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3 Reasons Professional Septic Maintenance Is Not a Luxury

Owning a home with a septic tank may seem intimidating, especially if you're used to living on properties that connect to a municipal sewer line. While septic systems might seem complex initially, they are a relatively simple, time-tested, and environmentally friendly way of eliminating waste. Unfortunately, their simplicity does not mean that they do not require maintenance.

Man Opening Septic Tank Cover — Conyers, GA — Bowen’s Septic & Environmental

Even if you're an experienced do-it-yourselfer, your septic system is one area where you'll want to rely on the experience and training of professionals. Keep reading to discover three reasons why you shouldn't consider professional septic maintenance an unaffordable luxury.

1. Deferred Maintenance Leads to Higher Costs

If you've been a homeowner for long, then you know that ignored problems rarely resolve on their own. While some issues around the house may patiently wait for you to deal with them, septic maintenance is not quite so forgiving. By deferring maintenance on your septic system, you may turn a relatively inexpensive service into an incredibly costly repair.

The importance of septic maintenance is a result of how septic systems function. Your tank holds solid waste, while liquid effluent flows into a drainfield (or leaching field) to be naturally filtered by the environment. You must periodically empty solids and grease from the tank to ensure that the system operates correctly.

When too much waste builds up, it can back up into your home's plumbing or find its way into the drainfield. Sewage backups in your home may lead to costly water damage, while solid waste entering the drainfield can be catastrophic. A saturated or contaminated drainfield may stop working altogether, ultimately forcing you to replace the buried bed and pipes.

2. Professional Cleaning Saves Money

Not all homes and families are the same size, and not all septic tanks require the same pumping schedules. How often you need to clean your tank will depend on your family's water usage, the number of fixtures in your home, and the capacity of your septic system. Cleaning your system too infrequently can lead to damage, but pumping too often is simply a waste of time and money.

When you hire a professional to pump your system, they'll do more than just remove the waste. Most cleaning services include a tank inspection and an evaluation of the tank levels. This evaluation can help you determine if you've waited too long to clean your tank, allowing you to adjust your pumping schedule for future services.

Over time, working with a professional service can help you establish a rhythm for your septic tank service that works for your home and budget. Taking this approach will save you money by avoiding unnecessary pumping and keeping your tank levels low enough to prevent damage.

3. Do-It-Yourself Work is Dangerous

If the financial incentives for hiring professionals aren't enough, then consider that septic tank work can be extremely hazardous and may even be illegal. Sadly, septic tank accidents are not uncommon, and professionals must adhere to strict safety guidelines when working in or near a tank. Falling into a septic tank is a genuine danger, but the gases present can also be harmful.

When professionals work on your tank, they know the signs of danger and how to avoid potentially hazardous situations. Additionally, they will leave your tank in a state that ensures your family remains safe. Unsecured tank covers or even structural defects can be easy to miss as an amateur, while trained septic workers can spot and resolve these dangers.

If you're ready to work with an experienced company to maintain and service your septic system, then Bowen's Septic Tank is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for any of your home's septic system maintenance or repair needs.

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