Photo from Unsplash

 

Originally Posted On: https://affordableenvironment.com/commercial-septic-cleaning-a-hidden-environmental-hero/

 

Commercial Septic Cleaning: A Hidden Environmental Hero

As a business owner, maintaining a safe, optimized septic system is crucial for growing your establishment and remaining compliant with health and safety regulations. Commercial septic systems play a vital role in your daily operations, but their significance goes beyond personal comfort and hygiene.

In many ways, commercial septic systems are the unsung heroes of environmental protection. They treat and dispose of wastewater, posing significant health and environmental risks when neglected.

In this article, we explore the importance of regular commercial septic cleaning and highlight the importance of safe septic for environmental protection. To highlight the critical role of commercial septic, we discuss the ecological consequences of failing systems and some ways you can mitigate risks.

What Is Commercial Septic Cleaning?

Commercial septic cleaning is a service that maintains the safe operation of septic systems in businesses and industrial spaces. Commercial septic systems typically experience higher usage and strain, making cleaning and maintenance essential for the longevity of your business.

Septic cleaning typically includes the following:

• Inspecting water usage and wastewater flow patterns
• Tank pumping to remove solid waste and sludge
• Grease trap cleaning to prevent fats, oils, and grease from clogging pipes
• Inspecting and flushing drain fields where liquid effluent is dispersed
• Preventative measures, like such as planning to upgrade aged or undersized systems

Which Types of Septic Systems Require Commercial Cleaning?

All septic systems, whether residential or commercial, require cleaning and inspection to maintain safe performance. However, commercial facilities require more frequent treatments as they have a higher use rate and can be impacted by tougher materials.

Restaurants, food services, and food preparation businesses require some of the most frequent system cleaning, as they generate significant amounts of fats, oils, and grease. While septic systems are used in hospitality, retail, and corporate industries, they don’t face the same volume as commercial food handling.

Grease traps, sand filters, pressure distribution systems, aerobic treatment units, and traditional tanks all require regular cleaning, but the frequency of maintenance varies depending on your industry and company’s needs.

Why Clean Septic Equals a Clean Environment

Cleaning commercial septic systems is a matter of convenience and regulatory compliance, but it’s also essential for protecting local ecosystems. When septic systems fail, the consequences can be severe, even posing a risk to public health in some instances.

Treating wastewater safely prevents the spread of waterborne diseases and bacteria and prevents imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. Regular pumping, system maintenance, and inspections can prevent septic system deterioration and mitigate risks before they impact the environment.

The Environmental Risks of Commercial Septic Leaks

Neglecting your commercial septic system can have far-reaching consequences, impacting communities and ecosystems for years to come.

Septic systems break organic matter and disperse wastewater to manage harmful particles from waste and commercial substances. From polluting water to degrading soil, several risks are associated with leaky and damaged commercial septic systems.

The biggest concerns include the following:

Improperly Treated Sewage Can Contaminate Groundwater

One of the biggest risks associated with commercial septic failures is the potential for groundwater contamination. When untreated sewage and wastewater seep into soil and underground aquifers, precious water reserves can be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, nitrates, and chemicals, which can pose serious health risks.

Groundwater pollutants can negatively impact agricultural irrigation, industrial processes, and aquatic ecosystem health. Preserving groundwater is a public health concern and helps maintain water resources.

Surface Water Pollution Threatens Rivers and Lakes

Groundwater contamination is one consequence of failing septic systems, but another is the pollution of rivers, lakes, and streams by surface water. Part of septic system maintenance includes pumping tanks and checking for leaks. Without these steps, untreated wastewater can enter local waterways and introduce contaminants.

Sewage and wastewater can trigger harmful algae blooms, deplete oxygen levels, and are toxic to aquatic life. In some cases, excess nutrients from septic waste can result in the eutrophication of water bodies, where the excessive growth of plants disrupts the balance of ecosystems.

Good Septic Performance Prevents Soil Degradation

The other major risk associated with commercial septic failure is potential soil degradation. Leaky septic tanks can cause wastewater to saturate the soil and disrupt the balance of chemicals and nutrients essential for healthy plant growth. This is a particular issue for communities with high agricultural production, as contaminated soil can devastate the integrity of crops and plants grown in it.

Sustainable Septic System Optimization

Neglecting your septic system carries environmental risks, but optimizing your system and maintaining your business’s safety and operations is possible. Proactive maintenance and eco-friendly solutions can keep you compliant with public health regulations and save you from having to spend a fortune on emergency repairs.

In addition to regular maintenance and inspections, you can promote a healthy septic system by:

• Installing high-efficiency fixtures to reduce water usage and prevent overloading through abnormal flow patterns.
• Implementing strict waste management plans, including avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items and products.
• Using eco-friendly products whenever possible to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in your system.
• Upgrading to advanced treatment systems like aerobic units or effluent filters.
• Using landscaping to divert excess water from the tank and drain field and investing in plants with shallow root systems to prevent damage to underground components.
• Training your staff on proper waste disposal practices.

Septic Cleaning Benefits Your Business and the Environment

As a business owner, investing in regular checks and services for your septic system has several benefits. In addition to minimizing environmental risks and protecting your company’s reputation, preventative maintenance can save you money in the long run and help prevent minor issues from becoming severe.

All septic systems require maintenance during their lifespan. Staying ahead of the curve will protect you from the consequences of system breakdowns and failures.

Discuss Your Commercial Septic With Affordable Environmental Services Today

If you have concerns about your commercial septic system or haven’t scheduled an inspection recently, connect with Affordable Environmental Services. We have extensive experience working on numerous septic treatment systems, industry expertise, and professional certifications.

Call (832) 277-2739 today to discuss your septic system maintenance needs.