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Why is it important to empty your septic tank?

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If your home uses a septic system, it is necessary to empty your septic tank periodically. While this period usually ranges between two to three years, it does vary depending on certain factors. Not emptying your septic tank on time can lead to a number of problems, including expensive repairs.

What exactly does emptying a septic tank involve?

As sewage from your home flows into the septic tank, it separates into three layers. The heaviest layer, also known as sludge, consists of solid waste that settles at the bottom. Several bacteria thriving inside the septic tank break down the sludge. However, the sludge starts building up over time and can eventually fill up the tank. Emptying the septic tank timely helps to prevent such a situation.

Professionals would carefully inspect the septic tank, gauge the amount of sludge in it and proceed with the cleaning. It certainly would not be wise to try any DIY techniques. After all, you would lack not only the necessary experience, but also professional equipment. Reliable companies can handle the job fast and seamlessly.

Why do you need to empty your septic tank?

You might be wondering why it is necessary to empty your septic tank at regular intervals even if problems do not appear. Here is why timely cleaning of septic tanks is so important:

  1. It prevents major issues

Quite logically, it is better to prevent issues from appearing, rather than waiting for your septic tank to fill up. Septic tank problems can be quite expensive to fix, especially if it involves major repairs. Timely emptying would prevent such problems in the first place and save you from a great deal of hassle. For instance, if your septic tank fills up, sewage can back up into your home through the drains.

  1. Extending the lifespan of the septic tank

Allowing solid waste to build up can damage the septic system over time and hamper the soil absorption in the drain field area. Eventually, you would have to replace the septic system entirely because it would require frequent repairs and maintenances. Emptying your septic tank on time extends its lifespan.

  1. Property value

Keep in mind that a faulty septic system will significantly reduce the value of your property if you plan to sell it. Any buyer would inspect the property before buying it. Nobody likes to purchase a home that has faulty plumbing, drainage, or septic systems. It would be hard to sell the property, let alone fetch a great price.

  1. Health

An overflowing septic tank can pose a major health hazard to people staying on the property. Pathogens from the septic tank can contaminate the groundwater and the surface, potentially making their way into the drinking water in your home. Emptying your septic tank on time would enable you to protect your family from diseases like dysentery and hepatitis.

  1. Environmental safety

When your septic tank starts to leak or overflow, it can cause significant damage to the environment. It would release various harmful chemicals and pathogens into the soil, affecting plant life badly. A major leak from a septic tank can eventually result in the blooming of cyanobacteria masses, which can cause widespread human poisoning too.

Not getting your septic tank emptied in a timely fashion certainly would not be a good idea. Spending some money to hire a professional company occasionally can help you avoid much bigger expenses. Most importantly, it is crucial to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from various diseases. Find a reliable septic tank cleaning company near you that offers professional services at reasonable rates.