Have you recently purchased a commercial property? Do you want to know the destination of all your waste? Are you worried about how much sewage your property is releasing and want to know if commercial septic systems are needed? Continue reading to learn about commercial septic systems.
The EPA defines a large-capacity septic system as a commercial septic system that can serve more than 20 people per day. This is typically found in non-residential buildings or buildings that have multiple residents.
1. What is the working principle of commercial septic systems?
How a residential septic system operates will help you understand how a commercial system works. They work in the same way. Here are some basics to refresh your memory:
- Your toilet, sink, or bathtub can collect waste.
- It is then taken to the septic tank.
- Solid waste remains in the tank and is treated using bacteria.
- The drain field is also known as a leach area.
- The drain field filters and treats the wastewater.
- The effluent from treated wastewater flows into the ground.
You might think, “Yeah that’s all the way,” What makes commercial septic systems so different? They’re larger and have to be operated on a much bigger scale. This means that they require a larger septic tank and more wastewater. Some may even need an extension. A lift station pump may be necessary for certain situations to ensure that things run smoothly.
2. Why would you need commercial septic installation?
Commercial septic installation is required if you own or manage a commercial property in an area without a public sewer line. Even if the commercial building is in a municipal sewer system, it might not be capable of handling the flow your property produces. It all depends upon the size of your business. However, according to the EPA standards, if more than 20 people use the sinks or bathrooms in your establishment regularly, you will need a commercial septic tank.
Businesses that have to install septic systems are required by law. To keep your bathroom running smoothly, you will need a system that is properly maintained. Is there ever a situation where a single-family home might need a commercial system for septic? The answer is probably no unless your family uses the toilet frequently enough to provide adequate water for many people each day.
3. What is considered a commercial property?
Perhaps you are still unsure if a commercial septic system is a right choice for your property. Here are some examples of large-capacity systems that are commonly installed.
- Apartment communities
- Groceries and retail
- Offices
- Industrial buildings
- Schools
- Houses of worship
- Camping Grounds
- Hotels
- Restaurants
This is by no means an exhaustive list. You should also remember that commercial buildings can produce different types of waste than homes. Some of these may need additional considerations. Restaurants, for example, need grease traps in order to prevent fat, oil, and grease from clogging their pipes. Businesses that deal with industrial and motor vehicle waste should take additional precautions. Commercial septic systems can only be approved for sanitary waste. The EPA regulates the use of these systems to protect water sources from toxic chemicals. These regulations can be complicated, so it is best to seek guidance from companies that provide commercial septic installations.
4. How often do commercial septic systems need to be maintained?
The short answer is that commercial septic systems require frequent maintenance and cleaning. They produce more affluent than standard systems because they handle a greater amount of sewage. To prevent commercial buildings from causing damage to the environment, the septic tanks must be pumped regularly.
For large amounts of waste, commercial septic systems require more specialized equipment and cleaners. Because there are so many people involved, the rate of buildup is higher. This can lead to more broken tanks and flooded drain fields. Regular pumping is necessary to remove solids. A septic company can help you establish a maintenance and cleaning plan to make sure your commercial septic system lasts as long as possible.
5. How can you save money when operating a commercial septic system?
Septic systems for commercial use are an investment. There is no way to predict the cost. It all depends on the business you run or your commercial establishment. There are many factors that impact the operating costs, including:
- The size and type of the septic tank
- The quantity of wastewater and waste produced
- Conditions of the ground which may have an impact on the leach field
In commercial settings, it can be more difficult to control what is flushed down the drain. You can decrease the water consumption to ensure that your septic system is not overloaded. This can be done by updating the bathrooms in commercial buildings and investing in water-efficient faucets and toilets. You can also help tenants and employees to reduce their water consumption by explaining how your system works.
Greenbar Excavation has been providing quality excavation services to central Oregon for over ten years. We understand the importance of knowing your project. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look any further, go with the company with your best interest in mind! We offer a multitude of services which include:
- Septic pumping
- Drainage Services
- Landscape prep
- Site grading
- Foundation excavation
- Concrete/ prep finish
- Utility trenching
- Driveways
- Septic tank replacement
- Complete septic system replacement
Call us today with any questions about our commercial septic systems and check out our 5-star reviews!