3 Environmental Consequences of Septic System Neglect

Experts say that professionals should inspect the average septic tank every three years and pump it every two and a half years. Beyond the basic benefit of ensuring the septic tank continues to operate smoothly, multiple health benefits come with doing so. Here are just a few of the unsung health benefits of regular septic tank maintenance.

Preventing Water Contamination

There’s a reason human beings invented plumbing, allowing waste to build up encourages the presence of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other unhealthy pathogens. These things can leach into groundwater when those organisms escape the confines of the septic tank and get into the surrounding earth—and that’s bad news if you have well water. Contaminated water can lead to diarrhea, fever, cramps, vomiting, weakness, and even death. Regular maintenance protects your water supply and your neighbors.

Begone Bad Odors

You’ll know when a septic tank is full. Probably by smell before anything else. A backed-up septic tank releases a sewage smell that may or may not be hazardous, but certainly won’t leave you feeling well. And the smell won’t stay outside. Eventually, the odor enters the home through the pipes. Leave it alone too long and the stink will linger and attach itself to the house’s interior. Persistent nausea and headaches will be the least of your problems. A smelly house is hard to sell.

Eco-health

Your family’s health isn’t the only health that should concern you. An overflowing and unmaintained septic tank can affect the local flora and fauna. Left alone in the tank, the waste will slowly break down, bacteria will take care of any contaminants, and the effluvia and water slowly separate and release into the soil. This escaped fluid is too much for the local ground to process. Contaminants can kill plants and animals and ruin nearby water supplies and any fish living there. It’s a domino effect, so don’t let your failing septic tank push over the first tile. Keep the local wildlife healthy by scheduling periodic maintenance.

Savings, Security, and Stress

Here’s one more item for our list of unsung health benefits of regular septic tank maintenance. You won’t have to face the possible stress and expense of dealing with an overflowing septic tank with regular septic pumping services. Part of being healthy is maintaining a trouble-free lifestyle. Eliminating the possibility of a septic tank emergency might not add years to your life, but it will certainly keep your blood pressure down and your mental health in a positive state!

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