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Proper sizing is important for any septic tank setup, but especially for commercial properties since they handle way more wastewater than residential homes. If the tank is too small, it may become overwhelmed during open business hours when multiple toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures are being used at once. If it’s too big, you’ll run into a different set of problems. This is why it’s crucial to have a licensed commercial plumber handle the sizing and installation process.
Insufficient Retention Time
When a septic tank is undersized, the incoming wastewater will flow in much faster than it’s supposed to. Because of this, the liquid doesn’t get the full 24 to 48 hours that it needs to let the solids settle to the bottom and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) float to the top. As a result, the solids and FOG may enter the drain field, where they clog distribution pipes.
Plumbing Backups in Commercial Fixtures
When a septic tank isn’t big enough, it will fill up fast, potentially leading to slow drainage and strange gurgling noises coming from the plumbing. If the wastewater flow exceeds the setup’s capacity, you may even notice sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, and floor drains. All of these issues can be extremely problematic during the middle of a busy workday.
Odors and Crusting in Oversized Systems
Even though an undersized septic tank can significantly interfere with your company’s normal operations, bigger isn’t always better. If there’s not enough wastewater, the septic system will lack the regular flow it needs to operate as it should. The stagnant conditions can even become so severe that they create unpleasant sewage odors and a thick layer of scum at the surface of the wastewater. That crusting can result in a clogged outlet baffle or blocked effluent filter.
Drain Field Surfacing
A septic system that’s struggling because of an improperly sized tank may eventually start sending too much wastewater to the drain field. When this happens, you may notice unusually green grass over the drain field or soggy patches of soil. This not only creates problems for mowers but can also smell terrible. Furthermore, it can turn into sewage issues that create sanitation hazards for employees and customers.
Forced Business Closure
You can’t keep your business open if there’s sewage coming up through floor drains only a few feet away from dining tables or office work spaces. This is another reason that proper tank sizing is essential to keeping your operations running smoothly.
As you can see, the right size septic tank is vital to avoiding messy backups, landscaping problems, and health hazards. If you have a licensed commercial plumber handle the installation of the tank, you can rest assured it will be the correct size. When you need commercial septic services in Greensboro, NC, contact Billingsley & Brooks Septic Tank Co.