A septic system is an essential part of keeping your building fully functioning. Properly installed, operated, and maintained septic systems can be an excellent wastewater treatment option for your business. Learn how to prevent these problems so you can avoid contamination or other plumbing complications.
What are septic systems and how do they work?
Septic tanks are the main part of the wastewater treatment system that breaks down waste coming from your plumbing fixtures. Waste is held in a large tank and is treated through natural and technological processes. Once the liquid and solid waste are separated, they flow from the tank to the drain field.
1. Keep up with maintenance
Maintenance is necessary to ensure that your system runs properly. Schedule annual inspections with a contractor who can give you information on the level of scum and effluent, as well as sludge layers in the septic tank. This inspection will give you an idea of how often you must pump. If your tank is not pumped regularly, you risk polluting the groundwater with a sewage leak.
2. Don’t flush down foreign objects
In commercial spaces, you have less control over what people flush down the toilet.
While it’s harder to regulate than in a residential home, it’s important to establish this rule: only human waste and toilet paper should be going down the toilet. Septic systems can be clogged by wipes, hair, grease, and more. You want to avoid these costly and time-consuming complications.
3. Install more field lines
The clarified water from the septic tanks enters the drain fields. These are typically a series of trenches that are lined with gravel beneath the surface. When the water flows through, the gravel and soil act as a natural biological filter. Installing additional field lines will give the water more places to go, allowing for more breathing room.
4. Don’t plant trees near your drain field
Tree roots have the potential to knock your septic tank out of place, leading to blockage and overflow. While it’s impossible to predict the direction of root growth, you can avoid this issue by planting trees and shrubbery far away from the drain field and drain pipes.
5. Be conservative with water use
Water that enters the septic tank too much at one time can result in wastewater backing into drains or surfacing to the ground. Take these steps to prevent hydraulic overloading:
Make sure your plumbing fixtures are working effectively. This means no drips or leaks!
Replace fixtures with water-saving toilets and faucets.
Try to space out dishwashing, laundry, and showers if it’s provided in your building.
Are you in need of commercial plumbing in Knoxville? Our expertise covers everything from bathroom facilities to septic systems. Contact us online or call us at (865) 205-9929 and we’ll make sure everything is in good working order.
