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Go Beyond Empty: Why You Need To Have Your Septic Tank Cleaned

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If you have your septic tank pumped at least once every three to five years, you may think you're doing all that needs to be done. Unfortunately, that's not actually the case. Routine septic pumping may empty your tank, but that's about it. For the total care of your septic system, you also need to have your tank cleaned. Luckily, you can have your septic tank cleaned each time you have your system serviced. That way, you don't have another schedule to remember. If you're not sure you need to clean your septic tank, read the information provided below. Here are just four of the ways septic tank cleaning benefits you and your septic system.

Remove the Sludge

If you haven't had your septic tank cleaned, it could be coated with a thick layer of sludge. Sludge is the smelly portion of the solid waste that gets left behind in the septic. Sludge is heavy, which means it drops to the bottom of the tank. When your tank is pumped, most of the sludge is removed. But, there's always a small amount left behind. That's where a deep cleaning comes in handy. When your tank is cleaned, all the leftover sludge is removed. 

Protect the Environment

If your septic tank hasn't been cleaned, you may be creating a risk for the environment. A dirty septic tank can allow contaminated liquid to soak into the soil. Once the contaminated liquid is in the soil, it can seep into the groundwater supply. The best way to avoid groundwater contamination is to keep your septic tank clean. It's also a good idea to avoid flushing prescription medication down the toilet or garbage disposal. Medications that are flushed into septic tanks can also cause groundwater contamination. 

Reduce Unpleasant Situations

If you don't keep your septic tank clean, you may be setting yourself up for some unpleasant situations. A dirty septic tank can emit foul odors into the air. Because the septic tank is in your yard, those odors will fill the air where you spend most of your time. Not only that, but dirty septic tanks don't drain the way they should. That means you could end up with smelly septic puddles in your yard. Luckily, septic cleaning can help you avoid those unpleasant situations. 

Avoid Expensive Septic Replacement

Finally, if you haven't kept on top of your septic cleaning, you could be looking at an expensive replacement project. If your septic system gets clogged up with sewage and sludge, it will malfunction. Once it experiences a complete failure, you'll need to replace your septic system. You can avoid the costly replacement by having your septic tank cleaned each time you have the sewage pumped out.

For more information, contact a septic tank cleaning service.


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