For many American homeowners, a septic system is essential to their plumbing infrastructure. While these underground marvels silently process wastewater from your home in Shelton, Port Orchard, Bremerton, and surrounding areas, proper septic tank maintenance, including inspection, pumping, and repairs, is crucial to ensure their continued smooth operation and avoid costly repairs down the line.
This blog post by Danos Septic will delve into the world of septic tank maintenance, contrasting it with repairs and exploring the cost-benefit analysis of each approach.
Understanding Septic Tank Maintenance
A septic tank is an underground tank necessary for treating domestic sewage water. It consists of two compartments: the settling tank and the effluent tank. The wastewater from your home enters the settling tank then the solids are allowed to accumulate at the bottom as sludge while the oils and grease from the scum are on top of the water. The clarified liquid (effluent) then gets into the effluent tank, gets treated in the drain field, and drains into the ground.
Regular septic tank maintenance involves a two-pronged approach:
- Septic Tank Pumping:
Solids, on the other hand, gather in the settling tank, and as a result, they get full with time. This build-up is scooped out during septic pumping, which an authorized septic professional must do every 3-5 years so that solids do not block the drain field.
- Inspections:
A septic tank inspection is usually advised to be done every 1 to 2 years, where the septic professional also looks for evident issues with the tank and the drain field. This preventive measure ensures that any complications that may develop are nipped before becoming emergencies or requiring repair.
Understanding Septic Tank Repairs
Despite proper maintenance, septic systems can develop problems due to various factors, including:
- Aging System:
Septic tanks have a lifespan of 20-30 years. With time, they deteriorate, and different parts of a septic system stop functioning as they should.
- Improper Usage:
Some common household products include chemical compounds and greasy substances that compromise the efficiency of the septic tank because they invade the natural bacterial balance within the tank and distort its treatment procedure.
- Tree Root Infiltration:
Tree roots can penetrate through the septic tanks and drain fields leading to the development of cracks and blocking of the drains.
Common septic tank repairs include:
- Drain Field Repair:
A clogged or damaged drain field requires repair or replacement to ensure proper effluent dispersal.
- Septic Tank Repair:
Cracks or leaks in the septic tank itself may necessitate repairs to prevent environmental contamination.
- Pump Replacement:
The septic tank pump, responsible for transferring effluent to the drain field, may wear out and require replacement.
The Benefits of Regular Septic Tank Maintenance
The advantages of regular septic tank maintenance are numerous:
- Prevents System Backups:
Pumping eliminates the accumulation of solid deposits that could block the drain field, cause reverse flow into your home, and create a dirty and costly situation for you.
- Extends System Lifespan:
A well-maintained septic system functions optimally, reducing wear and tear and extending its lifespan. This translates to significant cost savings in the long run, as septic system replacement is a hefty investment.
- Protects Public Health and Environment:
Working septic systems do not allow raw sewage to percolate into such water sources, so the health and well-being of people and the environment are safe.
- Reduces Odors:
This is particularly true because a poorly maintained septic system can release unpleasant odors into your compound. Proper environmental maintenance can prevent such odors.
- Peace of Mind:
It brings comfort to know that there are no emergencies associated with your well-maintained septic system causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Maintenance vs. Repairs
While the exact cost can vary depending on factors like location and specific issues, septic tank maintenance is significantly more affordable than repairs due to a neglected system. Here’s a breakdown of the two approaches:
- Septic Tank Maintenance:
This includes routine pumping and inspections. Regular maintenance prevents problems from escalating and keeps your septic system running smoothly.
- Septic System Repairs:
These can range from minor fixes to major overhauls. Neglected septic systems can suffer from clogged drains, malfunctioning pumps, or even require drain field replacement – all significantly more expensive than preventative maintenance.
- The Bottom Line:
Investing in regular septic tank maintenance is a wise financial decision. It’s a proactive approach that will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.
Practical Tips for Septic Tank Maintenance
Here are some practical tips to keep your septic system functioning smoothly:
- Space Out Laundry Loads:
Do not wash several loads of clothes in one day; this puts much pressure on the septic system. Separate the water from the clothes after washing so the septic system does not receive too much wastewater.
- Be Mindful of What You Flush:
Never dispose of anything other than toilet paper and human waste into the bowl. Do not flush thick chemicals, fats, oils, coffee, or feminine products because they affect the microbial population in the tank.
- Use Water-Efficient Appliances:
Choose low-water-used appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers to lessen your load on the septic system.
- Plant Wisely:
Many trees and shrubs have deep root systems that can penetrate and cause problems to the septic system; thus, do not plant any such plant close to the tank or the drain field.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance:
Contact a reputable septic services company like Danos Septic for regular pumping and inspections in the Kitsap Peninsula areas. Our licensed professionals can assess your system’s health, identify potential problems early on, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Feel free to reach out to our team at (360)234-3129 for professional assistance and an accurate estimate.
Contact Danos Septic Professionals
The worst thing you can do is wait for a septic system issue to arise before getting it fixed. To minimize the chances of septic system failure, you should schedule regular maintenance with Dano’s Septic. Give us a call today to set up your septic tank checkup or pumping session. Our charges are relatively affordable, and we can work with your preferred timetable. Please bear in mind that it is always wiser, cheaper, and less problematic to pump your septic tank at the appropriate times to avoid falling victim to costly repairs.
At Dano’s Septic, we endeavor to ensure that your septic system is well maintained for your convenience and the benefit of the environment. Our highly skilled technicians are also well-endowed with the right skills, knowledge, and equipment for all your septic tank services requirements, including pumping, inspection, repairs, etc. Thus, we promise high-quality, timely, and budget-friendly septic inspection, repair, pumping, and maintenance services for our customers in Bremerton, Septic repairs in Port Orchard, Shelton, and surrounding areas.
Please contact us at (360) 234-3129 to arrange an appointment with us.
