When septic tanks become unusable, property owners must safely and properly fill these spaces before undergoing a septic tank replacement. Doing so requires the help of a licensed, professional sewage technician. At Arrow Sewer & Drain, we offer septic tank decommissioning and city sewer hookup installation throughout north and central New Jersey. Here, we talk about why you should decommission your septic tank and the different steps professionals take to safely remove one.
Why Decommission a Septic Tank?
Septic tanks often sit in holes in the ground for proper wastewater dispersal. This keeps waste hidden and out of sight. However, when septic tanks are left unused and open, this can leave dangerous pockets for animals and humans to become stuck or trapped. When septic tanks are no longer in use, you must call a company like Arrow Sewer & Drain to decommission them safely and within safety standards.
Preparing for Decommissioning
To prepare for decommissioning, you should first call a plumbing expert like Arrow Sewer & Drain. Having septic tanks decommissioned by a professional ensures the process is completed with safety and New Jersey State septic system regulations in mind. Professionals must use certain techniques to remove septic tanks and fill hazardous holes.
Emptying the Septic Tank
To begin the decommissioning process, professionals first empty the septic tank. Workers use specialized tools to eliminate sludge from septic tanks, as well as other parts of a sewage system like soak wells or leach drains. This clears the area and prepares it for decommissioning. Property owners must enlist the assistance of a licensed Controlled Waste Operator for septic tank emptying.
Removing Access Points
The next step is to remove all access points in a septic tank. Some septic systems may have multiple access points depending on the size and type. These access points allow technicians to perform maintenance on septic systems. When decommissioning a septic tank, technicians must remove all access points after clearing and cleaning the system.
Breaking Up or Filling a Septic Tank
After cleaning and eliminating the access points, technicians break down the septic tank and fill the area. The tank is broken down until it reaches normal ground level. Before filling, technicians form a hole to ensure proper underground rainwater drainage. Professionals can use a variety of materials to fill sinkholes from septic tanks, including concrete, gravel, and rocks.
Redirecting Plumbing and Utilities
If you remove or replace a septic tank, the plumbing and utilities from the old system must be redirected to the new one. Doing so requires specialized knowledge from a professional sewage installer. At Arrow Sewer & Drain, we have 15 years of experience installing and decommissioning septic tanks. Residential and commercial property owners rely on our expertise to safely implement new septic tank systems that meet New Jersey Department of Health regulations.
Inspecting and Restoring the Drain Field
The drain field is where waste moves away from a home or business. This area must always be inspected when decommissioning a septic tank or installing a new one. This ensures old systems no longer connect to municipal waterways, which can prevent public safety concerns. It also allows technicians to ensure that new systems are set up and working as expected.
Final Inspections and Compliance
After decommissioning, technicians complete a final property inspection for compliance with New Jersey State Department of Health laws. This gives property owners added peace of mind that their septic systems are decommissioned safely, and new systems are working as they should. Arrow Sewer & Drain uses professional, state-of-the-art technology (like our sewer scope and camera) to complete final inspections.
Septic Tank Decommissioning at Arrow Sewer & Drain
Residential and commercial property owners across north and central New Jersey, including Somerset and Middlesex counties, can find septic tank decommissioning services at Arrow Sewer & Drain. Enlist professional services to ensure processes are compliant with New Jersey State standards. To learn more about septic tank decommissioning, contact us today.
