What Does Decommissioning a Septic Tank Mean?

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue, we explore what decommissioning a septic tank involves, why it’s necessary, and what you need to know if this becomes your reality. If you’d rather consult with a specialist from a reputable septic company, then call Septic Blue to get in touch.

What does it mean to decommission a septic tank?

Decommissioning a septic tank means taking it permanently out of service. This isn’t as simple as flipping a switch or closing a lid though. It’s a structured process that involves cleaning, neutralizing, and often removing or filling the tank to prevent environmental hazards.

Decommissioning is essential when a septic system is no longer in use – whether due to age, failure, or a property’s transition to a centralized sewer system. It ensures the system doesn’t pose risks like groundwater contamination, structural collapse, or unpleasant surprises (like lingering smells or waterlogged soil).

Why would you decommission a septic tank?

Septic systems may need to be decommissioned for several reasons:

• Connecting to a Central Sewer System: Once connected to a municipal sewer network, the old septic tank becomes redundant and must be decommissioned properly.
• System Failure: Septic tank repair is often a solution, but cracked tanks, clogged drain fields, or persistent leaks are all signs that the system may be beyond repair.
• Property Renovations or Changes: If the system doesn’t meet code or is no longer practical for the property’s needs, then it may need to be retired.
• Environmental or Health Concerns: Outdated or damaged tanks can leach waste into the soil; this can warrant decommissioning.

What goes into decommissioning a septic tank?

Decommissioning is a process that should always be handled by trained and experienced specialists. Here’s what typically happens:

• Before decommissioning begins, our septic specialists assess the tank’s condition.
• Next up is a septic tank pumping to ensure that no leftover waste remains to contaminate the environment.
• After pumping out the wastewater and sludge, a thorough septic tank cleaning is performed to remove all remaining residue.
• The tank is excavated and transported offsite for disposal or recycling. If removal isn’t practical, the tank is filled with an inert material like sand, gravel, or concrete.
• Any pipes connected to the septic system are capped or redirected.
• We perform a final inspection and provide documentation to show compliance.

Get in touch with a septic specialist

When the time comes to bid farewell to your septic system, you can call Septic Blue to hire trained and experienced specialists in Lakeland. Our uniformed professionals are on standby to take your call or message and schedule a convenient appointment today.