Septic Systems for Rural Businesses

Many businesses outside city sewer districts still need dependable wastewater service.

A small contractor shop may have relatively simple wastewater needs. A larger agricultural, commercial or industrial property may require a more involved onsite wastewater system.

The right approach depends on how the property will actually be used—not simply the size of the building.

Building a New Shop?

If the property doesn’t have public sewer, don’t wait until the shop is nearly finished to figure out the septic system.

The proposed building, bathrooms, employees, business use, site conditions and available property area can all affect the wastewater plan.

Planning the septic system early also helps keep the building, parking, driveway and wastewater areas from competing for the same space.

Business Wastewater Isn’t Always the Same as Household Wastewater

The type of business matters.

A shop with a bathroom and handwashing sink creates a different wastewater situation than a facility with food service, showers, laundry, process water or large numbers of employees and customers.

The onsite wastewater system should be based on the wastewater it is actually intended to receive.

If the business generates wastewater outside ordinary sanitary sewage, that needs to be identified during project planning rather than simply directed into a septic system without evaluation.

Conventional & Advanced Septic Systems

The property and approved design determine what type of onsite wastewater system should be installed.

Depending on the project, the solution may involve a conventional gravity system, lagoon or a more advanced system using treatment, pumps, pressure distribution or another approved dispersal method.

Digger Dave installs both conventional and advanced onsite wastewater systems, so the project doesn’t have to stop simply because the property requires something beyond a basic septic system.

Commercial Septic Repair

Not every business septic problem requires replacing the whole system.

Pumps, floats, alarms, controls, piping, tanks and other components can fail independently.

If the problem is in the treatment or dispersal portion of the system, additional evaluation may be necessary before deciding whether repair, restoration or replacement makes sense.

The repair should match the actual failure rather than automatically turning every problem into a complete replacement.

Buying a Rural Commercial Property?

If the property depends on onsite wastewater, understand the existing system before assuming it will work for your business.

A septic system that adequately served the previous owner may not necessarily fit a different use, expansion or substantially larger workforce.

Look for existing permits, plans, inspection information and maintenance records, and consider how your proposed operation differs from the previous use.

From Property Planning to Septic Installation

1. Tell us about the property and business. What are you building and how will the facility be used?
2. Review the site. Existing records, property layout and wastewater needs help establish the starting point.
3. Obtain needed site information. Soil and site evaluation may be required depending on the project.
4. Complete required design or engineering. Digger Dave can help coordinate qualified professionals when needed.
5. Address permits and approvals. Requirements depend on the property, system and jurisdiction.
6. Install the system. Digger Dave handles the onsite wastewater construction once the project is ready.

One Call for Your Rural Wastewater Project

You don’t need to know what type of septic system the property requires before contacting us.

Start with what you’re building, how the property will be used and where it is located.

Digger Dave can help determine the next wastewater step, coordinate additional professionals when needed and carry the project into construction.

Farm, Shop & Rural Business Septic FAQs

Can a shop have its own septic system?

Yes, where onsite wastewater is appropriate for the property and proposed use. The system should be planned around the building, wastewater use, site conditions and applicable requirements.

Can I install septic for a bathroom in my shop?

A shop bathroom may be served by an onsite wastewater system where appropriate. The property and proposed use still need to be considered before determining the system.

Can shop floor drains go into a septic system?

Don’t assume wastewater from shop or process activities should enter a sanitary septic system. The source and characteristics of the wastewater need to be identified and handled appropriately for the facility and applicable requirements.

Can you install septic systems for commercial buildings?

Yes. Digger Dave works with residential and commercial onsite wastewater projects, including conventional and advanced systems.

What if my business already has an old septic system?

The existing system can be evaluated in relation to its condition and current property use. Depending on the problem, the appropriate solution may be repair, modification or replacement.

Do commercial septic systems require engineering?

Some projects may require professional wastewater design or engineering depending on the system, property and applicable requirements. Digger Dave can help coordinate that work when needed.

Can you install a system another engineer designed?

Yes. If you already have an approved wastewater design, send the plans to Digger Dave so we can review the construction scope and discuss installation.