Professional removal of oil, coolant, waste, and heavy build-up from industrial pits and sumps to maintain safe,
efficient, and compliant operations.
Benefits of Pit Cleaning
• Removes hazardous waste, liquids, and debris from pits and sumps
• Improves safety around machinery and working areas
• Helps prevent blockages, overflow, and equipment damage
• Supports cleaner, more reliable machine operation
• Ensures pits are ready for inspection, maintenance, or refilling
UK-Based Specialists in Pit Cleaning
APT ICC provides specialist pit cleaning services across England and Wales, working primarily within industrial environments where heavy machinery and production equipment rely on pits, sumps, and tanks to operate safely. Pit cleaning focuses on the controlled removal of waste materials such as oil, coolant, swarf, grease, sludge, and grime that build up over time in machine pits and containment areas.
The service is sometimes referred to as sump cleaning, machine pit cleaning, or coolant tank cleaning. While the terminology varies, the purpose is the same: to remove accumulated waste and liquids so machinery can continue to operate efficiently and safely. Pit cleaning is commonly required in metal forging facilities, steel works, CNC machining environments, and other industrial sites where engine sumps, oil pits, and coolant tanks are integral to production processes.
APT ICC undertakes a wide range of pit cleaning works, including large machine sump cleaning, oil and swarf pit cleaning, resin pit cleaning, and coolant tank waste removal. Cleaning may be required to remove contaminated liquids, hardened waste, or built-up debris that can affect machine performance, create safety risks, or cause environmental issues if left unmanaged.
All pit cleaning works are carefully assessed before starting, particularly where sites remain live during operations. The approach is planned to ensure safe access, controlled waste removal, and minimal disruption to surrounding machinery and workflows. Where required, pits and tanks can also be cleaned and disinfected following waste removal to prepare them for reuse.
With over 35 years of experience, APT ICC is trusted to deliver pit cleaning in demanding industrial environments. Recent projects include Klansman pit cleaning at Blaenavon Forgings in Blaenavon, resin pit cleaning for Abingdon Carpet at Pen y Fan Industrial Estate in Man Moel, and coolant tank waste liquid removal and disinfection for Sesanti in Andover. All works are delivered under strict health, safety, and environmental controls, ensuring reliable, compliant results across England and Wales.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to APT for the excellent job they carried out at Tai Bach. The project was a much needed one and now that it is completed it has really helped to improve the look of the town. We have received many good comments from the public which is always a good sign.”
Kevin Hiller - Property Surveyor, Neath & Port Talbot Council
“We employed the services of APT to renovate a Grade 2 Listed Building. Under the directive of Cadw we were not allowed to use any wet process or chemicals within the interior of the building. APT used Soda Blasting on sandstone, brick, ceramic glazed tiles, metal work, paintwork on ceilings, coving, woodwork and ornate fixtures.
It was a great achievement to have one system for all the surfaces that needed cleaning and restoring and one that also ticked all the boxes of the environmental and conservation officers. The process saved us both time & money in being able to have just one company on site. We are very grateful to APT for their hard work on this project.”
Tim Luke - Gee Construction
“I would like to thank APT-ICC for their excellent work and assistance on the Barclays Bank project. They delivered the scheme and additional works on time and without issue thanks to Andrew and his team for all your extra effort, long hours and commitment. I look forward to using them on future renovations.”
Graham Lowe - Project Manager, Overbury Plc
“We have been receiving an overwhelming number of positive comments about the war memorial cleaning. Yesterday, during the small ceremony at the Penrallt column on the 1st World War anniversary, many expressed their appreciation for how splendid the memorial looks after the cleaning. We anticipate sharing photos on the internet page later this week. Additionally, we have shared your details with another person who serves as the clerk to two other local councils. Thank you once again for the exceptional work.”
Janice Davies - Gwynedd Council
Pit cleaning removes built-up waste such as oil, coolant, swarf, sludge, and debris from pits and sumps. This helps keep machinery running safely and prevents blockages or overflow. Clean pits also reduce safety and environmental risks.
Industrial pit cleaning can cover machine sumps, oil pits, coolant tanks, resin pits, and containment areas. These are commonly found in forging, machining, and manufacturing environments. Each pit is assessed to determine the safest cleaning method.
Small or shallow pits may sometimes be cleaned in-house. However, deeper pits, heavy waste build-up, or contaminated liquids usually require specialist equipment and experience. Incorrect cleaning can increase risk or damage equipment.
Yes, when properly planned. Pit cleaning is often carried out while surrounding machinery remains operational. Work is controlled to protect people, equipment, and production processes.
Waste can harden, block systems, or contaminate machinery. This can lead to breakdowns, safety hazards, or environmental issues. Regular cleaning helps avoid costly problems.
Yes. Pit cleaning includes the safe removal of liquids, sludge, and solid waste. Materials are handled and removed in a controlled way to prevent further contamination.
This depends on production processes and how quickly waste builds up. Some sites need routine cleaning, while others clean pits during shutdowns or maintenance periods. A planned approach helps prevent emergency issues.
Yes. Some pit cleaning tasks can be supported with suitable professional-grade chemicals. APT ICC can advise on appropriate products, including those manufactured by APT Commercial Chemicals, which we use across industrial sites in England and Wales.
Sign Up To Get Your FREE Quote
User Name 2 Days ago
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor.