If you live in a rural area lacking municipal sewers, you most likely have a septic system to process household waste. Maintaining the system is essential to keep it running correctly, yet some people wonder whether they should get regular septic tank cleaning. Before scheduling septic tank maintenance, consider these pros and cons to determine you need the service at this time.
Tank Cleaning Keeps Your System Operating Properly
Experts recommend pumping your septic system every three to five years, depending on your household size and frequency of use, but a general cleaning should occur more frequently. When properly performed, the pros can easily outweigh the cons.
Prevents Backups
Over time, waste accumulates at the bottom of the septic tank. This decreases your system’s ability to process wastewater, and it can lead to backups that can enter your home. Routine maintenance from septic professionals can keep your system flowing freely.
Maintenance Uncovers Minor Issues
When septic plumbers perform tank maintenance, they look for damage to the tank and other parts of the system. In addition to examining the tank, your septic plumber will evaluate the intake and outtake baffles and connecting pipes. Catching problems early, when issues are minor, will save you money in the long run.
An inspection will also reveal whether someone in your household has flushed inappropriate items like diapers, non-biodegradable items, grease, or oil. This can be a wake-up call to change bad household habits that could damage the system.
Keeping the Environment Clean
An overloaded septic tank can also dump unprocessed waste into your drain field, causing environmental damage. Solid waste overflow into the drain field can lead to strong sewage smells, clogs, and improper drainage. As a result, wastewater can seep into the soil and potentially contaminate the local water supply.
Drawbacks to Consider
Regular septic cleaning has several negative aspects as well, however. Consider these when the time for cleaning arrives.
Septic Cleaning Is Expensive
Removing septic waste isn’t cheap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that, depending on the state of your system, you’ll spend $350 to $500 on such a job.
It Smells
Cleaning can release toxic fumes and chemicals, contributing to respiratory problems and skin burns. The smell increases during hot weather, so schedule your cleaning during cooler periods of the year.
Environmental Concerns
Household waste processed in your septic tank contains bacteria, viruses, and the previously mentioned toxins that may develop. Make sure that the septic company you select for the job has an eco-friendly method for disposing of this hazardous waste.
If you want thorough and safe septic tank cleaning in Winston-Salem, NC, contact the professionals at Straight Flush Septic to schedule your appointment.
