A properly working septic tank is an essential component for many commercial properties, providing a reliable and cost-effective way to manage wastewater generated on site.

However, if a septic tank isn’t regularly inspected or maintained, then water can back up, causing flooding, bad smells and harm to the environment as well as repair costs, which also impacts negatively on the business it serves.

This blog has already taken a “deep dive”, so to speak, into residential septic tanks, their associated problems and the benefits of regular care; the same is true of larger, commercial systems but the issues are more complex and on a larger scale.

While commercial septic tanks perform the same function as a residential system, they have to handle much greater daily flow rates and are used by a wider range of people, including customers and staff. For all these reasons they need even more regular maintenance.

Who uses commercial tanks?

We usually come across commercial septic tanks attached to public buildings and business premises that handle higher demand and more intensive use, often without access to mains sewers, for example hotels, residential care homes, camp sites, residential caravan parks and schools.

What can cause problems?

One of the problems we deal with is backing up because users don’t always follow the rules about what to flush. Toxic substances or foreign objects that don’t break down can harm the bacterial action needed for healthy septic tank operation.

Tanks on premises with catering facilities, such as hotels, staff canteens, hospitals, also have to deal with fats and oils and grease which can solidify and block pipes. While they should have a grease trap, these systems really need routine maintenance to prevent blockages.

Other sources of problems include:

  • Lack of regular maintenance, leading to blockage build-ups and equipment failure
  • Overloading a system designed to handle a specified maximum amount of wastewater
  • Invasive tree roots which damage pipes and tanks
  • Ageing. Septic tanks have a designed lifespan and older systems won’t be as efficient as a newer one
  • Compacted soil in the system’s soakaway and drain field can slow down wastewater flow. This can be a real problem with nearby vehicle movements or parking. Hard surfacing such as concrete or tarmac over a drain field can also cause problems.

Do you recognise any of these symptoms?

You may have noticed one or more of the following signs, indicating that your commercial septic tank isn’t working at optimum efficiency and needs maintaining:

  • Unpleasant odours
  • Slowly draining pipes
  • Leaking wastewater or sludge
  • Backed-up sinks or toilets
  • Higher than expected water bills

The solution

At Drain and Sewer Services we offer commercial clients pre-planned contracts for routine inspection and maintenance services. Our teams are experienced and trained to use state-of-the art remote camera surveying equipment and take the appropriate action to unblock, clean and repair sewers, septic tanks and soakaways and septic tanks to keep them fully operational.

We also offer an emergency call-out service. A fully trained engineer will attend your premises to diagnose and solve your problem quickly and efficiently using state-of-the-art remote control camera units. If necessary, we can deploy one of our lorry mounted combination units to drain, clear and clean waste-water systems.

Both services, combined, ensure that your septic tank continues to operate at a healthy and efficient standard, so that it supports, not hinders, your business.

Do you need any assistance with your commercial septic tank, sewage or drainage systems?

Within the boundaries of a large premises, there will be all kinds of potential problems. We offer a holistic maintenance service to ensure your operation continues uninterrupted and you comply with environmental and safety regulations.

If you are responsible for a business or public sector estate with a drainage system running through it, then call our team at Drain and Sewers on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk for an obligation-free discussion about how we can support you.