Some businesses rely on commercial septic systems to dispose of waste efficiently. The more you know about the system, including when to schedule septic tank pumping, the more efficient your commercial plumbing will be and the more money you’ll save on maintenance and repairs. Here’s a closer look at a business’s septic system.

How Does a Commercial Septic System Work?

If a municipal sewer system isn’t accessible, a commercial septic system is used to deal with all the wastewater and solid waste from assorted businesses, such as stores, offices, restaurants, apartment complexes, and hotels. The waste drains through plumbing pipes into the septic tank for separation.

As floatable matter, such as oil and grease, rises to the top of the tank, solid waste sinks to the bottom and slowly breaks down via bacterial enzymes. Such waste is known as sludge. Wastewater exits the tank through perforated pipes to reach the adjoining drain field. The water filters through the soil as microorganisms consume harmful bacteria, cleaning the liquid before it makes groundwater contact.

How Does It Differ From a Residential System?

The primary way a commercial septic system differs from a residential system is size. The septic tank is larger to accommodate more waste—often from multiple businesses in a shopping center—while a residential system typically serves four to five people. Differences can also include system components, such as wastewater undergoing natural biological treatment in an aeration chamber before traveling to the drain field.

How Should It Be Maintained?

Since commercial septic systems deal with larger volumes of waste, they require more maintenance. How often you should schedule septic tank pumping depends on the size of your commercial building and the number of occupants on a daily basis. If your business flushes considerable grease, such as a restaurant, you’ll need grease trap cleaning as well. Your local septic maintenance company will determine a pumping schedule depending on your business’s specific needs.

Other maintenance tips include issuing flush guidelines, such as adding signage to restrooms and educating staff about proper flushing practices, which should be restricted to waste and toilet paper. 

Keep your commercial plumbing system in excellent condition with the help of Chris Mote’s Pumping Service. Providing septic tank pumping, grease trap cleaning, and other residential and commercial services to clients throughout the greater Gainesville and Cleveland, GA, areas, this locally owned company offers over 30 years of industry experience. Call (706) 865-5526 today to make a septic tank pumping appointment or learn more about their services online.