It’s a hazardous mistake when you avoid pumping your septic tank, and it could be an expensive problem just waiting to happen. Your home’s septic system is designed to manage waste efficiently, but without regular maintenance, major problems are inevitable.

Clogs and Backups Create a Mess

As the waste collects, it settles to the bottom of the tank and piles up as sludge. Over time, the layer grows thick and blocks pipes that lead to your system. The first indicators that your system is overwhelmed are slow draining and sewage backup. A backup may cause flooding in your home through wastewater. This is both costly to clean and unhealthy for you and your family. If raw sewage enters your residence through the pipes, you will have the expense of cleaning your home as well as the tank.

System Damage From Overflow

The septic tank fills to the top and overflows. There is nowhere for the excess to go but into your yard. This will not only do some damage to your soil, but the sewage will also destroy your drain field. Your drain field is one of the biggest parts of your septic system. Getting it fixed or replaced could easily run you in the thousands of dollars. You’ll spend far less money by getting the septic tank pumped before it floods.

Shortened Life Span of Your Septic System

A neglected septic system wears out much faster than a well-maintained one. When your tank is full, parts like pipes and valves experience greater strain than they are made to take. With additional strain or pressure, they start failing before their time. This means you’ll have to start repairing and replacing parts of the system before you should reasonably expect to do so.

Foul Odors and Hazardous Backups

The unmistakable smell of untreated waste is one of the most noticeable effects of a full septic tank. This foul odor can invade your home and yard, making daily life unpleasant. In severe cases, waste can seep out of the system, attracting pests and creating hazardous conditions. Regular maintenance prevents these issues and keeps your property clean and free of odors.

Expensive Repairs and Emergencies

When a septic system fails, repairing it is often an emergency. Overflowing tanks, broken pipes, or a failing drain field can be expensive to fix and far more serious than just a routine pumping situation. Emergency repair services are more costly than standard solutions, and the damage from these failures can be considerable. Avoiding emergencies through regular maintenance of the septic system on your property is simple and cost-effective.

If you’re in Winston-Salem, NC and need septic tank pumping services, just call us up at Straight Flush Septic today.