Domestic septic tanks and commercial septic tanks are often very different as the wastewater coming from homes are much easier to recycle than wastewater coming from commercial premises, such as restaurants or industrial plants. Wastewater that comes from homes often contains a higher level of organic matter, whereas, commercial spaces may need to dispose of higher quantities of organic and inorganic matter.
For businesses, in particular, regular maintenance of your septic tank or cesspool is very important in ensuring that the tank is emptied and cleaned. Failing to maintain your septic tank can lead to a variety of hygiene issues that could potentially be problematic to resolve.
Here at RWB Group, we provide a specialist wastewater disposal service and we can help companies to safely dispose of waste that is no longer needed. With a focus on creating a safer environment, we travel all over the country to ensure that waste is handled correctly and safely to minimise damage to the environment.
What is a Cesspool or Septic Tank?
A septic tank or cesspool is an underground chamber that collects and treats the wastewater coming from a property that isn’t connected to the mains sewer system. The wastewater may come from kitchen drains, bathrooms, and other sources of waste disposal. These chambers are watertight and they are usually made of either fibreglass, plastic, or even concrete as these materials are very durable and long-lasting.
These cesspools and tanks work by separating the wastewater into different layers; scum, effluent, and sludge.
- The scum layer consists of oil, grease, and fats which normally floats at the top.
- The effluent layer consists of liquid waste which sits in between the scum and sludge layer.
- The sludge layer consists of dense matter which falls to the bottom and is often solid.
The anaerobic bacteria that live in these layers will then begin to break down and degrade the wastewater into a liquid layer which is then released from the tank into a drain field.
Problems Caused by Lack of Management
Although it can be quite easy to forget that there is a septic tank beneath your premise as it’s always out of sight, it’s important for businesses to schedule regular maintenance and emptying services to prevent problems from occurring. Whether it’s a build-up, a blockage, or a leakage, it can cause noticeable issues such as bad smells and slower draining.
Here are some of the issues that may occur if maintenance is ignored:
Blockages – Just like your sewers and drains, blockages can occur if cleaning and maintenance are not taken care of. Everyday items such as baby wipes, cigarettes, and other non-biodegradable materials may end up in your septic tank and this could cause blockages if there is a build-up.
Ageing Cesspool or Tank – Depending on the condition of your tank and how old it is, it could be more susceptible to leaks and blockages. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent problems with older septic tanks.
Tree Roots & Cracking – The cesspool or tank can be prone to cracking whether it’s caused by growing tree roots or high pressure from the toxic gasses inside the chamber. It can be difficult to tell if your tank has been damaged by roots without inspection as it is hidden underground, but regular maintenance can take care of this for you.
Benefits of Regular Septic Tank Maintenance
Like with many things, regularly cleaning and emptying your septic tank provides a wide range of benefits that can make your business run smoothly. The advantages go way beyond just eliminating odours and preventing blockages.
Here are some of the great benefits of cesspool maintenance:
Safer for the Environment – For businesses with an eco-friendly focus, in particular, it’s very important to have your cesspool regularly checked and cleaned. By doing so, it prevents overflowing and leaks which can be detrimental to the environment if the wastewater contaminates the ground with bacteria or pathogens.
Prolong the Life of your Tank – Regular emptying of your cesspool and removing solids from the wastewater helps the drain field area to be free-flowing and not clogged up with solids. This will extend the lifespan as it keeps everything flowing through the tank.
Long-Term Cost Savings – If you have your tank regularly cleaned by a specialist company, then they will be able to identify if there are any potential problems with the tank. With this information, it enables you to be more proactive and fix potential problems before they occur.
Contact RWB Group for Wastewater Management
If you require a reliable wastewater management service, then RWB Group is here to help. We have over 45 years of experience and a dedicated team of experienced and qualified staff that consistently provides a high-quality service.
Get in touch with us for a fixed price quote on 0800 488 0658 or you can fill in our contact form for a wastewater management quote.
