Underground septic tanks, on-site wastewater treatment tanks, and other waste storage or disposal systems can be made from a wide range of materials. Some of the more common you find in both residential and commercial properties are made from either concrete, steel, or a special type of heavy-duty plastic.

Residential And Commercial Septic Tanks

They are more common in various locations, where municipal sewer lines aren’t available. Though you might also find them on construction sites, mines, equipment yards, storage facilities, and certain commercial properties.

Many of these septic tanks are more than just tanks with a baffle or other internal components. Many include some form of the drain field, leach field, or leach drain. This is essentially a subsurface wastewater disposal system that is designed to remove contaminants and other impurities from the upper liquid component of the tank.

As this liquid goes through a process of anaerobic digestion in the septic tank, it gradually emerges from and enters the drain field. The organic materials in this liquid are then catabolized by either a natural or artificially maintained microbial ecosystem.

When properly maintained this type of “Septic System” with a tank and drain field reduces the need for pumping and can potentially reduce ecological problems. However, no tank can last forever. Baffles, seals, and even tank walls can corrode and crack. Improperly maintained systems can build up with physical material, flood, overflow, backup, and shorten the overall lifespan of the tank. When this happens the ecological impact and the liability of the property owner can be significant.

Steel, Concrete, And Plastic Septic Tanks

It’s also worth keeping in mind that there are many septic tanks still sitting in the ground of a property that has since been connected to a newly installed municipal sewer line. Some of these older tanks have been professionally pumped, cleaned, and sealed off.

Yet many steel, concrete, and plastic septic tanks are simply abandoned and left to the effects of yearly, seasonal weather. As time goes on, things like groundwater invasion, the freeze-thaw effect, and other environmental factors can gradually degrade even the most well-reinforced septic tank.

Even a properly cleaned and sealed tank can lead to increasing problems over time. Tank walls and seals can fail. Sections can crumble, groundwater instruction can cause ruptures. In a situation like this, you might notice a change in the contours of the lawn or surrounding soil. If there is any biological material in the tank, it could lead to further soil and potential groundwater contamination.

Filling The Excavated Hole With Clean Soil

Once the septic tank has been removed, we will carefully refill the hole with clean soil and other materials. Depending on the size of the tank, and the grade of the site, we might also compact the clean fill, or recommend that you have some type of retaining wall or other landscaping feature installed.

Whether you have an existing septic tank that’s been compromised, an abandoned septic tank that’s started to fail, or you simply need an older septic tank removed for replacement, you can turn to Hydroscience Group’s specialists to make sure the process is done right!

Do I Need To Have My Septic Tank Inspected?

Yes, you should get an septic tank inspected by a trained professional. While we do not do the inspections, Hydroscience Group has extensive experience removing above or underground septic tanks that have been abandoned. Our technicians have decades of experience working with residential and commercial properties that have abandoned septic tank systems.

Once we have assessed the tank and any potential impact on the surrounding area, we can advise you on the best course of action. In many of these cases, the wisest option is to have an existing tank, failed tank, or otherwise abandoned tank removed.

What If The Septic Tank Needs To Be Removed?

Most failed, compromised, and abandoned septic tanks need to be removed at some point. This obviously isn’t the sort of thing you should try to do yourself with rental equipment. There are codes and compliance regulations that the State of New Jersey and other organizations require.

Hydroscience Group has decades of experience removing old septic tanks. We can handle things like obtaining the necessary permits and securing the necessary government inspectors to ensure that every aspect of the process is in compliance with pertinent regulations.

If our professional site inspection revealed a leak or some other type of environmental contamination, we can help you understand your options. This can include any compliance regulations that need to be addressed.

We then make every effort to remove the soil, and the old tank with minimal impact on the surrounding property, and the local environment. It will then be properly disposed of in compliance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations or any other local codes.