The Importance of Septic System Maintenance

If your home relies on a septic system, much of the equipment that handles your wastewater is buried underground and out of sight. That makes it easy to forget about—until something goes wrong.

A properly designed and maintained septic system can provide reliable service for decades. Neglecting it, however, can lead to expensive repairs, sewage backups, drainfield failure, groundwater contamination, and potential health hazards.

One of the most important reasons to maintain your septic system is financial. Routine inspections and periodic pumping generally cost far less than repairing or replacing a failed septic system. Allowing excessive solids to accumulate in the tank can eventually permit those solids to move into the drainfield, where they may clog the soil and interfere with the system's ability to properly treat wastewater.

There is also an environmental reason for proper maintenance. A malfunctioning septic system can release inadequately treated wastewater into the surrounding soil and groundwater. Contaminants can potentially reach nearby wells, streams, lakes, and other water sources.

Homeowners can help prevent these problems by having the system inspected regularly, pumping the tank when necessary, conserving water, protecting the drainfield, and paying attention to what goes down household drains.

A septic system may operate quietly in the background, but it is an important part of your home. A relatively small amount of preventive maintenance can help keep it working properly for many years.