Commercial septic systems may be buried underground and out of sight, so it’s important not to overlook their significance. These are surprisingly complicated units, and there’s really no limit to the number of unique conditions that can limit the lifespan of a septic system, which, ideally, should be up to 40 years. That’s why it’s so important for commercial business owners to perform routine treatment, pumping, management, maintenance, and service inspections.
In this blog post, we’ll address some strategic secrets to extending the lifespan of your septic system in Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, North Cape Coral, and surrounding areas.
Strategies for Prolonging Your Septic System’s Lifespan
1. Regular Pumping
One of the easiest ways to care for your commercial septic unit and extend its lifespan is to inspect and pump out your tank regularly. Most Fort Myers septic pumping, installation, repair, treatment, and maintenance experts suggest scheduling a professional inspection at least every two to five years. However, commercial septic systems serving multiple occupants can have a higher workload, potentially shortening the system’s lifespan. For more information, contact our team at 239-766-5469.
Furthermore, you should schedule septic pumping routinely to avoid sewage sludge buildup at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, that sludge can overflow, seep into your drain field, and back up in your building’s pipes.
2. Ensure It’s Properly Installed
According to the top commercial septic inspection, pumping, maintenance, and treatment experts in Fort Myers, a septic system is only as good as its installation, and if it isn’t lodged properly, it won’t perform correctly, and you’ll likely experience major problems down the line.
As a responsible property owner, it’s important to ensure you’re working with a credible septic service like Crews Environmental. Our team of experienced septic professionals understands how to size and install your septic system for optimal performance. Our team will also suggest eco-friendly septic practices that can help extend your system’s lifespan.
3. Monitor Water Usage
Every septic unit has a certain volume of sewage and wastewater that it can safely and efficiently tolerate. The capacity of your commercial septic system varies based on its size but typically ranges from 600 to 2,000 gallons of wastewater. Simply put, minimizing wastewater ensures a longer lifespan for your system.
You can save water and lessen the load on your septic system by following these strategic septic care tips:
- Look for signs of leaks from your pipes and fixtures, and get them repaired quickly.
- Install water meters to track water consumption and identify any unusual spikes or patterns.
- Educate employees about water-saving practices, such as fixing leaks promptly and using water-efficient appliances.
- Implement regular maintenance checks to detect and repair any plumbing issues that could lead to excessive water usage.
- Consider installing low-flow fixtures and appliances to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality.
Slowing down the flow of wastewater into your system will help it process sewage more efficiently and keep your septic running longer.
4. Maintain Drainfield Health
To keep the entire commercial septic system healthy and operating at ideal levels, make sure you follow these strategic septic practices:
- Don’t park anything on the leach field. The weight of trucks, cars, campers, and other heavy vehicles can damage the drain field area and make it harder to drain.
- Plant trees strategically. Tree and shrub roots that you assumed were harmless could eventually intrude into the drain field, leading to additional damage. When planning your landscaping, it’s advisable to seek advice from a septic professional to maintain adequate spacing between your plantings and the drain field.
- Keep your drain field free of blocks and obstructions. In the event of a future issue, ensure that your septic system contractor can easily access the area for inspection and repairs.
- Ensure that all of your rainwater disposal system elements (such as downspouts and roof drains) point away from the leach field. Excess water of any kind can overwork the field, leading to clogs, blockages, and backups in your landscape.
5. Don’t flush solid objects
Leading commercial septic system upkeep and maintenance services in Fort Myers reveal that a commercial septic system is designed to handle only water, toilet paper, and human waste. Unfortunately, many employees treat the drains and toilets like trash cans, thinking they can handle any object they trash down them. That’s completely untrue!
No matter what kind of septic system you have, it’s important to avoid flushing any of these items down the drain:
- Baby wipes or wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cooking grease or oil
- Diapers
- Dental floss
- Q-tips or cotton swabs
- Cigarette butts or tobacco residue
- Paper towel
- Medicine
- Cat litter
- Consumer chemicals (gasoline, paint, pesticides, household cleaners, etc.)
6. Professional Maintenance
By now, we’ve discovered that backed-up sinks and toilets, a strange septic odor, and sluggish drainage indicate that your residential or commercial septic system needs a little professional attention.
If you begin to notice signs of a septic problem, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a commercial septic system treatment, pumping, inspection, and maintenance specialist like Crews Environmental, who can inspect your system, diagnose the issue, and fix it. Our qualified plumbers can handle any clog, blockage, or drainage problem in your commercial plumbing or in the line between the official building and the septic cleanout.
Final Takeaway
If you need help extending the lifespan of your commercial or residential septic system in San Carlos Park, FL, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, North Cape Coral, Captiva, Naples, or the surrounding areas, feel free to contact the professionals at Crews Environmental. With decades of experience, we prioritize the longevity and integrity of your septic system.
With proper care and maintenance, our dedicated team of professionals ensures that the septic work we perform meets the finest safety standards and is done with the utmost integrity. This allows us to provide our clients with the best possible service while simultaneously protecting the environment.
The team at Crews Environmental is here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Contact us at 239-329-8996 to schedule an appointment with our team today.