Your business’s septic system may be out of sight, but you definitely don’t want it out of mind. When the tank gets too full, the wastewater has nowhere to go except back into your building, potentially resulting in lost revenue and productivity as well as an expensive cleanup. Regular septic tank pumping is important to keep the system functioning properly. Here, the team at Service Pumping & Drain Co. shares how often you should pump your tank and what happens if you don’t.

Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide

In general, commercial tank pumping should be scheduled every one to three years. The frequency of septic maintenance depends on the answers to the following questions:

• How big is the tank?
• How many people use the tank?
• Do the people using the tank take any medications that can negatively influence bacterial growth in the system?
• Does the tank receive gray water from washing machines, garbage disposals, and other appliances?

The material in the tank settles in three distinct layers: solids, or sludge, settle to the bottom;  water stays in the middle; and oils float on the top. The water and oils are dispersed into the drain field, but the sludge eventually builds up and must be pumped out before it clogs the system. The amount of time between pumping can be prolonged if you take the following precautions:

• Stagger water use by using the dishwasher and washing machine at different times and avoid doing multiple loads of laundry at once. This gives the system time to break down solids and settle appropriately before flooding it with more water.
• Avoid excessive use of chemicals such as cleaners and detergents as they interfere with bacteria that are responsible for keeping the system healthy.
• Avoid flushing fats, such as grease and oil, through the system.
• Fix leaks and other small problems immediately.

A tank that serves a lot of people or sees a lot of chemicals may require more frequent pumping than a tank that serves a small building with no laundry or dishwashing facilities.

Dangers of Not Pumping Your Septic Systems

Not regularly pumping your business’s septic tank will eventually result in a clog by allowing the sludge to build up and block the drain pipe. If this happens, you may notice the following things:

• The smell of sewage outside or inside, particularly near the drains
• Standing water in the drainage area
• Lush plant growth in the drainage area
• Slow-draining sinks and household appliances
• Sewage backup in the building
• Undetected sewage leaks that could contaminate groundwater or marine water

If you ever notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, reach out to your septic professionals immediately. To avoid the complications and expense of fixing a septic clog, keep up with your septic tank pumping schedule. Doing so is much easier and more affordable in the long run.

Let Service Pumping & Drain Co. Help You

The well-trained team at Service Pumping & Drain Co. has been serving eastern Massachusetts for more than 85 years as a family-owned and operated business equipped to handle jobs of all sizes with personalized care and attention. We’re here for all your septic needs including routine pumping and 24-hour emergency service. Contact us today to discuss your septic maintenance needs.