Your septic tank does more for you than you realize. Without it, and without a public sewer connection, you wouldn't really be able to have a toilet or running water in your home. So, what does your septic system ask from you in return? It asks that you are careful not to put too many harsh chemicals down your drains. It asks that you only flush septic-friendly toilet paper. And it asks to be pumped out every now and then. That's about it! Read more about septic services here, and you'll know all that you need to know to be a good septic system owner.
Pros And Cons Of A Private Septic System
The majority of the country relies on public water and public sewage, but there are roughly 21,700,000 other people who use a septic system (as of 2017). Septic systems perform the same task as standard plumbing, but the water treatment takes place on-site instead of at the city's treatment center. Homeowners who have the option to choose between public sewage and private septic systems should learn the pros and cons of septic systems.
Pro: Self-Sufficient
Homeowners who prefer to live off the grid will enjoy that they won't need to rely on the local municipality to supply water. In most cases, the authorities won't have any record of the property's water use. The government also doesn't require a name attached to an account, meaning increased anonymity for people who prefer their privacy.
The homeowner will also have the opportunity to control the quality of the sewage system instead of relying on the city to maintain the system and ensure sanitary processes. The homeowners will do this themselves.
Con: Mindful Flushing and Drain Disposal
Septic tanks use bacteria and enzymes to break up organic waste naturally. However, your septic system won't be able to accommodate everything the typical drainage system can process. Some items not ideal for septic systems include:
- wipes
- sanitary pads
- facial tissue
- diapers
- peels
- shells
- coffee grounds
- oil
- grease
- fat
These items can negatively impact the ability of the enzymes to break down the waste and create an imbalance in the septic system's ecosystem.
Pro: No Monthly Bills
Homeowners with a septic system will not need to pay a bill for waste management. The homeowner may contribute via taxes, depending on the location, but they won't receive a bill every month. Many people consider the lack of bills worth the expenses that come with the system.
Con: Financial Responsibility for Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs
While the homeowner will not have any waste management bills, they will need to pay for the septic system. The homeowner will make their first investment when they organize the installation of the septic system. This is the largest investment throughout the life of the septic system. The homeowner will pay for professional cleaning services roughly once a year, depending on usage and the size of the tank. Finally, the homeowner will need to pay for repairs when things inevitably start to break down.
To learn more about a septic system on your property, contact plumbing services today.