Many properties don’t have access to a municipal sewer line and must manage waste through a septic system. A septic system is a necessary but significant investment in a property. The good news is that with regular inspections and maintenance, a septic system can last for many decades with minimal additional costs. The biggest mistake a property owner can make is taking a “don’t-fix-it-if-it’s-not-broken” approach to their septic system. Repair costs will often far outweigh the cost of inspection and maintenance, and general neglect can shorten the system’s life span as well.
Empty Your Tank as Needed Rather Than on a Set Schedule
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average household needs to have its septic tank pumped every three to five years. That said, pumping on a set schedule isn’t ideal, and your fill rate may vary from year to year. At best, you may be pumping your tank prematurely, which is an unnecessary expense. At worst, you may be waiting too long. Doing so can lead to wear and tear on the septic system and cause clogs and other issues.
Septic Tank Treatment
Biological treatments are relatively inexpensive. They can help maintain the health of your septic system and reduce the rate at which you have to pump it. According to the EPA, most store-bought additives are not only unnecessary but can actually do harm. Professional treatments are effective, but they are administered on a case-by-case basis. Your plumber can help you determine which treatments are right for your system.
Early Detection
Most experts recommend scheduling an inspection every three years, and you should never wait longer than five. One reason is to check the tank volume, but it’s also necessary to detect potential issues before they develop into problems that are expensive to repair. That includes issues with your pump, drainfield, tank, and so forth.
Preventative Maintenance
Scheduling routine inspections allows you to take care of issues early on. As a pump wears down, you may need a plumber to rebuild it with new ball bearings and lubrication. That preventative repair will be a lot cheaper than letting the pump fail outright and having to replace it. Likewise, you can greatly extend the life of a drainfield through proactive repairs such as cleaning the drainfield, replacing worn pipes, and using additives for the soil.
Resale Value
Another reason to maintain your septic system regularly is that it’s a key factor in how valuable the property is. This is particularly important if you intend to sell the property within the life of the septic system. An inspector will scrutinize the system, and you’ll have to bring it up to code prior to the sale.
If you need a septic system inspection for your home in Greensboro, NC, contact Billingsley & Brooks Septic Tank Co. today.