Septic Tank Service What You Need to Know

Septic tanks are a common feature in the rural areas where a municipal liquid waste disposal system is either unavailable or impractical. These tanks consist of a large holding tank that is dug deep into the ground. Waste water from the home is directed to the tank through drainage lines. The holding tank allows the waste water to separate as the solids settle at the bottom of the tank. The liquid part of the waste is drained away through the drainage lines and seeps through the ground.

Those who have septic tanks in their homes rarely think of septic tank service. This is because the septic tank is located underground. Most people are rarely aware of what is happening within the tank. However, it is important to take note of some of the common warning signs that your septic tank is in need of professional servicing.

One of the most common warning signs that your septic tank is in need of professional septic tank service is the backflow of water. This is usually a sign that there is some type of blockage or clogging in the drains of your septic system or that your septic tank is full and in need of emptying. It is important to get a professional service in as soon as possible to ensure that your system is not damaged due to the pressure of the backflow.

Another sign that your septic tank is in need of professional services is the presence of an odor. The processes that occur in a septic tank are aerobic. This means that if your septic tank is functioning properly, there should be no odor. However, in cases where bacteria have been killed or there is too much waste for the bacteria to act on a strong odor is given off.

One of the signs that you should probably never wait for is leaking of your septic tank. This usually results from damage of drainage lines of the septic tank itself. The damage may be as a result of increased pressure within the septic tank or poor construction of the tank. Leakage of waste can result in serious illnesses. It can also encourage the breeding of pests such as rats that are not only a nuisance but also spread diseases.

The most important thing you need to understand about septic tank service is that you need to set up a regular maintenance routine. Many people wait until their septic tanks are damaged or there is a serious problem to call a septic tank service. The best way to deal with a problem is to prevent it from developing in the first place. Maintenance is therefore a preventive action. Ensuring that a professional checks your tank once or twice a year will ensure that any problem is spotted in the developmental stages.

Many people avoid maintenance services as they believe that they are expensive. The opposite is true. Maintenance will in fact save you a lot of money. If you are able to identify a problem early and ensure that it is fixed early, you will spend much less as the repairs will not be so involving. However, if you wait for the problem to escalate, you will have to spend much more on repairs.

You also need to know that septic tank service costs depend on the complexity of the tasks as well as the ease of access to your septic system. If the task is complex and requires greater skill or more equipment, you will end up spending more. If the septic tank is not easy to access, you will also have to pay much more.