Failing to pump your septic tank regularly is not only harmful to your septic system, but it can also be hazardous to your health. Slow drains and bad smells are the first signs that your septic system needs pumping or septic tank pump repair. Here are some of the possible consequences if you don’t act fast.

Potential Consequences of Septic Tank Pump Malfunction

1. Pathogens Backing Up Into Your Home

An overflowing septic tank will eventually cause sewage to back up into toilets, showers, bathtubs, and sinks. That wastewater will contain pathogens — bacteria that cause illnesses such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis are often found in sewage. Wastewater can also be a hotbed for viral diseases such as Hepatitis A, norovirus, and rotavirus.

2. Contaminated Groundwater

If waste escapes your septic tank, hazardous substances could seep into the earth and make its way into groundwater. Those substances could include cleaning products or other chemicals that have been flushed down the toilet or gone down the sink. If you have a well, test it regularly. If your well water tests positive for any chemicals or has a high nitrate content, it’s time to call a septic tank pump repair company.

3. Dangerous Fumes

Those nasty smells aren’t just unpleasant; they could be dangerous. While the rotten egg smell of hydrogen sulfide will get your attention, it’s the carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen dioxide you should be worried about. These gases may not only cause irritation, but they can also exacerbate asthma symptoms, cause organ damage, and may even be fatal if they reach high enough levels.

4. Toxic Yard

If you have pets, you should be concerned about how an overburdened septic system could turn your yard into a toxic area. A roll in the grass could introduce your pet to parasites found in wastewater. The parasites can cause diseases like hookworm, tapeworm, and giardiasis. If you see that the grass around your septic tank is looking extraordinarily green and healthy, that’s not good news — it’s a sign that your septic system is backed up.

5. Invasion of Mosquitoes

Pooling water is another sign that you should call a septic tank pump repair professional. That stagnant water will quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The mosquitoes breeding in the wastewater could carry a variety of diseases, from West Nile virus to malaria.

If you are looking for septic tank pump repair, call the experts at Beckham Septic Tanks and Ditching Service in Enterprise, AL. This family-owned business has been serving Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Houston, and Pike counties for over 65 years. They provide septic tank installation, maintenance, and repairs, as well as demolition, erosion control, excavation services, and land clearing. Call (334) 347-2362 to schedule a free estimate or visit their website to learn more about their services.