A septic tank or cesspool is full of bacteria, which break down the wastewater for the first time before it ends up in the sewer system.
Your drain pipe will gradually clog if the bacteria can no longer cope with the breakdown and then you have a problem. This usually only happens when substances or objects that do not belong there end up in the septic tank system.
It is, therefore, essential that you promote the functioning of the bacteria as well as possible. How can you do that? We’ll give you some septic tank maintenance tips for optimal work.
Know your septic system
The septic system is so important that you should spend some time on how it works. This is especially important for restaurants, hotels and other businesses that use plumbing systems extensively. Commercial septic systems can serve over 20 people daily.
Get a copy of the completed septic tank diagram if you still need to get one. A local records or public works department usually has diagrams showing where all the components of a commercial septic system are located.
In order to solve any problems and prevent them from occurring, you should understand how a septic tank system works. Knowledge of your septic system is essential when professional service arrives for inspection, maintenance or repairs. In addition, it will make it easier for you to get help when you need it.
Have your septic tank checked regularly
It’s best to check the operation of your septic tank during routine maintenance. This inspection of the commercial septic tank checks the tank’s stability, the thickness of the waste crust, water color, and rainwater inflow. Regular maintenance means you’ll avoid emptying the septic tank too often.
Based on the inspection, it is decided which measures must be taken to improve the operation of the septic tank.
Avoid products that are difficult to degrade in the drain
It is best to avoid hair, coffee grounds or food residues ending up in your drain via the sink. The garbage disposal is the right place for these products because they can block the water drain which can be detrimental to the operation of the septic tank. It is also better to keep paint, fats or oils out of the septic, because the bacteria cannot break them down.
A septic system works well only with human waste. To avoid expensive repairs, feminine hygiene products should not end up in the toilet (e.g. sanitary napkins, baby wipes, tampons and handkerchiefs, etc.).
They form clots that can clog your drain. In addition, the bacteria in the septic tank have difficulty processing them. Therefore, use less paper towels and only biodegradable ones.
Also, do not pour chemical cleaning agents, bleach, chlorine or antibacterial products (e.g. antibiotics) down the drain. Otherwise, the bacteria in the septic tank may die or fail to break down the chemicals. That’s why we recommend working with environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaning products.
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Establish a septic tank pumping schedule
After years of use, sludge will accumulate in the tank and the bacteria will no longer be able to break down everything, which will clog the septic tank. Even with proper maintenance and correct use, the tank will therefore have to be emptied on a regular basis.
The frequency of the clearance depends on various factors, such as:
- the volume of the drain
- the number of people connected to the drain field
- maintenance
- correct use
We recommend cleaning the tank every 3 to 4 years.
The best tip for optimal operation is periodically emptying your septic tank using professional service. If you regularly have your commercial septic, you don’t have to worry about a disturbance in the bacteria. It also ensures that you avoid annoying blockages.
Keep a record of your septic tank’s maintenance history
Always write down your problems with the septic tanks, including repairs and commercial septic system maintenance. Records help spot trends and emerging issues. For example, if you need to pump more frequently than before, consider upgrading your septic tank. Missing any signals, indicating problems with your septic system, one day they can become costly issues.
Knowing when to change your septic system is just as important as maintaining it. Your records may also be required for state or local legal requirements.
For your septic tank’s proper functioning, it is important to be careful about what goes into the drain pipe. Avoid discharging fats and oils, use your toilet correctly and use biodegradable cleaning products.
Here are a few more maintenance tips
Regular maintenance and repairs help you protect your septic system, which is crucial whether you own a commercial property. Sometimes it might be challenging to constantly verify everybody is careful what is flushing in the toilets, so you’ll need routine inspections.
We’ll give a few more commercial septic system maintenance tips, which may save you time and money:
- Do not plant trees near the septic system – Plants’ expanding roots can potentially harm septic tank systems. Planting trees should be done at least 100 feet away from the location of the septic tank and pipes. Otherwise, the roots may clog your system and possibly pierce your pipes.
- Install high-efficiency toilets on your property – Water used for flushing is around 30% of the total water usage in a household. Showering, domestic chores, and drinking water are often the remaining 70%. Yet, in workplaces, flushing the toilet is about 43% of water usage, which may even be more significant for commercial structures. As a result, consider putting in water-saving toilets and urinals, which will help conserve water.
- Avoid flooding the septic tank drain field – Septic systems’ drain fields are severely harmed by water saturation. This is due to a drain field’s inability to manage liquid waste when it is too saturated efficiently. Heavy rainfall is the primary cause of flooded commercial septic tanks and drain fields. Thankfully, if you have a drainage system in place, you can prevent this from happening because the gutters are made to direct precipitation away from the tank.
- Keep vehicles away from the drain field – Don’t park your cars close to the commercial septic system. This will lessen the possibility of accidents or wrecks and protect the land around the septic tank, which must always be covered with grass. This ensures that grass may enhance oxygen exchange, which feeds the bacteria already present in and around your septic system.