Whenever a building is demolished, a property is connected to a municipal sewer system or the septic system is replaced, the existing septic tank needs to be decommissioned. It’s a matter of safety and regulatory compliance, and failure to decommission a septic tank can lead to severe fines or delay property related transactions.
As such, property owners should plan to decommission their septic tanks on time and with the help of an experienced septic team.
Why is it Important for Property Owners to Decommission a Septic Tank No Longer in Use?
There are several reasons why it’s important for property owners to decommission a septic tank if it’s no longer in use or if the septic system needs to be upgraded or replaced. Those reasons include:
Safety
If a septic tank isn’t properly decommissioned, it will leave a void underground that could eventually lead to a sudden collapse or subsidence. This can lead to severe injury to anyone on the surface.
Environmental
When a septic tank is decommissioned, it is cleaned out and filled with inert material. This is an important step that removes any potential contaminants from the system. If the tank isn’t properly decommissioned, it will slowly release pathogens like E.coli into the surrounding soil, which can contaminate ground water.
Property value
A septic tank that isn’t decommissioned is also a threat to any structures on the property. If the void left behind by the tank collapses, it can cause significant damage to landscaping, foundations or pavement structures. This can, by extension, damage the property’s value.
Regulatory
State and local regulations require property owners to decommission a septic tank, and failing to do so will expose the property owner to penalties and potential delays if they attempt to sell the property or make any changes that require permitting.
In short, if a septic tank isn’t decommissioned on time, it will represent an ongoing safety, stability and environmental risk that may result in severe penalties if it’s not resolved.
When Does a Septic Tank Need to be Decommissioned?
State and local regulations require septic tanks to be decommissioned in several circumstances, including:
- When the septic tank will no longer be used on the property
- When the septic tank is replaced with a new system or upgraded
- When the adjoining structure is demolished
- When the property is connected to a public sewer system
In any of these scenarios, property owners must work with a septic system expert to ensure the process is appropriately handled.
How is a Septic Tank Decommissioned?
If a septic tank needs to be decommissioned, it must be done in partnership with an experienced septic professional. In fact, local ordinances demand it. The state of Texas mandates that a septic system expert manage at least part of the decommissioning process.
This is what the process looks like:
- Locating and accessing the septic tank – First, the septic team will map out the septic system and locate its primary components, including the septic tank. They will also identify where the access points and wastewater lines are located.
- Pumping out any waste left in the septic tank – Property owners are required to remove all residual waste from the septic tank before it can be fully decommissioned. This must be done by a certified septic expert. During the job, the septic team will pump out all effluent and ensure the tank is free of all contaminants.
- Disconnecting the tank from the building and sewer service – Once the septic tank has been cleaned out, it’s isolated from the building and sewage system. This step disconnects the septic tank in a final way that ensures it cannot be used again.
- Disabling and filling the septic tank – Following disconnection, the septic team is required to ensure the septic tank is incapable of future wastewater storage. Part of this process is filling the septic tank with an inert filler like sand or clean gravel. This is important for two reasons. One, it prevents any residual contaminants from escaping the system. And two, it fills the septic tank void and prevents it from collapsing in the future, which is a major safety concern.
- Backfilling the space and restoring the surface – With the septic tank officially decommissioned, all that’s left is to backfill the space around the septic tank and restore the surface to ensure maximum stability.
Why Should Property Owners Work with a Septic Professional to Decommission Their Septic Tank?
Property owners are required by state and local regulations to work with a septic expert to decommission their septic tanks. It’s law, in other words. However, there are good reasons to partner with a septic professional, beyond what’s required by law.
A septic expert will guarantee maximum safety during and following decommission. They will also ensure the right processes are in place to protect local water and soil quality. Further, a septic expert will protect the property during tank decommissioning and ensure that any new septic components can be efficiently connected to the building and sewage system.
If a septic tank needs to be decommissioned for any reason, consult with a local septic system expert and schedule an inspection. The septic team will assess the extent of the job, help design any new system components needed and ensure everything is done with safety and environmental stability in focus.
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