Many homeowners ignore septic systems until there is a problem. This can be a huge headache and lead to expensive repairs. Regular cleaning and inspections can prevent these problems from occurring.
Septic tanks that aren’t cleaned can cause sewage to return to the home. This is dangerous and unhealthy for the house’s occupants and can also harm the surrounding environment.
Prevents Clogs
Septic tanks rely on bacteria to organically break down the waste that enters the tank. When chemicals or non-organic materials enter the system, these substances can kill the bacteria and lead to various issues. Regular septic cleaning keeps the tank free of these materials and prevents them from clogging the drains in your home.
Septic tanks can become clogged due to grease buildup. Although it appears as a liquid when poured down the drain, it solidifies and adheres to the tank’s walls and pipes once it cools. This can cause blockages in the flow of water and sewage, leading to backflow issues within your home. To avoid this, it’s recommended to schedule regular septic tank draining Orlando, FL.
A septic tank that is overloaded or clogged releases untreated wastewater into the surrounding soil, which poses a serious health risk and can infiltrate wells and groundwater. You are far better off investing a small amount of money in preventative maintenance than dealing with a costly septic system failure later.
Prevents Sewage Backups
Sewage backups are a serious plumbing emergency that should never be ignored. Backed-up sewage can damage your home’s floors, walls, electrical systems, and furniture. It is also a health hazard, as the bacteria and viruses in raw sewage can cause illnesses when they come into contact with humans.
A sewer system can back up mainly because of a clog in the sanitary sewer line. This could be because of foreign objects, tree roots, or a structural problem. The best way to prevent this is to keep large, deep-rooted plants and trees away from the drain field area.
Keeping up with maintenance and having a professional inspect the septic tank and system once a year will help you avoid clogs, sewage backups, and other problems caused by a poorly maintained septic tank or system.
Prevents Environmental Issues
Your septic tank should be pumped every 1 to 3 years, depending on how often you use your system. If you miss a pumping, it can lead to a full system failure or drain field replacement.
Untreated sewage can leak into the environment, leading to diseases like hepatitis and dysentery. It can also release excessive nitrates into water supplies, interfering with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia in infants and cause illness in humans and animals that consume untreated sewage or water.
Avoid these environmental issues by practicing water conservation, using sink filters and lint traps in washing machines, flushing toilet paper, and having your system inspected and pumped regularly. Regularly pumping your septic tank keeps solid waste away from the drain field, which prevents clogs and premature wear of the absorption field. It also helps keep your soil healthy, which is good for the ecosystem. A well-maintained septic system is an asset to any home and can make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Prevents Damage
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular septic tank pumping not only keeps your system in good working order but it also helps prevent the need for costly drain field repairs. If sewage from a septic system leaks into the environment, it can affect nearby rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. When sewage leaks into these waterways, algal blooms can occur, which are toxic to fish and other wildlife.
In addition, septic tanks that are not on a routine pumping schedule can become damaged by clogs and other problems. It’s also important to remember that a poorly maintained septic system can affect the value of your home. If you decide to sell your property, potential buyers may look at your septic system as an added expense that they will have to incur. This could deter them from making an offer on your home. As an additional benefit, regular septic tank pumping can help to reduce the smell of sewage in your home.
