There are two ways in which to handle waste water in your home. One is by way of municipal sewer lines that transport the waste water from your home to a nearby treatment plant. The second source is that of a septic tank. With that said, the professionals here at Steve Mull Plumbing wanted to share with all our valued clients the various advantages and disadvantages of a septic tank system.
A septic tank is installed under the ground away from your living space. Whenever you flush a toilet or run the sink in your home, the water being used is directed into the septic tank by way of underground pipes and the waste and water are then separated. The water itself is removed from the septic tank into the ground and the waste is separately collected until it is time for routine maintenance and it is pumped out.
A septic tank requires you to give focus to the amount of water you are using at any one time, which actually forces many people to be more efficient since they do not want to overwhelm or overwork their septic system.
The Advantages of a Septic Tank System
A septic tank tends to be more cost efficient since extensive underground sewer lines are quite costly to build, install and maintain. A septic tank, on the other hand, is much cheaper to install and does not require monthly maintenance costs to homeowners.
Another advantage of a septic tank is the fact that they are quite durable and when properly maintained rarely ever need to be replaced.
A final advantage of a septic tank is the fact that they are environmentally friendly. They do not contaminate water supplies and they actually remove any bacteria before the water is released into the ground or soil. In addition, all of the recycled water is absorbed by various types of plant life nearby making it quite environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages of a Septic Tank System
Septic lines can become clogged by a wide range of different materials that should not be either put down the drain or flushed down the toilet. You are able to detect a clogged septic tank by a sink or tub that is draining slowly, or toilets that flush every bit as slowly. When these signs are detected be sure to contact a certified plumber to perform an inspection and provide effective solutions.
Another septic tank disadvantage is the fact that they require to be pumped every 2-5 years with a cost to the homeowner that ranges anywhere between $250 and $450 per pumping.
A final disadvantage is the fact that there are times when a drainage pipe that is connected to your septic tank can break for a number of reasons. Whether tree roots, a digging mishap, or even a vehicle or object interfering with the pipe, when a drainage pipe is damaged, you will surely find yourself faced with an enormous problem and mess. The waste water will then leak into your soil causing the ground to become saturated and will produce a very foul, unpleasant smell. This will require the ruptured drainage pipe to be replaced immediately and can be quite costly.
Having shared these facts with you, it goes without saying that a septic tank system when properly maintained and when homeowners are focused on their overall water usage, can provide you with a low-cost waste water management system that is both reliable and dependable.
Remember, if you have a septic tank and run into any problems with it, or if you are in need of any type of plumbing services or repairs, then the folks here at Steve Mull Plumbing are the team for you. Give a shout out to our staff and schedule your needed appointment. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality plumbing products and services this side of Tennessee. Our team is just a phone call away, so if you have a plumbing challenge on your hands, don’t delay. Contact our friendly team today!!
