Around 20% of the homes in the United States use a septic system. When a home has a septic system, and it is not connected to the sewer system, all of the water that leaves the house goes into a septic tank. Septic systems are an important part of the home, and anyone who may be buying or selling a house should have their septic system inspected.
When a septic system is properly maintained, it can last 40 years or longer. If the system is not maintained properly, homeowners can have a big mess and a big bill on their hands. The truth is, septic systems are not hard to maintain. Septic system pumping is part of a good maintenance routine.
What Does Good Septic System Maintenance Look Like?
Everything that goes down an inside drain, whether it is the shower, toilet, or sink, flows into the septic system. Some things should not be sent into a septic system, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds, which should never be washed down drains. Also, disposable wipes or feminine products should not be flushed down the toilet. These items can clog the septic system, causing serious issues.
Inside the septic tank, the solid waste at the bottom is broken down by beneficial bacteria. Sending some chemicals or a biological additive into the tank can disrupt the bacteria that is maintaining the system. Large amounts of bleach or drain cleaners can negatively affect the bacteria in the tank. Be sure to check that anything going down a drain is safe for septic tanks.
It is also important not to drive or park your vehicle over the drain field of the septic system. The weight of the vehicle can damage the pipes, causing problems. It is a good idea to have the septic system pumped every three to five years by a professional service.
Septic System Pumping Saves Money
Homeowners that are new to having a septic system may think it is expensive to have them pumped every three to five years, but that is not true. A few hundred dollars every few years can be much less expensive than the cost of repairs. Pumping is much less expensive than replacing it, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Regular Pumping Prevents Drain Backups
No one wants sewage backing up into their home. If a toilet is slow to flush, or if a sink or the tub drains slowly, it can be an indication that the septic system is overworked or too full. When there is a large amount of waste in the septic tank, drains can back up into the home. Pumping the septic system on a regular basis prevents backups and smelly pipes.
Proper Septic System Maintenance Keeps People Healthy
The wastewater coming out of homes contains unhealthy bacteria, high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, and possibly viruses. When the septic system is functioning properly, most of these things are removed.
When the septic system is not maintained correctly, sewage can leak out of the system. Leaking sewage can contaminate the groundwater and nearby wells. If sewage makes its way to rivers or ponds, swimmers can pick up infections and diseases.
Regular Septic System Pumping Protects The Environment
If sewage and waste leak out of a septic system, it can do more damage than just getting people sick. The excess nitrogen and phosphorus that can get into lakes or ponds create algal blooms. This has the potential of resulting in a major environmental problem.
Algal blooms can create dead zones in lakes and ponds. It can also raise the cost of water treatment for drinking water. Some algal blooms can produce dangerous toxins that harm wildlife and people.
How To Know When Your System Needs Pumping
Again, septic systems should be pumped every three to five years for proper maintenance. Sometimes if there is higher usage, the system may need to be pumped sooner than expected.
Signs that your system needs to be pumped soon include:
- The grass over and around the septic tank is greener than the rest of the lawn.
- Drains do not function correctly when it rains.
- A wet spot appears on the lawn when laundry is washed.
- Sewage backs up into the house.
- There is a wet, smelly spot in the yard.
Septic System Pumping Is An Important Part Of Home Maintenance
Maintaining a home’s septic system is just as important as maintaining the roof or having smoke alarms. The septic system pumping process is simple and usually takes less than an hour.
Contact us today to keep your septic system running smoothly. And follow us on Facebook for more tips!