It pays to take care of your septic tank. When maintained improperly,
the necessary bacteria in the system can be destroyed, causing the biological
machine to shut down. Then, sludge builds up and is pushed into the drainfield
where it clogs up the system. Before you know it, you have a sewage backup
and a major headache. The tank can be pumped out but the drainfield cannot.
After several tank pumpings on a too-frequent basis, you may discover that
you have to install a new septic system at the cost of several thousand
dollars. With proper care, a system should last more than 20 years.
Have your tank inspected by a septic tank professional every three to five
years-more frequently if your family uses a lot of water and/or a garbage
disposer. You can reduce the strain on your septic system by using less
water and staggering showers, clothes washing, bathing and other heavy usage.
--Don Vandervort
