Schedule Regular Inspections

Septic systems must undergo regular maintenance, including frequent inspections for any signs of damage alongside emptying when the tank is full. Tanks should typically be pumped every one to three years, depending on usage and tank size. Delaying pumping can lead to sludge build-up and, ultimately, system failure, which can disrupt business operations and demand costly repairs. Commercial septic tanks usually need more regular emptying than residential systems, but a waste disposal professional can advise you on an appropriate schedule based on your needs.

Beyond having the tank emptied, arrange for professional inspection at least once a year to check for signs of wear, leaks or structural problems. Some businesses, especially those in food service or high-occupancy settings, may need more checks and more frequent pumping. This is calculated based on the volume of wastewater and solid waste that is stored in the tank.

Overflows can lead to potential health hazards and it is important to have the tank emptied before it is full. Watch for slow drains, bad odours, wet spots or sewage backup near the drain field, as these indicate system strain or failure and may mean your system needs more frequent pumping or, in some cases, immediate servicing or repairs. Universal Tankers offers emergency call-out services if your septic system needs urgent emptying to prevent an overflow and support proper functioning.

Monitor Proactively

While it is vital to have maintenance services scheduled on a regular basis, you should not trust the health and functionality of your septic tank system solely to this type of routine maintenance. The needs of commercial septic systems can fluctuate significantly, and the owners of commercial properties must proactively monitor the condition of their system over time, sometimes outside of annual inspections.

You might need to have the septic system emptied or cleaned outside the schedule of regular maintenance, and sometimes urgently if there is a risk of sewage backup or overflows. When a commercial septic system fails, it can lead to leaks and overflows that represent a hazard to health and pose environmental risks. Not only can system failures demand costly repairs, but you may be issued with fines or other penalties for breaching environmental regulations, ignoring proper waste disposal practices or failing to protect public health.

Both the problem and the process of having it fixed can interrupt business operations, and more serious legal action can lead to certain permissions revoked or other commercial consequences, all of which may prove much more expensive than carrying out septic system maintenance on a regular basis as a preventive measure.

Working with the commercial septic system maintenance professionals at Universal Tankers gives you peace of mind thanks to our emergency call-out service and the ability to schedule regular maintenance and inspections according to your needs. We can advise you on how your septic tank system works, estimate how often it needs to be pumped and respond quickly to any problems to keep the system functioning correctly, all of which can help you to avoid regulatory and legal consequences.

Keep Maintenance Records

When you have agreed a septic tank maintenance schedule, keep thorough documentation relating to the system. Document inspections with details of pumping dates, repairs and service provider details as this not only supports compliance but can be used to diagnose recurring problems. Analysis of this data can also indicate when problems commonly arise, which can highlight when businesses need more frequent inspections or pumping.

A business is a long-term investment and, to significantly reduce the imposition that can otherwise be imposed by regular pumping, consider installing access risers and markers. These provide easy access for maintenance and can help our engineers to locate system components quickly during emergencies or inspections.

Manage Waste Input

A key practice in septic maintenance is controlling what enters the system. Only biodegradable, septic-safe waste should be flushed or drained into the system - much the same as any plumbing system. Avoid harsh chemicals like those in many cleaning agents, and only use septic-safe cleaning products where possible. Do not flush solid waste like coffee grounds or food waste, and provide bins for feminine hygiene products and wet wipes to ensure they are not flushed into the septic system. Businesses with kitchens should have grease traps installed to prevent fats, oils and greases from entering their septic tank, which can clog the system or kill beneficial bacteria. Grease traps should also be cleaned and maintained regularly, typically once per week.

Where possible, avoid excess water discharge into the system from dishwashers, washing machines or showers. This can disrupt the treatment process and flush solids into the drain field if the septic tank overflows, so it is advisable to install water-efficient appliances where possible.

Work With Licensed Professionals

You should only hire licensed waste management professionals and qualified contractors for inspections, pumping and repairs. The experts at Universal Tankers have many years of experience in this area and can not only advise you on a comprehensive approach to manage your commercial septic system, but carry out the septic tank emptying services you need in compliance with the relevant environmental regulations and required safety standards.

With depots across England and Scotland, we can access any location no matter how remote, and understand the restrictions imposed by local regulations. As such, we can ensure your system meets environmental health requirements and that waste disposal complies with all of the relevant legislation. This will help you to avoid non-compliance that can result in fines and operational shutdowns, and represents a cost-effective approach to septic system maintenance.