A septic tank is an underground container used for the disposal of wastewater from houses and small buildings that are not connected to a public sewer system. It is designed to separate solids from liquids while allowing bacteria to break down the waste. It is an important part of a house in rural areas.
The first chamber of a septic tank receives all the wastewater from the house and separates the solids from liquids. Solids such as food particles, human waste, and toilet paper settle to the bottom of the tank while fats, oils, and other lighter materials called scum, float to the surface.
In the second chamber, further settling of solids occurs and bacteria continues to break down the waste through the process of anaerobic digestion. The clarified effluent then exits the tank through the outlet pipe and is dispersed into the surrounding soil through a leach field or drain field.
Septic tanks are often used in rural areas. Maintaining a septic tank is crucial for keeping a household and surrounding waterways safe from exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Failing to keep a septic tank system in good condition can lead to diseases. Here are some reasons to maintain your septic tank.
1. Protects Public Health and Safety
Septic tanks treat household wastewater by breaking down the solid waste and discharging treated liquids into the soil. A well-working septic tank system prevents harmful bacteria and viruses from entering the surrounding soil and nearby bodies of water.
Once exposed to the organisms not treated by a septic tank, humans and animals could become sick from the harmful pathogens. When a septic tank system is not adequately maintained, the waste material within the tank can overflow, contaminating the surrounding soil and water.
This can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, which can lead to serious health problems. The responsible and regular maintenance of septic tanks can protect public health and safeguard the quality of groundwater sources and local streams and lakes.
2. Prevents Costly Repairs
If you fail to maintain your septic system, you risk complications that can cause damage to the system that could require costly repairs. Hiring a plumber for the maintenance of your septic tank can save you from these costly repairs which can also lead you to replace the whole system.
This is because the build-up of waste matter can cause clogs and backups that strain the system’s components. Components in the system such as drain fields or the septic tank would in time break down and replacement would become necessary.
Regular maintenance is crucial not only for the septic tank system but also for the longevity of all other plumbing components in the house.
3. Keeps the Environment Clean
Untreated sewage that overflows from a septic tank can contaminate the nearby groundwater and surface water. Illnesses that are caused by exposure to sewage can be life-threatening or severe.
It can have a bad effect, especially on people who have compromised immune systems, like children, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses.
