If your restaurant has an onsite sewage system, it’s your responsibility to care for your septic tank to prevent backups and other unsightly issues. Not only are these problems costly, but they can also affect the safety of your dining establishment and displease your customers. To help you care for your system and prevent a need for repairs, here are a few preventative maintenance steps to take.

How to Avoid Septic Tank Issues at a Restaurant

1. Schedule Routine Pumping

Septic pumping is an essential task that must be scheduled at least once a year for restaurant owners. Due to the volume of customers in your establishment, the amount of wastewater leaving your restaurant will be greater than that of a household. This means you’ll need regular pumping to avoid overflow.

2. Don’t Throw Grease Down the Drain

Commercial kitchens deal with plenty of cooking oil and grease. Remind your employees to scrape excess grease from pans and plates and dispose of it in the trash instead of the sink. This will help you avoid clogs, which happen due to oil accumulation in piping. Annual grease trap cleaning is also essential to reduce fire hazards and ensure your septic system can process waste efficiently.

3. Ask Customers to Only Flush Toilet Paper

Leave a sign in your restaurant’s bathrooms to remind customers not to flush nonbiodegradable items such as paper towels and feminine hygiene products. These items don’t break down in a septic system. Products with cotton can also expand when wet, creating clogs in your piping. 

When it’s time to schedule restaurant grease trap cleaning, turn to the professionals at Around the Clock Pumping in Anchorage, AK, and the Kenai Peninsula and Matu-Su borough. For over 17 years, this locally owned and operated business has specialized in residential and commercial septic tank services, including pumping, repairs, and line jetting. They are also available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Give them a call today at (907) 345-9126 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.