By Suck 'Em Up Pumping
www.SuckEmUpPumping.com
A failed septic system has a way of ruining your day. Fortunately, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way.
New homeowners deserve the confidence and peace of mind of knowing their drains all flow trouble free. Asking the health of the septic system is a good question before you buy. But the answer, unfortunately, lays buried deep under ground. The best way to know is if the previous homeowners kept accurate records of the septic system’s maintenance. If they were of the “leave well enough alone” school of thought, a new owner may have unexpected expenses in their future. The best option for anyone who doesn’t know their septic systems’ status is to create a fresh start by emptying the tank and starting a service record.
Experts recommend pumping the system every 3 years at least. Failure to do so can destroy proper system drainage and result in major repairs or force replacement, costing thousands of dollars.
Why pump the tank? In general a septic system is comprised of a tank, which accumulates solids, and a drainfield, where bacteria and contaminants from liquid waste are treated by biological processes in the soil. If the tank fills with solids, which then overflow into the drainfield, the solids clog the pores in the soil and destroy the effectiveness of the drainfield. While some clogging of soil pores slowly occurs even in a properly functioning system, excess solids from a poorly maintained tank can completely close all soil pores so that no wastewater can flow into the soil. The sewage will then either back up into the house or flow over the ground. Yuck. Pumping the septic tank after the drainfield has become completely clogged will not rejuvenate the system. A few days later, the tank fills up and the liquid has nowhere to go once again.
If this happens, you may need to construct a new drainfield on a different part of your lot. Imagine the bulldozers tearing up your carefully landscaped yard, irrigation lines and all, to put in a new drainfield, and you will faithfully maintain your septic system forever. Even conscientious maintenance won’t make it last forever, but the system should work for years without problems.
Be sure to schedule an entire septic system inspection by a qualified professional pumping company, and include a service pumping every time you purchase a property with an existing septic system.
About the Author: Suck ‘Em Up Pumping was established in 1990 by Rodney & Lisa Allgood, and has continued to provide Maui County with the most reliable and quality care of septic systems island wide.
Suck Em Up Pumping
All Good Enterprises, Ltd.
Phone: 808.877.3934 or 808.572.2877
Fax: 808.877.3925
Website: www.SuckEmUpPumping.com
Email:
Statements or expressions of opinion appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily the views or opinions of MAUI, A Property Portfolio LLC, its publishers or staff. MAUI, A Property Portfolio LLC, its publishers and staff disclaim any liability arising from reliance upon any information or opinions contained herein.
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