A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expen- sive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need pumping every few years, depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property’s value and could pose a legal liability.
Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen, phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system is working properly, it will Heffectively remove most of these pollutants.
View the Homeowners Guide to Septics