Areas we cover
interceptor cleaning
Interceptor Cleaning, Emptying and Maintenance Guide
What is an interceptor?
Interceptors are drainage systems found at commercial and industrial sites. They prevent oil from polluting the environment or discharging into the sewer.
You can find them in:
Car parks
Car washes
Petrol station forecourts
Construction sites
Factories
Vehicle maintenance areas
Also known as oil separators or forecourt separators, interceptors are little noticed but vital systems. Regular inspections, servicing and cleaning can help you:
Reduce the risk of prosecution and fines for pollution event
Keep your insurance valid
Help protect the local environment
How do interceptors work?
Interceptors are designed to filter contaminants from rainwater runoff, such as:
Dirt
Silt
Petrol
Oil
The Interceptors contain chambers that separate oil from water and sediment. The oil floats to the top and sediment sinks to the bottom. The treated water flows through the chambers and exits through a storm drain or outlet. Vents are attached to these chambers to release any trapped vapour created during the process.
Interceptor inspections:
The Environment Agency (EA) says you must check your interceptor regularly. An inspection carried out every three to six months should include:
Checking the area around to make sure the interceptor is accessible
Check for damaged areas that could cause an issue
Check to make sure manholes can be lifted and area greased where necessary
Check for build-up of silt, oil and any other debris and if necessary clean and empty the interceptor
A visual check of any mechanical parts such as probes, alarms etc.
The integrity of the interceptor tank should be tested every five years.
Interceptor servicing:
We would advise you although to have your interceptor serviced every six months dependent on use of the site the service may need to be carried out more frequently. Servicing should also be carried out if an alarm has been activated, or after an oil spill.
An interceptor service should include:
Checking the filters, repair and/or replace as necessary. Servicing electrical systems (e.g. volume alarms and automatic closure devices). Examine the manholes, pipework, gullies that feed into the interceptor.
Cleaning and emptying your interceptor:
Interceptor cleaning and emptying is required when there is a build-up of oil, sludge or silt in the system. You should arrange an empty if the alarm activates or in the event of a spill. All inerceptor services, cleans and inspections should be logged by the client and any incidents / spills that have occurred need to be noted on your system to be compliant. A lack of interceptor maintenance resulting in a spill or pollution event, damage to the environment could result in prosecution, fines and your insurance company voiding cover.
Petrol interceptors:
Proper and frequent maintenance of petrol (fuel/oil) interceptors is not just a formality, it’s a crucial defence for the environment, your business reputation, regulatory compliance, and financial protection. Keeping to a regular upkeep schedule (ideally every 3–6 months, with extra checks when needed), backed by thorough documentation, ensures these systems continue to function correctly and keep harmful pollutants out of our waterways.
To get assistance with interceptor cleaning and maintenance please contact Environmental Waste Management ltd. on 0800 038 5180.