The septic system treats household waste, protecting nearby water sources from harmful bacteria. It also prevents sewage from contaminating soil and groundwater.
When septic tank solids build up too high, they can flow into the drainfield and cause clogs. These clogs expose people to disease-causing organisms and prevent the drainfield from functioning properly. For professional help, contact The Septic Guys.
In homes with septic systems, wastewater flows through a main drainage pipe into a septic tank. Solid materials sink to the bottom of the tank and form a sludge layer while fats, oils, and other liquids float to the top and form a scum layer. Aerobic bacteria in the septic tank break down these contaminants. The septic system then discharges the partially treated wastewater to your drain field via perforated pipes. In your drain field, bacteria further filter and digest the contaminants, reducing concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, pathogens, and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. The water then percolates into the native soil. If properly maintained, the septic system will not contaminate groundwater or surface water.
Homeowners can further reduce the amount of sewage entering the septic system by practicing water efficiency in their daily routines. Taking simple steps like fixing leaky faucets and toilets, installing low-cost, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and only running the washing machine or dishwasher when full will greatly decrease the amount of water used indoors. These water conservation strategies will also extend the lifespan of the septic system and prevent clogs, backups, and costly repairs.
For homes with septic systems, it is especially important to have the septic tank pumped on a regular basis to remove the buildup of solid waste. This will help to avoid expensive septic system repairs and potentially sewage contamination of the surrounding environment.
A septic system will need to be cleaned or replaced after 25 to 30 years of service, depending on the load and site conditions. However, if the system is regularly maintained and the septic tank emptied by an experienced septic tank pumper, the system may last up to 50 years.
Using a septic system requires more work than relying on a municipal sewer system, but the benefits of this type of system are many. A septic system is ideal for people who want independence from a municipal system and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are responsible for their own wastewater disposal. If you are ready to experience the advantages of a septic system, call today!
Reduced Risk of Environmental Contamination
Septic systems are designed on a house-by-house basis, but they all have the same basic purpose: to treat wastewater from your bathtubs, sinks, toilets, showers and dishwasher. Wastewater flows from your home through a series of pipes to a septic tank and then to a leach field where it is absorbed into the ground.
A septic system that is well-designed, properly situated, used only for its intended purposes and regularly serviced should not negatively impact the environment. However, septic systems that are not maintained and operated as recommended can contaminate groundwater or surface water. Contaminated waters may be dangerous to human health, spreading diseases like cholera and dysentery or contributing to algal blooms that reduce dissolved oxygen levels in shellfish beds and swimming areas.
When septic systems fail, untreated sewage seeps into the groundwater and surface water, contaminating drinking water wells and causing environmental and economic problems. A failing septic system also poses a threat to nearby residents, especially children and pets. The bacteria in contaminated water can cause a wide range of illnesses, from eye and ear infections to diarrhea and hepatitis.
Keeping up with regular septic service prevents solid waste buildup in the septic system and pipe network. This helps protect against clogs that can lead to sewage backups in the home, which can pose a significant health risk and property damage. It is important to keep track of service dates, and never skip or ignore appointments.
To further reduce the risk of contamination, keep children and pets away from the septic tank and absorption field. Don’t park vehicles or drive heavy equipment over the system and avoid building structures, such as decks or swimming pools, over or near the tank. Maintain a grass or shallow-rooted vegetation cover over the absorption field, and use water-saving fixtures and appliances.
In addition to reducing environmental concerns, regular septic tank pumping and inspection services can help you preserve your home’s value by increasing the curb appeal of your property. Prospective buyers are more likely to consider a home with clear, comprehensive maintenance records than one that is neglected or has a septic tank that is failing.
Reduced Risk of Clogs
When your septic system is functioning properly, it will keep wastewater and sewage out of the environment. This protects water sources from contamination and clogs. However, the septic system requires routine maintenance to stay healthy. This includes regular pumping and cleaning. If you neglect this maintenance, a septic tank may overflow, or the drain field may become saturated with wastewater.
Keeping your septic system in good condition will also reduce your risk of health problems. The bacteria in sewage can cause infections of the stomach and intestines, as well as infections of the skin and respiratory tract. Some of these bacteria are protozoans, which multiply in the gut and cause diarrhea. Parasitic worms such as hookworms and tapeworms can also be found in untreated wastewater.
The primary function of your septic system is to remove solids from household wastewater and carry them away to the drain field for treatment. If the system is not working correctly, these solids can clog toilets and other plumbing fixtures in your home.
During septic tank service, technicians will insert a large hose into the manhole to vacuum out the septic tank contents. Then, they will stir the contents to break up solids and mix them with liquids. This makes it easier to dispose of the waste. Septic tank cleaning is a similar process but more thorough. Instead of just sucking up the liquids, technicians will also scrape the bottom of the tank and clean the piping.
Clogged toilets, drains, and sewage backups are common signs that the septic system is not working properly. If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a septic system technician right away.
Having a septic system can be an affordable alternative to a municipal sewer system. It will also protect your property value and improve the quality of your water. When your septic system is in good condition, it will last for years to come. Keeping clear and detailed maintenance records can help you avoid expensive repairs and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This will help you sell your property faster than a house with an unknown septic system history.
Increased Property Value
The process of purchasing a new home is an exciting, but often overwhelming experience. Buyers typically focus on the layout, location and aesthetics of a property before making the final decision to buy or rent. However, many buyers are unaware that a property’s septic system can also be an important factor in their purchase. In order to ensure a safe and seamless transaction, it’s essential to have a septic tank inspection performed prior to closing the deal.
The septic system is an integral component of any residential property, and regular septic service can help keep it in good condition. This can ultimately increase the value of your home by reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, a clean and well-maintained septic tank can boost your home’s appearance and appeal to prospective buyers.
In addition, regular septic service can help prevent costly septic tank leaks. These leaks are often caused by solid waste build-up inside the tank, which can eventually cause a septic system failure. Regular septic tank pumping can prevent this from happening, which can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
Whether or not a septic system increases or decreases a home’s value depends on a number of different factors, including the quality of installation, regulatory compliance and maintenance. By investing in a high-quality, well-maintained septic system and seeking out professional services, homeowners can maximize the resale value of their property.
In general, properties with septic systems will have higher resale values than those connected to public sewer. This is because it’s much more cost-effective for rural properties to use a septic system than to run pipe to connect to the city’s sewage system. Furthermore, a septic system can provide a sense of independence and self-reliance for homeowners who are wary of the financial obligations that can come with municipal sewer systems.