Septic tanks are out of sight and out of mind for most homeowners. Homeowners rely on a septic system to treat and dispose of household water. This makes it a very important part of your home. Proper operation and maintenance can have a big impact on how long it lasts and how it works. In most communities, it is your responsibility to maintain your septic system. If you are need of maintaining septic system, please contact Mike Wilson Plumbing at 804-641-6570 or visit us at www.mikewilsonplumbing.com.
Why Invest in Maintaining Your Septic System?
There are three main reasons to think ahead about your septic system:
Money
Septic systems that are failing are expensive to repair or replace. Poor maintenance is the number one cause for early system failures. Overall, preventative maintenance costs very little compared to the replacement of a full septic system. On average, it typically costs $3,000 to $10,000 to replace a septic system. On the other hand, it costs $50 to $150 to inspect a septic system, and $150 to $250 to pump it.
Protecting Your Family
The second reason and most important to maintain your septic system is to protect your family’s health, your community, and the environment. When septic systems fail, untreated household wastewater releases into the environment. Any contact with untreated household wastewater that contains human waste can cause significant health risks, and can contaminate nearby wells, groundwater, and drinking water sources.
Chemicals improperly released through a septic system can also pollute local water sources. This can contribute to local system failures. This is why it is important for homeowners to educate themselves on what should be disposed through a septic system.
Community Economic Health
Finally, failed septic systems usually cause property values to decrease. Sometimes building permits cannot be issued. Also, real estate sales can be delayed for these properties until systems are properly repaired or replaced. Failed septic systems can contribute to pollution of rivers, lakes, and shorelines that communities use for commercial or recreational activities.