Need a foolproof way to prevent costly damage to your home and garden? Guess what destroys houses and landscapes faster than anything else? A poorly maintained septic system.
And chances are you aren’t giving yours much thought these days. Not until it fails anyway… and by then your problem is Real.
Fortunately, with preventative septic tank pumping from the pros, you can protect your home and garden by simply:
- Staying ahead of maintenance
- Spending less than you would on repairs
- Pumping your tank regularly
…it’s easy!
You’ll also avoid the nastiest disasters imaginable.
Before you scroll any further, let’s dive into exactly why maintenance matters and how to do it right.
What you’re going to learn:
- Why Septic Tank Maintenance Matters
- How a Failing Septic System Will Destroy Your Property
- Warning Signs You Need Pumping
- Prevent Waste Damage To Your Garden
- How Often Should You Pump?
Why Septic Tank Maintenance Matters
Listen…
The EPA estimates over 20% of Americans use septic systems. That means millions of homeowners have buried wastewater treatment tanks on their property.
Maintaining septic systems is important but unfortunately…
Many homeowners don’t keep up with maintenance.
Pumping your septic tank regularly is recommended. This preventative measure removes waste from your septic system before it has a chance to backup into your house or leak into your yard.
A Premier Septic Service in Olympia makes sure your system is thoroughly inspected by professionals who know what they’re doing.
Why should you care?
Because if your system fails you could be looking at property damage, contaminated groundwater, smelly bugs roaming your landscaping and thousands – yes, thousands – of dollars to repair or replace your septic system.
Don’t be that person. Pump your septic tank and avoid the issues altogether.
Easy enough, right?
How a Failing Septic System Will Destroy Your Property
Did you know a backed-up septic system is a disaster waiting to happen?
When a tank overflows or a drain field goes out, untreated sewage surfaces. Septic waste pollutes lawns by pooling at the ground level and saturating everything it touches. Property damage includes but is not limited to:
- Structural rot: Soil that’s saturated with sewage will eventually rot the foundational structure of your home and eat away at your landscaping.
- Dirty drinking water: Septic waste contaminates nearby well water and groundwater. Exposure makes water unsafe for consumption.
- Dead grass and trees: Plants don’t grow well in sewage. Attempting to do so will kill your grass, plants, and trees.
If that wasn’t bad enough…
Research from the University of Georgia has shown that systems installed between 2001-2005 are failing at an alarmingly high rate. Many systems installed during those years are just as bad as systems over twenty years old. Septic systems don’t just fail because they’re old, neglect is the biggest reason why systems don’t last.
Don’t become another statistic. Keep your system healthy with regular pumping and maintenance.
Warning Signs You Need Pumping
Wondering if you should be pumping your tank? Here are a few signs that show it’s time to call a professional:
- Drains in your home are moving slower than normal
- You smell sewage in your backyard or near plumbing fixtures
- You see standing water or soggy areas in your yard that don’t dry
- There’s an exceptionally green area over your drain field
- Raw sewage has erupted into your home
This last one is a big deal and absolutely unacceptable. If sewage backs up into your home, contact a septic professional immediately to get it taken care of.
Please do yourself a favor and take action as soon as you start to see any of these signs. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to fix.
Prevent Waste Damage To Your Garden
Here’s a little known secret…
Septic waste can destroy your garden.
Just like an overflowing septic system can eat away at your house. Waste that leaks into the ground can do serious damage to your favorite plants. Septic waste contains bacteria, Nitrogen and other materials that could kill your garden.
Pay special attention to:
- Vegetable Gardens
- Flower Beds
- Lawn Grass
Septic waste can make you sick if it consumes the soil that feeds your vegetables. Most flowers and plants won’t thrive in bacteria and Nitrogen-rich soil. Constant exposure to waste will leave your lawn patchy and uneven.
The first place you’ll notice problems is in your drain field. The drain field sits in your yard, allowing wastewater to filter through the underground soil. Soil tends to give homeowners a clue when something is wrong. Give your drain field a little extra love by caring for your septic system.
You can do your part by taking these steps:
- Never plant trees or shrubs over your system. Root growth can spread through your pipes causing backups.
- Avoid driving or parking your car over your system. Extra pressure ruins the drain field.
- Divert surface water away from your drain field. Your system can only handle so much water flow.
Simply following these tips can save your landscaping.
How Often Should You Pump?
You’re staring at the question every homeowner with a septic system should be asking. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fits all answer.
The consensus amongst professionals is to have your tank pumped every three to five years. However, there are several things to consider when determining how often your tank should be pumped.
- Number of people in your household – More people living in your home means more waste going into your tank. If you have four rowdy kids that love to swim and bath, you’ll need to pump more frequently.
- Size of your tank – Larger tanks can handle more waste. If you have a smaller tank you’ll want to get it pumped sooner.
- How much water you use – Long showers, excessive laundry and running the dishwasher often can fill up your tank quicker.
Don’t wait for problems to arise! Schedule regular maintenance checks with a trusted septic tank pumping service.
It’s tempting to go a few years because “it’s fine”. Your system will be fine until it’s not. Then you’ll be forced to pay thousands to replace your septic system. A few hundred dollars for pumping can save you that headache.
You do the math.
Bringing It All Together
Maintaining your septic system really is one of the best things you can do for your house and garden. By following these simple steps, you’ll give your home years of damage-free use and keep your garden sparkling.
Let’s review:
- Pump Your Tank Every Three – Five Years
- Slow drains, foul smells? It’s time to call a professional.
- Keep your garden happy by maintaining your drain field
- Avoid planting trees or parking near your septic system.
- Don’t wait for an overflowing toilet to load you with bills. Schedule regular septic tank pumping today.
There’s no telling how well your septic tank will perform if you neglect it. But one thing is guaranteed – it won’t end well without proper maintenance.
Give your system the care it deserves and you’ll never have to worry about waste management again.