When homes, businesses, and small communities aren’t a part of a locality that’s served by a public sewer system, installing a septic system is an ideal waste management alternative. In the event, however, that a public sewer connection is made available to the property, local authorities will require property owners to connect to main sewer centers.
While new access to a public sewer system will provide more manageable and reliable waste management solutions, it also means it’s time to start looking into septic tank decommissioning services.
That’s where All Septic & Sewer comes in!
Not only does our team provide top-notch septic management services, such as septic pumping and drain field repairs, but we’re also an industry-leading resource when it comes to decommissioning options.
If you’re confused about what takes place during a septic tank decommissioning, our crew of waste management professionals is here to help.
Why Do You Need To Decommission Your Septic Tank?
While many property owners might believe that they can simply leave their septic tank unattended once they’re hooked up to a public sewer system, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, homeowners in King county must decommission their septic tanks within 30 days of the main sewer connection. The question is, why – what makes the septic tank decommissioning process so important?
Simply put, if a septic tank is left abandoned and unattended, it can become unstable due to corrosion in the tank’s walls. Once this begins to occur, property owners run the risk of a septic tank collapse that can lead to property damage, injuries, and even death.
Sadly, though, these aren’t the only risks that stem from abandoned septic tanks.
If the dangerous, toxic gases that exist inside tanks begin to leak out because of unsecured tank openings, it can cause harm to your environment and personal health. Plus, they can trigger dangerous explosions.
What Happens During Septic Tank Decommissioning Services?
Now that you understand why the septic tank decommissioning process is so important, it’s time to look at what takes place during the service. There are five main steps All Septic & Sewer will perform during a septic system decommission.
Locating Your Septic Tank
While most property owners know where their septic system is, if you move to a new home or business, there’s a chance you won’t have this information. While the tank is typically ten feet straight from the main draining point, our crew has specialized equipment to make locating it simple and hassle-free.
Disconnect Power To The Septic System
Once you find your septic tank, it’s imperative to disconnect it from any electrical controls and/or tank accessories that may no longer be required. You will also need to have all buried service and electrical lines connected to the system removed.
Conduct A Final Septic Pumping
Before the decommissioning process can begin, your waste management technicians will perform septic pumping services to remove any remaining sludge and effluent from the tank. This prevents runoff from spilling out and causing a mud reservoir. Your service provider will also remove the extension manway and crush the tank lid.
Fill The Septic Tank Or Remove It
Once you’ve pumped out the tank, you’ll have the option to remove it altogether or fill it with rubble, rendering it unusable. Some property owners might prefer the idea of removing the tank, but filling it with clean sand, concrete, or gravel is a much simpler and more affordable solution.
You’ll also need to ensure the area is compacted to prevent future settling that could cause a devastating collapse.
Inspect And Grade The Area
Once your septic tank has been decommissioned, your service technicians will cover the area with topsoil and establish vegetation cover. During this step, they will also grade and inspect the area to guarantee it meets current permit requirements as a part of the septic tank decommissioning process.
Learn More About The Importance Of Decommissioning A Septic System
Although septic systems are a vital component for any property that requires them, it’s just as important to put them out of commission when you receive access to a public sewer line. If you want to prevent further damage or health risks on your property, don’t run the risks that come from abandoning your septic tank.
If you’d like to learn more about the septic tank decommissioning process, All Septic & Sewer is here to help. Give us a call at 888-541-6680 or fill out our online form to set up a consultation.
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