Septic systems are incredibly popular around the country, as they provide a reliable solution to wastewater treatment. And, with regular septic services, they can efficiently remove harmful bacteria from wastewater. However, if a broken or damaged system is ignored, it can lead to serious health risks for the whole family. The guide below highlights everything you need to know about these risks and why you should schedule septic services regularly.

Avoid These Health Risks With Prompt Septic Services

1. Gas Emissions

If septic pipes become damaged, they may release harmful gases into the air that seep into your home. Methane, for instance, is highly flammable and toxic to humans, often leading to respiratory issues. Another gas that may be released is sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. Prolonged exposure can lead to irritation of the ears, nose, and throat. If your home is experiencing a septic issue, you’ll likely notice these fumes coming from heaters, toilet seals, or even drains.

2. Water Contamination

A broken system can also contaminate your tap water, especially if your home relies on well water or if the septic system is very old. Older systems typically contain thin beds of gravel and sand, which are unable to thoroughly filter the water before it reaches the ground. If contaminated wastewater seeps into the ground, it could also penetrate the well water. Harmful bacteria may then be ingested the next time your family reaches for a glass of water, leading to stomach problems, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Spread of Bacteria

Finally, broken septic systems can promote the spread of harmful bacteria. When the system stops working properly, it can become backed up, which means all the waste flushed down toilets or drains come back up into the house. Such untreated waste allows bacteria to spread throughout the home. This can lead to serious health issues like campylobacteriosis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, or salmonellosis.

 

If you think your septic system may be damaged or broken, avoid these health risks by hiring professional septic services right away. The experts at A-1 Pumping Service and Drain Cleaning in Dalton, GA, offer the services necessary to keep your home safe and healthy. With more than 20 years of experience, their team of technicians offers state-of-the-art technology to keep your system running as efficiently as possible. To learn more about their services, give them a call today at (706) 272-3352 or go online.