3 Environmental Consequences of Septic System Neglect

The commercial property you own in a town or city is likely attached to a sewer line. That sewer line transports all your property’s wastewater—and all the icky liquids and solids that come with it—to a facility that treats and converts it into potable water. However, your property may depend on a septic tank system to collect and treat all the waste it, or rather the people who work there, generate if you’ve established your business outside of town. It pays to have your septic tank system inspected periodically to determine whether it’s full, damaged, or falling behind on the job. But when should you get your commercial septic tank inspected? Here are a few suggestions.

Newly Purchased Properties

Make sure you have your commercial property inspected from top to bottom before or after you purchase it. That inspection should include the septic tank. Property assessment is a standard practice when purchasing real estate, but an inspector can overlook some things, septic tanks included. Have a septic tank expert check on your commercial property’s septic system to see what sort of shape it’s in—along with the electrical, structural, plumbing, and other systems. You can use its current state as a baseline for future inspections and maintenance.

Regular Maintenance

Like any device or tool, septic tanks require regular maintenance. On average, you should have your septic tank inspected every three years by a company that offers inspections and septic tank pumping services. Of course, your tank’s size and how much waste it deals with may determine how often it needs inspecting. High water usage and excessive amounts of organic waste may tax the tank’s abilities and demand more frequent inspections. Discuss it with your septic tank technician.

Special Circumstances

Has your property been experiencing changes in how often occupants use the plumbing, an increase in the number of tenants or employees, or environmental and temperature changes that might affect the tank? Have it looked at sooner rather than later. Excessive and increased use and changes in temperature can put septic tank systems through their paces and wear them out. Address the potential for trouble before the trouble occurs! Also, have your septic system inspected if you’re planning an event, increasing productivity, or otherwise changing circumstances that lead to increased pressure on the plumbing.

Trouble

Your septic tank will likely let you know when trouble is brewing. A sure sign your septic tank is broken or overflowing and needs inspecting is if you notice bad smells around the septic tank area and its leach field. The same goes for slow drains and sewage backing up into the property. Call the technician immediately if there are puddles of water or patches of thick vegetation forming above the tank. It needs help ASAP!

So, when should you get your commercial septic tank inspected? As you can see there are different times to do so. Contact us for a consultation on servicing your septic tank system today!

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