Septic systems are part and parcel of many homes, especially in rural areas where they may lack municipal sewage systems, and septic systems are on-site self-sustaining sewage treatment plants that serve the vast majority of homes where household waste is safely disposed of.
However, without regular maintenance and cleaning, septic tank systems don’t function efficiently!! In case, the solids which are built up are not cleaned up and maintained constantly it will overload in the tank which eventually spills over into the drain field. This, in turn, clogs the system and fails it and also pollutes the environment. Some terribly unpleasant problems can occur which include sewage back-up in the home, bad smells plus costly repairs or replacement. All the issues discussed above are very annoying and costly, but also have the ultimate health danger for any homeowner, neighbour or local community.
Here are six reasons to get your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis…
No. 1 – Prevent System Failures and Costly Repairs
Cleaning of your septic tank is done primarily to maintain its good operation and prevent failure of the septic system. Septic tank waste tends to build up naturally, with a portion of it eventually settling to the bottom of the tank. The sludge will then have nowhere to go if it does not get cleaned out regularly. This results in the accumulation of waste to the extent that it flows into the drainage space. This eventually results in the blocking of the system and disintegration, for which enormous sums of money must be employed to clean it, in most cases even reaching the replacement of the whole system. Acceptable cleaning ensures that sludge is kept away. This minimises chances of the system going wrong, thus saving much on costs that would be accrued for maintaining another system.
No. 2 – Protect Your Health and Environment
An ill-performing septic tank can be very dangerous to the health of your family and even your home. Any surpluses of sewage and waste water seeping into the surrounding soil and groundwater will cause water contamination, which results in the initiation and growth of dangerous bacteria and viruses, hence subsequent waterborne diseases. But routine septic tank cleaning reduces this kind of health risk, so the system works properly, and waste will be contained and treated.
No. 3 – Enhance System Efficiency and Performance
A septic tank system that is properly maintained not only functions way more efficiently than that which is neglected but also has more room to receive wastewater because solid buildup has been removed through regular cleaning. This means the bacteria in the tank can break down waste more effectively. Therefore, it can perform more efficiently, bearing in mind many other wastes passing through it. Better system efficiency aids in preventing backups and overflows, and your household plumbing will work smoothly. This keeps your septic tank clean, allowing it to observe the set practices, thereby performing to the optimum level and experiencing only a few hitches in having a solution that serves waste management reliably.
No. 4 – Comply with Local Regulations and Avoid Fines
Many local health departments and environmental agencies have regulations regarding septic system maintenance. These regulations are in place to protect public health and the environment. Failing to comply with these rules can result in fines and legal issues. Regular septic tank cleaning ensures that you meet these regulatory requirements and avoid any potential penalties. Keeping your system in good working order also demonstrates your commitment to environmental stewardship and public health, which can be beneficial when and if you try to sell your property.
No. 5 – Preserve Property Value and Appeal
Property values, based upon the condition of the septic system, can carry a lot of weight. A buyer is obviously impressed by a well-maintained septic system, knowing that means the property has been well cared for, and will likely not show hidden issues. A neglected septic system, on the other hand, can greatly serve as a turnoff, attracting lower offers or raising difficulties in selling the property. Routine maintenance and cleaning really come in handy in the end, as the impression made by your septic system is inextricably linked and increased to your property value.
No. 6 – Promote Environmental Responsibility
Proper septic system maintenance is important for your environmental responsibilities. A clean and working septic tank protects local water sources from being contaminated. Contributing to the protection of the natural resources with a frequent septic tank cleaning will, in turn, promote a sustainable lifestyle. This level of commitment to environmental stewardship creates a positive ripple effect and example to other people in your community to come forth and embrace similar practices, and is a successful way of giving a collective reduction in the environment’s negative impact.
Practical Tips for a Septic Tank Cleaning Schedule
To ensure that your septic tank remains in optimal condition between cleans, consider the following practical tips:
Schedule Regular Inspections – Have a professional inspect your septic system every 1-3 years to identify any potential issues early and determine the appropriate cleaning schedule.
Monitor Water Usage – Reduce water usage to prevent overloading the septic system. Simple actions like fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures and spreading out laundry loads can make a significant difference.
Avoid Flushing Non Biodegradable Items – Items such as sanitary products, nappies and wipes should never be flushed as they can cause clogs and damage to the system.
Use Septic Safety Products: Choose cleaning and personal care products that are labelled septic safe to avoid disrupting the bacterial balance in your septic tank.
Maintain Drain Field: Keep the area around the drain field clear of heavy objects and avoid planting trees or shrubs nearby as their roots can interfere with the system.
While septic tank cleaning may initially seem expensive, it is nothing in comparison to the repair or replacement bills you could be looking at through neglect of the system! According to most pros, a septic tank should be pumped and inspected every 3-5 years depending on the size of the tank and number of people who use it. By “pumping on schedule,” property owners can reduce the likelihood of experiencing expensive and disagreeable smelly problems.