What You Need to Know About Septic Tanks in Your Business
04 August 2021
What is a septic tank?
When wastewater is not connected to sewerage, it is stored in a septic tank or a holding tank to collect. Septic tanks are typically located underground and consist of both inlet and outlet piping. When water waste enters the tank through the inlet pipe, a digestion process begins converting solids into a sludge that settles at the bottom of the tank and will require removal. Lighter liquids such as oil, grease, and other scum floats on top of the tank. The remaining wastewater flows outside the tank using the outlet pipe and into a leach drain leaving the solids inside the tank.
When and why do septic tanks to need to be pumped out?
As the solids increase, the space between the two layers will continue to get smaller, resulting in the septic tank clogging up and overflowing the system. To prevent a septic tank from causing problems it needs a routine pump out to prevent the solids from accumulating. The frequency will depend on the size of the business (i.e., frequency of use) and can range from a once or twice a year service through to every three or four years.
A pump out will also:
- Ensure bad odours are minimised;
- Minimise the possibility of blocked drains;
- Improve drainage and toilet flushing;
- Minimise damage to pipes.
How to tell if your septic tank is full?
There are usually noticeable warning signs that are common indicators that the septic tank may require pump out or maintenance which include;
- Wet areas near the septic tank;
- Greener thriving grass;
- Slow running drains;
- Trouble flushing;
- Foul odour from toilet;
- Sewer backup.
How to prevent other septic tank problems?
Regular maintenance/pumping of tanks will ensure your tank does not overflow. However, to prevent major problems it is also recommended to:Avoid putting hard chemicals down the drain;
- Avoid disposing of items down the toilet;
- Remove trees and plants with deep roots near your septic tank;
- Conserve water and fix any leaking tapes;
- Use a trained technician to pump the system.
To arrange a maintenance or to find out more about septic tank pump-outs contact Instant Waste Management today on (08) 9379 2111 or email orders@instantwaste.com.au.
