Keeping Your City A Little Cleaner

There are numerous home maintenance practices to pay attention to as a homeowner. For many, emptying and cleaning a tank that lies somewhere underneath their property might not be a priority. However, it is important to pay attention to septic tank pumping schedules due to the potential dangers of an overfilled tank. The following are things that could go wrong if you delay septic tank pumping. 

1. Toxic Gases 

Gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane build up in the septic tank as byproducts of the decomposition of waste. As the tank fills up, the gases tend to be pushed out of the tank. Sewer gases are not only harmful but also unpleasant and embarrassing. For example, hydrogen sulfide has a distinct smell of rotten eggs that can make your home inhabitable. Exposure to the gases can lead to respiratory problems and eye irritation. Therefore, ask a septic contractor to empty the tank and free you from the shackles of unpleasant smell. 

2. Diseases 

Another major risk of delaying septic tank pumping is exposure to airborne and waterborne diseases. Raw waste contains harmful bacteria that can make you sick. Sewer overspills and backups may expose your loved ones to typhoid fever and cholera conditions. Airborne bacteria escaping the facility may be inhaled into your respiratory system, causing sinus infections. However, you can protect your loved ones by asking a septic specialist to pump your tank on time. 

3. Environmental Pollution 

When sewage spills, it seeps into the ground and contaminates water sources such as your water well and damaged plumbing lines. Food sources may also be contaminated because the plants absorb the sewage, which could affect the health of animals and people. Raw sewage contains unhealthy amounts of nitrates and phosphates that encourage rapid algae growth in lakes and water ponds, slowly disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Fortunately, you can protect the environment by emptying the tank on time. Delayed pumping could contaminate the environment and expose people and animals to health complications. 

4. Structural Damage 

Sewer backups, standing water, hidden leaks, and flooded yards caused by overflowing septic tanks often lead to severe structural damage. Water can destroy floors and drywall. Soaked foundations soon start to crack, so you might begin dealing with mold growth. But you can avoid expensive repair and restoration costs by emptying the facility on time. 

As shown above, there are several risks of delaying septic tank pumping and cleaning. If you want to protect your loved ones against the harmful effects of raw wastewater, you should seek regular septic services to identify any problems and enjoy timely septic pumping services. 

For more information about septic tank pumping, contact a local company.