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Many homes throughout the U.S. use septic systems to process household wastewater. These systems work by draining your sewage into a septic tank on the property, where solids, oils, grease, and other matter is collected and treated. The wastewater filters through the tank into a series of perforated pipes until it dissipates in the drainfield. Below, learn what advantages and disadvantages you can expect from this type of plumbing system.

What the Pros & Cons of Septic Systems?

Advantages

These systems don’t rely on a town’s pipes to remove household waste, helping you avoid monthly municipal sewage fees. They often also cost less to install than a new municipal connection. Septic systems are also greener because they recycle wastewater through the soil filtration process, so bacteria are removed before it returns to the groundwater.

With the right maintenance, a septic tank can last decades. A steel tank, for example, lasts up to 25 years, while a concrete tank provides about 40 years of service before it requires replacing. Other tank types also offer advantages, such as rust-proof fiberglass models and aerobic tanks require less drainfield space.

Disadvantages

septic systemsSeptic systems usually only pose serious disadvantages if they’re not well-maintained. The tank should be pumped every two to five years based on factors such as the number of people in your household. Because these systems are designed for only one residence, using too much water, like running the washing machine and dishwasher simultaneously, can contribute to plumbing backups and leached solids.

Irresponsible flushing practices, such as flushing cotton swabs, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and other non-toilet paper products also cause issues. By watching what you flush, conserving water, and scheduling regular septic pumping, you’ll enjoy a functional plumbing system for years.

 

Keep your septic system in excellent condition with services from John’s Reliable Septic. The Springfield, OH-based business has served the Clark County region for over 25 years, providing 24/7 emergency support in addition to septic pumping, tank installations, and repairs. Call (937) 926-1482 to schedule septic cleaning or visit their website for service and coupon information.

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