Your Septic Cleaning and Pumping Specialists
Commercial Septic Tank Pumping
Finding a reliable company for commercial septic pumping just got easier! B & B Pumping had been serving the septic pumping needs of Fort Worth, Haslet, Azle and Decatur for more than half a century. We have seen changes in septic technology and are able to accommodate almost any size system.
Personalized Service
Generally, when a commercial septic system needs maintenance, it is not something that can wait until the following month to complete. At B & B Pumping, we understand that commercial systems may need more comprehensive care.
The Commercial Septic System
Let’s face it, commercial systems take much more abuse than residential septic systems and require a different approach to pumping. Let’s say that you operate a campground and it is not uncommon to see over a hundred people a day moving in and out of the facility. That sort of pressure can put a large strain on your septic system and timely maintenance is critical. The septic pumping experts at B & B are ready and able to help when your commercial septic system needs attention. Whether it is a vault, a lift station, or a traditional septic tank, we can pump it.
Common Commercial Septic Tank Problems
Tree Root Penetration
Tree roots are surprisingly strong, and they naturally grow towards sources of water. A tree root can make its way into your septic tank, often through a pipe joint, where it can expand and cause damage. When roots do make their way into your septic system, they’ll have to be removed, and pipes and/or the tank may require repairs or replacement. We recommend installing new septic tank systems well away from trees, and installing a tree root barrier around the perimeter of the tank system if you already have a tree root problem. We can repair and replace parts or the tank of your commercial septic system if it has endured a tree root issue.
Excess Rain or Poor Drainage
Excess rain can be problematic here in the Fort Worth area, especially during fall and late spring. In addition, a poorly installed septic tank is liable to have poor drainage at the leach field. In both of these circumstances, you could end up with pooling water around your septic system, and the tank may overflow, which can cause problems with drainage in the septic pipes of your building. Keep an eye out for pooling water that doesn’t dissipate in a matter of hours after a storm, and be mindful that poor drainage in your building can be an indication of a bigger, time-sensitive problem.
Tank Damage
Your septic tank may be strong, but it isn’t impervious to damage. Most tanks are built out of a hard plastic that is resistant to rot and weathering. However, hard plastic tanks are still liable to dent and crack under pressure, and, as we mentioned, tanks can be damaged by tree roots. Never drive heavy machinery over a tank, since it can easily crack the tank. And be mindful that tank damage can leave debris and obstructions in your tank, which may eventually lead to a backup of the drainage pipes in your building. Act right away if you suspect your tank is damaged.
Heavy Equipment
As we just noted, heavy equipment can easily damage septic tanks. Even commercial-grade septic tanks may not be built to support heavy loads, and even a small skid-steer may have too much weight for the tank to handle. Avoid driving skid-steers, trucks, backhoes, heavy mowers, tractors, and other heavy equipment over your septic tank (we recommend marking the tank area). Tell employees and groundskeepers to steer clear of your tank and to report any sinking areas above the tank, which could be an indication of damage.
Grease
Grease can be especially problematic for businesses in the food service and food processing industries. As you well know, grease shouldn’t be poured down the drain. Instead it should be collected and thrown out, and grease traps should be installed and maintained to further reduce grease buildup in your septic system. Unfortunately, accidents still happen, and grease can quickly cause a pipe blockage or create sludge in your septic system. Educate employees about the danger of grease which can accumulate and solidify in your drains and tank.
Obstructions
On top of grease, any number of obstructions can crop up in your septic tank and your drainage pipes. Common obstructions include hair, tissues, paper towels, napkins, feminine products, baby wipes, diapers, dirt, debris, or other foreign objects. Be mindful of obstructions that may be most common in your commercial industry, and consider installing signs near drains and toilets to inform employees and clients to avoid causing a problem. Septic systems should only handle wastewater, toilet paper, and moderate garbage disposal use. Again, install a grease trap if necessary, and have employees throw out food waste instead of sending it down the drain whenever possible.
Overuse
A septic system will back up eventually if it receives more wastewater than it can leach out of the tank. Be mindful of your businesses’ wastewater production levels, and plan ahead for events that may stress your system. You may need to install a larger tank or an additional tank, or you may need to moderate the use of utilities (like dishwashing machines or showers) when usage may be high. You can also monitor your water bill to keep an eye out for a spike in water usage, which may indicate a leak in your system that can cause a backup of your septic system.
Poor Maintenance
Regular septic system maintenance is a must for any septic system — residential or commercial — and it is especially crucial for businesses who likely produce more wastewater than residents. Be sure to schedule maintenance to have your tank pumped and cleaned. Ask a professional tank pumping specialist about how often your specific system will require maintenance (since demands may vary business by business). You can avoid damage, costly repairs, and a major headache down the road by cleaning and maintaining your tank regularly. Most commercial tanks should be pumped every one to five years, depending on usage.
Gurgling Sounds From Plumbing
Gurgling noises may be the first indication that your septic system is backing up. When wastewater stops flowing towards your tank, it can end up pooling at your drains, which can create bubbles and gurgling noises. Stop using the drains in your building immediately, and contact a septic system professional to inspect your tank to pinpoint the problem at hand.
Poor Drainage
Your drains should flow freely. If you have a drain that appears clogged, it may actually be an overfilled septic tank, or you may have an obstruction at or near your tank. Have your septic system inspected to assess the issue at hand, and refrain from using any of your business’ water utilities to mitigate the problem until help can arrive.
Toilets Not Flushing
Toilets are often the first indication of a septic system backup. You may also experience a backup in the lowest drainage pipe on your property. Both of these signs may be an indication that your septic tank is full, or you may have an obstruction between your drains or toilets and the septic tank. Again, stop using water on your property until the problem is fixed.
Sewage Odor
Your pipes shouldn’t produce any odor, unless the U-joint of a drain has dried out (these joints ensure that sewage odor doesn’t waft back through the drain). If you do smell an odor, you may have sewage flowing back through your drains, and the reverse pressure may be sufficient enough to flow through the U-joint. Have your septic system inspected and discontinue water use in your building.
Pooling Water
Water can pool up at your leach field if you have poor drainage on the property, or if you have a backup at the outlet of your septic tank. Keep an eye out for pooling water that doesn’t dissipate after a storm, or any moisture in your leach field (which will be near your septic tank).
Industrial Strength Service
The last thing you need is a septic company that claims to be able to accommodate commercial pumping, only to arrive with equipment suited for residential systems. B & B Pumping is fully licensed and certified to perform commercial septic tank pumping. Not only do we work incredibly hard to ensure that our customers have an incredible, stress free experience, we also strive to do every job right the first time. So if you have an industrial sized septic system, B & B Pumping is proud to offer industrial strength service. Please contact us today for more information about our commercial septic system maintenance. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your business.