handles building control in the city; Mid Devon, East Devon and Teignbridge councils cover the surrounding villages. The Exe estuary and its tributaries are sensitive, so a discharge problem near water needs prompt attention.
Getting comparable quotes
Ask each firm how many gallons are included, whether disposal is in the price, how long the hose is and what happens if a second load is needed. Our septic tank emptying cost page explains what changes the price.
Listed contractors
Show these contractors on a map.
Business address checked on its own website Area the business covers, not a premises
Spirebourne
Witheridge, Tiverton
Family firm in Witheridge emptying, servicing and installing septic tanks and treatment plants across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
View business detailsCall this business01884 861000
MJ Drains
Shiphay, Torquay
Torquay drainage company emptying, installing and repairing septic tanks, with maintenance plans and 24/7 drain emergencies across Devon.
View business detailsCall this business01803 221485
Always Cleansing
South Devon
Devon tanker firm emptying septic tanks, cesspits and treatment plants, with trucks suited to narrow Devon lanes.
View business detailsCall this business01364 73774
Aquablast Drain Services
South West England
South West drainage firm emptying septic tanks, cesspits and treatment plants at fixed prices with no call-out charge, 24 hours.
View business detailsCall this business0800 097 8255
Euroloo
Chelmsford, Essex (national depots)
National tank emptying company with regional depots, advertising septic tank, cesspit and Klargester emptying for homes and businesses.
View business detailsCall this business0808 291 1507
Get a quote in Devon
Tell us about the job and we will pass it to one listed contractor that covers your postcode and does this work. It is free, and you agree the price and visit directly with the business. Prefer to choose yourself? Call any business on this page.
Sources
Each listing was checked against the business's own website on 19 October 2026:
- Spirebourne: own website
- MJ Drains: own website
- Always Cleansing: own website
- Aquablast Drain Services: own website
- Euroloo: own website
- GOV.UK: general binding rules for small sewage discharges
See also the national service page and all mapped areas.