In this north-eastern neighbourhood by Lake Ķīšezers, detached houses, apartment buildings, factories and warehouses are strung out along Jaunciema gatve, and the lake, the forests and low-lying ground affect both how tanks work and how we get to them. For private houses we pump out and service septic tanks, holding tanks and biological wastewater treatment plants (BIO plants); for businesses we empty domestic wastewater tanks. Pumping of up to 10 m³ costs from €110.
Jaunciems: living and production in one corridor
Jaunciems combines low-rise housing with industrial and warehouse areas. A private house may have either a connection to the city network or its own system: a septic tank, a holding tank or a BIO plant. For businesses the situation is the same, only the volumes are bigger, and the wastewater comes from staff toilets, showers and canteens.
Close to Lake Ķīšezers: what wet ground does to a tank
Lake Ķīšezers, the forests and the low-lying areas mean that on some plots the groundwater can be high, especially in spring and after long spells of rain. We do not assume this in advance, because the tank itself shows it clearly:
| What you notice | Possible cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| The septic tank overflows in spring but works normally in summer | The infiltration cannot take the water while groundwater is high | We pump it out; we assess rebuilding the infiltration or a BIO plant |
| The holding tank fills faster after rain | Rainwater or groundwater is getting in | We check the lid, the neck and the joints |
| A plastic tank has lifted after being emptied | Groundwater pushes an empty tank upwards | We pump it out partly or refill it at once; we recommend anchoring it |
Other reasons a septic tank fills too quickly: septic tank fills up fast.
How to prepare for pumping in wet weather
- In spring, check whether the driveway up to the gate has dried out. If it hasn't, say so in your request, and the tanker will stay on the road while we run the hose.
- Clear water and mud from around the lid, so they do not get into the tank when the lid is opened.
- If the tank is plastic, tell us in advance: when groundwater is high, we do not empty it right to the bottom.
- If the septic tank is already overflowing after heavy rain, do not use the washing machine or dishwasher until it has been pumped out.
Factories and warehouses: a tank or a plant for staff
For a business without a connection to the city network, wastewater from staff toilets and showers usually goes into a holding tank. If there are many employees, the tank has to be pumped often, and every visit costs money. Then it is worth comparing a holding tank with a treatment plant, which treats the water on site and needs only maintenance and sludge removal.
- Holding tank: simple and cheap to install, but pumping costs grow with the number of employees.
- BIO plant: more expensive at the start, but the wastewater does not have to be taken away every week; it needs electricity and maintenance.
- A canteen needs a grease trap either way, so that fat gets into neither the tank nor the plant.
Choice and sizing: biological treatment plants for businesses. For canteens: grease trap cleaning. Documents and working together: septic tank pumping services for businesses.
How to check a pumping contractor
In Riga, wastewater from septic tanks and holding tanks may be removed only by a pumping contractor listed in the Riga Housing and Environment Department's register of pumping contractors. It must be a registered company with a licence from the Road Transport Administration and a contract with a treatment plant or reception point. The register is published on mvd.riga.lv.
After each pumping, the contractor issues a pumping certificate. You need it for the declaration that must be submitted to the department by 1 May, and Cabinet Regulation No. 384 requires it to be kept for at least two years. In Riga the minimum for a septic tank is pumping once a year.
Sources: Riga City Council Binding Regulations No. 66, points 5.6, 7–9, 15, 26 and 28.12 (likumi.lv/ta/id/304471); register of pumping contractors (mvd.riga.lv); Cabinet Regulation No. 384 of 27.06.2017, points 7 and 9.1 (likumi.lv/ta/id/291947). Latvian Construction Standard LBN 223-15, point 151.2 (likumi.lv/ta/id/274990). Checked 30 October 2026.
The long route along Jaunciema gatve
Jaunciema gatve is the main access corridor, and distances within the neighbourhood are long. If several properties on one street or on one business site need pumping, put them in one request, because that makes the work easier to plan.
On industrial sites, tell us the gate, the pass procedure and a contact person. For private houses, tell us the distance from the road to the lid and whether the driveway is firm in spring too. Septic tank pumping in Jaunciems is charged at Riga prices with no mileage surcharge.
Nearest neighbourhoods
In north-eastern Riga we also work in Aplokciems, Trīsciems, Suži and Vecmīlgrāvis. All places: where we work.