If you have a septic system in your home, you may be wondering how often you need to clean it and why. A septic system is a self-contained wastewater treatment system that consists of a septic tank and a drain field. The septic tank collects and partially treats the wastewater from your household, while the drain field disperses the treated effluent into the soil.
Cleaning your septic system means pumping out the solids (sludge and scum) that accumulate in the septic tank over time. These solids can reduce the capacity of the tank and interfere with its proper functioning. If the sludge and scum are not removed regularly, they can cause clogs, backups, odors, and system failures.
There are many benefits to cleaning your septic system regularly. Here are some of them.
Saving Money
A well-maintained septic system can last for decades and save you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement costs. On the other hand, a neglected septic system can cause serious damage to your property and require expensive remediation. The average cost of pumping a septic tank is likely several hundred dollars every few years. However, this is much cheaper than the cost of fixing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Protecting Your Health
A septic system that is working properly can remove most of the harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals from your wastewater, protecting you and your family from illnesses and infections. However, if your septic system is not maintained, it can contaminate your groundwater, surface water, and soil with pathogens and pollutants.
This contamination can pose serious health risks to you, your neighbors, and your pets, as well as to wildlife and plants in your area. Some of the diseases that can be caused by exposure to untreated sewage include diarrhea, hepatitis, eye infections, skin rashes, and more.
Preserving the Environment
A septic system that is well-maintained can also protect the environment by preventing pollution and nutrient overload in local waterways. When your septic system fails, it can release untreated sewage into streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal waters. This can harm aquatic ecosystems by killing fish, shellfish, plants, and other organisms. It can also cause algae blooms that deplete oxygen levels and create dead zones. By cleaning your septic system regularly, you can help prevent these negative impacts and support greener and more sustainable communities.
To have your septic system cleaned, contact a septic system company, like Bobby Davis Jr Septic Tank Service.
