Many homes connect to the city sewage system, but rural
homes may not have that option. For this reason, many homeowners use septic
tanks. In fact, many homeowners prefer using a septic system over city sewage.
If you would like to learn more about septic systems to see if one is right for
you, keep reading.
Why Choose a Septic Tank Over City Sewage?
For many reasons, homeowners choose a septic tank system
instead of using the city sewer system. First, some homes don't connect to the
city sewage system. If that's the case, you'll have to pay to expand the
plumbing from the city to your home, which becomes a costly endeavor.
Other people prefer having more control over their sewage system.
If you connect to the city sewage system, you have no control over when workers
decide to upgrade or change the system, which can impact your home. With a
septic tank, however, you plan all the repairs and maintenance, so it works for
your schedule.
Finally, some people prefer septic tanks because they are an
eco-friendlier alternative. One reason for this is the drainfield and leach
field, which strains the waste. By the time it reaches the soil, the water no
longer contains dangerous bacteria.
In a city sewage system, however, leaking pipes are at a
higher risk of letting contaminated water reach groundwater. As an added
benefit, the nutrients from the effluent that goes into the soil helps local
plants and animals.
Do You Have to Do Anything Differently With a Septic
Tank?
Many people shy away from septic tanks because they assume
they require a lot of changes, but most changes are simple: be mindful about
what you put down the drain and try to conserve water. Even if you connect to
the city sewage system, you shouldn't flush random material down the toilet
like coffee grounds, paper towels, or kitty litter because it can clog the
pipes.
However, with a septic system, these materials can also
impact the tank by filling it with solid materials that can't break down. As a
result, your tank will fill up faster than normal. This is also the same reason
you should start conserving water with a septic tank. Too much water too fast
can cause the tank to overflow because the water can't drain fast enough.
Also, don't put household chemicals down the drain. These
chemicals may be great at unclogging clogs or keeping the pipes clean, but they
can also kill the bacteria in your septic system. This bacteria is necessary to
break down the solid waste.
How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost to Buy and Maintain?
To purchase and install a new septic system, expect to pay
between $2,000 and
$5,000. Depending on local labor rates and material availability, you may
have to pay more. You will also need to pay for regular maintenance, such as
emptying the tank as necessary.
Forgetting to maintain your septic system can lead to
serious consequences. In particular, the tank could overflow, which not only
makes a smelly mess but also could be a health and safety concern for adults,
kids, and pets alike.
This may make septic tanks seem like the more expensive
option, but in the long run, you can actually save money. A well-maintained
septic tank lasts a long time, and you don't have to pay to use it. With city
sewage, you have to pay a monthly fee just because you connect to the city
sewage system. If you end up making a lot of waste, you may have to pay more.
Septic tanks require more maintenance on your part, but that
just means you're in control of when and what to maintain. While they may cost
you more upfront, you have no monthly fee, which can save you money in the long
run. If you would like to learn more about how to maintain a septic system, contact us
at Pete's Outflow
Technicians today.
