When a septic tank is installed, most homeowners do not think about replacing the septic tank in the future. Until there is a reason to replace the septic system, most people do not think much about the unsightly materials and waste the septic tank is responsible for unless there unfortunately is no other choice. Proper maintenance of your septic tank can extend its life greatly and help reduce the likelihood and necessity of a complete septic system replacement.
When not properly maintained, a septic system will begin to fail and then allows waste to leach into the ground around your home. When this happens, proper authorities such as the health department should be contacted immediately to determine if the groundwater supply has been contaminated. When the bacteria in sewage enter the water supply because of a faulty septic tank or septic system, it presents a significant health risk for your family, friends and neighbors. Dysentery and hepatitis are commonly associated with untreated waste material and bacteria in the water supply.
A failing septic system may also lead to harmful waste finding its way into your home by backing-up through the pipes. When this happens, not only is the result visually unappealing and has a distinct unpleasant odor, it also presents health risks.
If the septic system has failed to the point of backing-up into your home, employing a septic tank pumping service is the first step to septic system maintenance. When the septic tank is pumped, excess waste is removed from the system, which should stop it from overflowing and reentering your home.
The expense of replacing a failed septic system is both real and implied; meaning it will cost you money to repair or replace the septic system, but if it is not tended to, it can cost you the health of your family and friends.
For more information on septic systems, septic tanks and leach fields, contact the experts at Soils and Environmental Services. Serving the Northern Virginia and Washington DC residential and commercial markets since 1987, Soils and Environmental Services, Inc. specializes in designing alternative septic systems and assessing septic tank options for homes, commercial properties, and sub-divisions.