A septic tank plays a critical role in treating and disposing of wastewater from households and businesses. Heavy solid material settles at the bottom of the tank, while lighter materials rise to the top. The septic tank partially treats wastewater coming from toilets, sinks, and showers.
Here are seven benefits of regular septic tank cleaning and maintenance:
Improved Efficiency
The main components of a septic system include a tank, drain field, distribution box, and wastewater conveyance line. One malfunctioning unit can break the entire system, leading to downtime. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure the tank works efficiently. Experts will remove the accumulated sludge and scum, enhancing the tank’s ability to treat wastewater.
Catch Problems Before Time
Excessive sludge building can lead to system failure. If your septic pump fails, material in the tank will overflow and seep into the soil, blocking sewer lines and drains. This can lead to significant water damage to the home or commercial property. Look out for these signs of septic tank issues:
- Slow drainage of water in the toilets, sinks, or showers.
- Gurgling sounds coming from the pipes, which can indicate a blockage in the septic tank.
- Sewage smell coming from the drains.
- Cracks in the foundation or walls of your property.
- Standing water in the yard or garden near the drain field.
Septic system cleaning will catch problems beforehand. Experts will help you avoid costly repairs.
Prevent Unpleasant Odours
A malfunctioning septic tank can release an unpleasant odour throughout your living or working space. A sewage-like odour indicates that your septic tank is full and that you should pump it. The odour of sludge buildup can make daily tasks difficult. Invest in septic tank maintenance to avoid such circumstances.
Increased Lifespan of Your Septic Tank
The lifespan of a septic tank depends on its material and plumbing quality. Steel tanks usually last for 20 years, whereas plastic tanks can last up to 40 years. The average lifespan of a septic tank is between 15 and 40 years. Fortunately, it can be increased with professional cleaning every 2 to 5 years.
In addition to septic tank maintenance services, here are some everyday tips you should follow to extend the lifespan of your septic system:
- Household items, such as diapers, baby wipes, coffee grounds, and cat litter, can clog the system, so be mindful of what you put in your toilet or sink.
- Don’t ignore plumbing leaks. Tend to them immediately to avoid a system breakdown.
- Tree roots can clog the field, so plant trees away from the septic system drain field.
- Limit the use of garbage disposal. This will reduce the amount of grease, fat, and solids that go down your septic pipes.
Clean and Safe Water Resources
Household wastewater contains bacteria and viruses. If your septic tank is malfunctioning, these substances will not break down. As a result, the groundwater and surface water will be contaminated. This can lead to the spread of viruses and bacterial infections in humans, such as intestinal diseases and hepatitis. Invest in septic tank maintenance to keep yourself and your neighbours safe and healthy.
