What Happens When You Ignore Your Septic Tank Too Long?

Septic systems handle all the solid and liquid waste of any given property that does not have direct access to the sewage system. But homeowners often forget to take care of it regularly, which can lead to some serious hazards. From polluting groundwater to releasing unpleasant odors to structural damage and more, this blog is here to show you the consequences of neglecting septic services for an extended period of time. 

The Potential Hazards Of Septic Tank Neglect

Alright, let’s say you’re a busy homeowner with a job that takes up most of your day and a family that occupies the rest. You probably don’t have time to think about something like a septic tank—especially since it isn’t even in sight. But this oversight could turn costly.

Here is a look at a few reasons why skipping septic tank cleaning is a bad idea. 

1. Blockages & Backups

Booking septic tank services with the local professionals ensures that your system is routinely pumped. This removes all the wastewater, sludge, and other potential clogs from your system. If you neglect doing it for too long, you might end up with clogged drains and sewage back-up that will not just make your property uncomfortable but also lead to more serious issues. 

2. Foul Odors

Speaking of sludge and clogs, your drains can start to emit highly unpleasant odors if your systems haven’t been cleaned in a long time. This means that your home’s interiors, as well as the area surrounding your property, will constantly be enveloped in the smell of rotting excrement, making it hard to breathe and polluting the air outside. 

3. Groundwater Pollution

If that’s not enough, an overflowing septic tank can cause the contents to leak and seep into the soil. This will eventually reach any underground waterbodies nearby and result in diseases and infections through drinking water.

4. Damage To Aquatic Ecosystems

That untreated sewage water can also contaminate nearby ponds, lakes, and rivers, inevitably killing off countless fish and plant life. Over time, this damage may be irreversible, meaning that we’d lose entire ecosystems just by skipping septic services.

5. Foundational Damage

Okay, let’s step back into the house again. If you have toxic sewage water just ponding and pooling around your structure, chances are that your foundations are going to face serious water damage. This could lead to weakened foundations, mold growth, and thousands of dollars spent on foundation repairs and mold remediation. And all of that could have been avoided if you’d just invested time and some money in your septic services. 

6. Costly Septic System Replacement

It isn’t just the surroundings being impacted; due to poor maintenance, your septic tanks can crack, and the drain field may fail. This could lead to you having to replace the entire system sooner rather than later, turning small neglects into thousands of dollars’ worth of regret.

7. Hefty Fines & Legal Trouble

Speaking of cost. When your septic tank leaks and damages local ecosystems, the health authorities will step in. If your oversight is found responsible for causing such a large-scale environmental disaster, the authorities will charge hefty fines in compensation for the damages.

Signs To Schedule Septic Services

See the dangers now? Just minor repairs can turn into disastrous regrets in no time at all. But, there must be a way to avoid all that, right? Of course! Your septic tank has its way of communicating when it requires attention, and here is a look at a few of them:

• Foul odors: if you smell something nasty any time you go near your septic tank or drain field, it’s a telltale sign that your tank has reached maximum capacity and needs to be pumped ASAP.
• Slow Indoor Fixture Drainage: if your toilets, sinks, or bathtub are taking longer to drain these days, it’s another sign that there are clogs in your pipe systems. Call up your septic system experts immediately to take a look.
• Gurgling Pipes & Gutters: This is another sign of sludge clogging your pipes. If you hear anything unusual from your drains or pipes, schedule a septic tank service then and there.
• Lush Grass: While not something you might consider, a patch of unusually lush grass near the system or drain field is yet another subtle indicator that something is wrong.

Conclusion

Septic tanks are an invaluable product that keep your drainage systems efficient and prevent the surrounding land and air from getting contaminated with untreated water and solid waste. But to function properly, they require regular repairs and pumping; otherwise, you might suffer nasty odors, property damage, and health issues. Never ignore the signs that your system sends you through lush ground cover and gurgling pipes so that you always stay on top of your septic system maintenance.

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