As a homeowner, it’s easy to overlook your septic system, especially since it remains out of sight and out of mind, tucked away underground in your yard, quietly doing its job without much fanfare. But completely ignoring your septic system can have serious implications for your wallet and the environment.
To avoid these kinds of inconvenient and expensive consequences, let’s explore the dangers and hidden costs of a neglected septic tank and why it is essential to prioritize pumping, cleaning, maintenance, and inspections.
The Importance of the Septic System
Some quick benefits of a well-maintained septic system in Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Oak Harbor, Burlington, and surrounding locations are:
- It’s extremely environmentally friendly as it removes bacteria from wastewater before releasing it into the soil, and they don’t contaminate nearby water sources.
- It’s durable. An average septic unit lasts 10-30 years (and sometimes longer when well maintained)..
- It’s flexible and cost-efficient.
- It helps control strange, foul odors.
- A reliable septic system provides effective pre-treatment before the water purification phase.
- It prevents pests such as flies, rodents, and mosquitoes.
Signs of Failing Septic System
Top septic inspection, pumping, cleaning, and maintenance contractors in Stanwood reveal that the most common signs of a septic system include,
- Wastewater and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks are backing up into your residential or commercial building.
- Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly.
- Strange, gurgling sounds from the plumbing system.
- Pooling water or damp spots near the septic tank or drain field.
- Bad odors around the septic tank or leach field.
- Bright green, spongy, or lush, bright green grass over the septic system or drainfield, even during dry weather.
- Algal blooms in nearby lakes or ponds.
- High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in nearby water sources
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring the Septic System
Expensive Repair Costs
Leading septic inspection specialists in Oak Harbor reveal that you risk complete system failure when you neglect its upkeep and maintenance, which can be a major inconvenience and pretty expensive to fix. Septic system repair(or replacement) costs depend on the extent of the damage. By neglecting routine septic tank pumping, you increase the likelihood of needing expensive repairs.
More Significant Negative Environmental Impact
With poor maintenance, your septic tank can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the environment. This pressing issue can harm wildlife and aquatic life and contaminate groundwater and wells. Top septic contractors in Oak Harbor state that neglecting septic tank maintenance risks damaging your property and the environment.
Reducing the Overall Property Value
Leading septic contractors in Burlington state that an often overlooked expense of neglecting your septic system is its impact on your property’s overall value. If you’re considering selling your home in the future, remember that a failed septic system can be a major turn-off for potential buyers.
Increases Your Family’s Health Risks
A neglected septic system in Mount Vernon and surrounding locations can release harmful chemicals and sewage waste into your property, making you and your family sick.
It can also create unpleasant, strange odors, making your lawn smell bad. Expert septic specialists in Stanwood reveal that the consequences of neglecting septic tank inspection, cleaning, and pumping go beyond inconvenience and discomfort. It directly impacts your well-being and that of your loved ones.
Leading To Fines and Penalties
Septic systems are regulated by local authorities. Homeowners in Stanwood, Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon, Burlington, and surrounding locations are often required to receive regular inspections to ensure that the system meets local health and safety codes. Failure to maintain your septic system can lead to penalties and fines from local governments. These penalties can be costly and avoidable by following The Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for pumping your septic system every three to five years.
Can Cause Legal Implications
In addition to fines, neglecting septic tank inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and pumping can also result in legal liability. If an abandoned septic tank causes damage to neighboring properties or the environment, the concerned homeowner may be held responsible for the damages and required to pay for cleanup and repairs.
Top septic contractors in Burlington reveal that it is paramount for property owners to be aware of the local laws and regulations in their area concerning septic system maintenance and to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance. This includes scheduling regular septic tank pumping, cleaning, and inspections by a licensed professional like Gateway Septic.
By staying up-to-date on their routine septic system maintenance schedule, homeowners can avoid messy legal implications and ensure the proper functioning of their septic systems.
Is A Neglected Septic Tank Dangerous?
An unused septic tank in Mount Vernon, Burlington, and nearby locations can pose some serious health and safety threats to you, your family members, and your community. Septic systems contain waste that produces toxic methane gas and hydrogen sulfide, which can ignite or combust and make people sick when they inhale these gases.
Aside from that, septic tanks can break down and weaken over time. Top septic specialists in Stanwood state that if the tank collapses, it can cause a large opening that could damage your property or hurt someone. These dangerous sinkholes can occur without warning, devouring up anything or anyone who happens to be standing above them.
Final Takeaway:
Contact the professionals at Gateway Septic if you need just about any type of septic service, from septic pumping to septic installation or inspection needed for a property sale.
Our dedicated team of experts understands that the last thing our customers in Burlington, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, Stanwood, and nearby locations want is to unnecessarily deal with the consequences of an improperly installed septic system or flawed septic components. If you call on us to repair or replace septic elements or even install an entire system for you, you can trust that our experienced team will deliver reliable solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Our clientele relies on us because we offer,
- Premiere Services at Competitive Rates
- Experienced and Qualified Septic Experts
- Speedy Service
- Completion of Over 1600 Projects
- Modern Technology
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
Contact us at 360-826-5520 to schedule an appointment with our team today. We look forward to helping you out with all your septic system needs!
