Septic tank pumping eliminates built-up sludge and prevents blockages and overflows. During this service, plumbers locate tanks and tank access points, inspect all tank components, and empty tanks completely. After rinsing them clean, they carefully reseal tanks and test septic systems for proper functioning. The following are five important reasons to schedule septic tank pumping once every three to five years.
1. Avoid Whole-House Backups
In homes with municipal sewer service, sewer lines deposit all liquid and solid waste in local sewer systems. Septic tanks work differently. These tanks hold solid waste and send filtered wastewater to local drain fields. Although enzymatic and microbial activity breaks solid waste down, it maintains a thick, sludgy consistency. As a result, active septic tanks invariably grow full over time.
If you fail to schedule septic tank pumping before your tank reaches capacity, your outgoing waste will have nowhere to go but back inside your home. This is known as a whole-house backup. During a whole-house backup, effluence backs up into all plumbing-connected appliances and drains.
2. Promote Drain Health
Multi-drain issues are among the top signs of an impending whole-house backup. If your septic tank is running out of room for additional waste, all your drains will start moving slowly.
Slow-moving drains add humidity to the indoor air and create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew. They can also emit rank, pervasive odors. Fixtures with slow-moving drains often develop unsightly stains, contaminate food, and contribute to illness. With regular tank pumping, you can keep your drains clean, odor-free, and moving swiftly.
3. Fulfill Your Duty of Care
Owning a septic tank is a major responsibility. After all, if your septic tank leaks or overflows, it could affect far more than your property. Septic tank malfunctions can spill raw sewage into your yard and onto neighboring properties. With regular tank maintenance, you can fulfill your duty of care, keep your neighbors happy, and avoid costly liability issues.
4. Prevent Groundwater Contamination
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), groundwater contamination from damaged septic tanks and other untreated wastewater sources poses a serious threat to the local environment and drinking water safety. Rife with viruses, bacteria, and elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, untreated wastewater can destroy natural habitats, contaminate nearby streams and other waterways, and decimate local plants and fish.
5. Extend the Life Span of Your Septic System
Well-maintained septic tanks tend to have longer life spans than tanks that rarely receive professional pumping service. These visits allow plumbers to identify leaks, faulty alarm systems, tree root intrusion, drainfield failure, and other common problems before they cause serious property damage. By scheduling septic tank pumping every three to five years, you can enjoy your current septic system far longer and limit your total repair costs.
Regular septic tank cleaning protects people, the environment, and residential wastewater systems. If you need septic tank pumping services in Winston-Salem, NC, get in touch with Straight Flush Septic today!