What Happens When You Don’t Maintain Your Septic Tank?

Homes that are not connected with municipal sewage need a septic tank. It helps in managing wastewater efficiently and requires timely maintenance. Not cleaning or maintaining the septic tank cleaning for longer can lead to serious consequences.

It may cause costly repairs, environmental hazards and health risks. In this article, we will explore why failing to maintain your septic tank is important.

The Reasons To Maintain Septic Tank

#1 Sewage Backups & Overflows

The neglected septic system is nothing but causes sewage backups. A septic tank is designed to separate solid waste from liquid waste and let it drain. Without regular pumping and cleaning, it accumulates, causing blockages. 

This raw sewage blockage can back into the home through toilets, sinks and a draining system. It thus can pose health hazards and unpleasant smells due to bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogens.

#2 Plumbing Issues

Did you notice the bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are draining slower? It may be a sign of a septic tank. This is because of sludge and solid waste build-up in the tank. 

To prevent sluggish drainage, it may worsen over time, causing complete blockages and costing plumbing repairs.

#3 Foul Smell In & Around Your Property

Keeping the septic system maintained is important for many reasons. If you have any noticeable odours the definitely tank is either overloaded with waste, unpleasant smell. The foul smell seeping through your drains and in-around property is a persistent detecting sign that the septic tank is full. 

Then comes the need for immediate attention and action before the experience gets unexpectedly worse.

#4 Contaminated Water Sources

A poorly maintained septic tank can affect the groundwater, causing contamination. This poses serious risks to property, human health and surroundings. An overloaded or damaged septic system causes harmful bacteria, nitrates and other pollutants to sleep. 

This contamination affects the clean water system or resources in the environment, such as lakes, rivers, streams, etc., making it unhealthy and unsafe for drinking, agriculture, and other uses.

#5 Damages in Drain Field

It is a crucial component in a home septic system that ensures the filtering and dispersing of wastewater into soil. The improper and unmaintained septic tank can overflow anytime into drain fields and clog the entire system. 

It can lead to soggy or flooded areas in your yard. You can easily look over the lush green and standing pools of wastewater. Therefore, repairing or replacing a damaged drain field is quite an expensive process, avoided with regular maintenance.

#6 Increased Repair & Replacement Cost

Septic tanks are built to last for years; neglecting maintenance does shorten their lifespan. When a septic system is not regularly pumped, inspected and maintained, causing issues to escalate major draining issues. 

The cracks, leaks, and structural damage may require repairing with time which can cost thousands of dollars.

#7 Health Hazards For People Around

Neglected septic tanks do create sanitary conditions that cause serious health risks. Exposure to raw sewage and contaminated water leads to illness, which is a risk for families and the community.

 It can cause hepatitis, gastrointestinal infections and skin allergies. People with poor immunity systems or elders and children are easily impacted by these health issues. 

With a wider approach, water sources are polluted and create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria & pests.

#8 Legal & Environmental Damages

Many homeowners legally need their septic systems to prevent environmental damage. However, an unmaintained septic system causes fines, penalties and legal action from legal authorities. 

Untreated wastewater can harm the environment and the natural habitat of creatures.

#9 Degrade Property Value

The poorly maintained septic system decreases the value of your property. Potentially, buyers discourage the property with the risk of costly repairs and sanitation issues. 

Homes with septic systems with odours, leakages make property challenging to get sold. Therefore, regular maintenance lets the property maintain value and appeal to potential buyers.

The Proper Ways To Maintain Your Septic Tank

1. Schedule Regular Pumping: Timely septic tank cleaning when pumped every 3-5 years is important.
2. Inspect the system annually: Proper inspection of the septic system is mandatory to ensure the leakages, damages or other potential issues.
3. Flush Carefully: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like grease, paper towels, and other chemicals that don’t drain easily.
4. Water Efficiently: Try to reduce your water usage to prevent overloading in the septic tank. Apart from fixing the leakage, use water-saving fixtures and avoid spreading out of it.
5. Protect Drain Field: Completely avoid hassled parking or placing heavy items (objects) over the drain field on your property. It prevents soil compaction and system drainage.
6. Use Bacterial Additives: Ensure that high-quality products are used to break down waste and improve system efficiency. You should also get assistance from professionals before using them.
7. Go For Pro Long Remediations: Follow the septic system rehabilitation, drain field restoration and replacement if needed. Don’t delay this if you don’t want the property to be damaged any further.
8. Implement Preventive Measures: Setting up regular maintenance schedules is good. Like investing in smart monitoring technology and adopting water-saving habits apart from engaging professionals in cleaning septic tanks.

The Must-Follow Immediate Alternatives If Already Neglected Septic Tank Maintenance

1. Call the professional septic cleaning and maintenance team to take immediate steps to manage the situation.
2. Limit your water usage temporarily, as reduced water consumption would prevent further strain on the system.
3. The best solution is to avoid the use of chemical cleaners, as harshness may disrupt the bacterial balance, worsening the problem.

The Final Verdict

If you neglect septic tank cleaning and maintenance for a long time, then severe If you neglect septic tank cleaning and maintenance for a long time, then severe consequences will result. 

These may include costly repairs and environmental damages. In addition, serious health risks will impact people around you. Therefore, regular cleaning measures with biodegradable products from brands like Bioclean Septic are important. This helps in the simple cleaning and maintenance of the septic system.