No More Stinky Septic Problems

Owning a restaurant with a septic tank has its challenges. It's easy to forget about the tank since it is out of sight, but you have to maintain it properly because when your septic tank malfunctions, you'll have to close your restaurant until it is repaired. The best practice is to have the tank cleaned and serviced on schedule so you can avoid problems. Here are some other things you can do to protect your septic tank.

Maintain The Grease Trap Properly

The grease trap collects fat and grease before it makes it to the septic tank. Pumping out the grease trap regularly is just as important as maintaining the septic tank. You don't want excess grease getting into your tank or that can cause problems with how well the septic tank processes waste. When the grease layer in the tank gets too large too fast, the septic tank will need to be serviced much sooner than you expect.

Talk To Your Contractor Before Adding New Equipment

Discuss changes you want to make in your restaurant with your contractor so you can anticipate how it will affect your septic system. For instance, a new high-temperature dishwashing system will speed up the chore of washing dishes, but it may also affect your septic tank. You'll want to make sure your tank can handle an increase in the amount of food, waste, or water that you plan to add. You'll also want the contractor to recalculate when you should have the tank serviced if it is expected to fill up faster due to changes you make in the way your restaurant operates.

Keep Landscaping Away From The Drainfield And Tank

While you may want to beautify your property with bushes, plants, and flowers, be sure to avoid the areas near the tank and drainfield. Nothing should be above the field except grass. This reduces the risk of roots invading the septic system and causing clogs or other damage. In addition, make sure no one drives over the drainfield when delivering supplies or doing work on your property.

Control What Goes Down The Drains

Educate your employees about what can go down drains and what cannot. Place notices in bathrooms reminding people not to flush anything but toilet paper. If you can prevent food, cigarettes, and paper towels from going the drains, you'll lower the risk of clogging and help prolong the time between service calls.

In addition, keep watch for slow drains and slow toilets. These can be signs that your septic tank is full or the sewer line is clogged. Call your contractor right away when drains slow down so your tank can be checked and emptied if necessary. If you wait too long, the tank may spill over into the grass and create a health hazard that closes down your restaurant.