When a septic system comes to mind, many think of a tank that is buried in a backyard with pipes leading from it that connect it to a home plumbing system. While this is true for residential systems, commercial ones are much different. Commercial systems must handle large volumes of water from commercial establishments, such as restaurants, hospitals, factories, and schools. To adequately cope with the demand, these systems incorporate specialized treatment processes. They contain several tanks, and a whole lot more engineering that you can ever conceive.
Dealing With Different Types of Waste
Commercial establishments process many different types of waste. For instance, a car wash processes sediment and soapy water, restaurants process grease and food scraps, and hospitals contend with medical waste. These different types of waste require specific components for pretreatment to prevent damage to the main septic system and the environment. One example is the grease traps that are installed in food establishments to keep oils, fats, and grease from getting into the pipes and causing blockages. Such components are not found in residential setups.
Larger Scale, Larger Responsibility
The reason that commercial setups are far more complex than residential systems is because they must process a higher volume of wastewater. In addition to multiple tanks, a more extensive drain field is needed to adequately filter wastewater through the soil. Commercial systems must also undergo more frequent inspections, and they are held to stricter standards via regulatory bodies. All this is necessary to protect public health.
Advanced Treatment Technologies
Along with grease traps and other components that facilitate pretreatment, more advanced treatment technology may be added. For instance, aeration systems may be included to increase oxygen and aid the growth of beneficial bacteria. Additional disinfection processes may be implemented to kill pathogens, and media filters may be added to further remove solids. While these treatment technologies may make the systems more complex, they allow them to meet higher standards for water quality.
Due to their complexities and the nature of the waste that they process, commercial septic systems require an intricate long-term management strategy. Regular maintenance is a must. This includes frequently pumping the tanks to keep sludge buildup at bay, testing the treated effluent to ensure it complies with regulatory standards, and thoroughly checks of all system components.
Failing to maintain the septic system can lead to environmental contamination, system failure, and costly repairs or replacements. This maintenance work requires plumbers who possess a specialized set of skills.
If you own a business establishment in Muncie, IN and need help maintaining your commercial septic system, reach out to our highly trained and experienced team at Happy & Clean Septic Rescue.
