If you own a septic tank, you've no doubt been told how important it is to keep it well-maintained. What happens if your septic system isn't cleaned on a regular basis, though? Even if it seems like everything is running smoothly, there's a reason companies like Uncasville, CT's P & H Construction and Septic Service recommend specific intervals for pumping and cleaning. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, it's worth taking a few moments to heed their advice.

As for what happens when you don't clean your septic tank often enough, the results aren't pretty. Your system could theoretically operate for decades without being pumped or cleaned, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need it. Septic tanks are designed to separate solid and liquid waste, and your system's drainfield will pay the price if it's neglected for too long. Solids will eventually be pushed out to the drainfield, but it could be years before you see any of the telltale signs within your own home. 

If you do end up seeing evidence of backed-up septic piping, that means it's already too late to prevent the worst from happening. When a septic system fails and the pipes get clogged with solids, waste will eventually make its way back to sinks and toilets in the house. Outside of directly visible waste, other signs of a failing system include slow drains, contaminated well water, wet spots around the drainfield, and the unmistakable smell of sewage. 

Cleaning a mess of this scale is much more expensive than the septic maintenance designed to prevent it in the first place, and it could even involve a full septic tank replacement. Most professional services recommend scheduling cleaning and pumping every one to three years. Technicians will come to your home, empty the septic tank, and dispose of all the waste within properly. Even if you just moved to a new home with an existing septic system, it's a good idea to hire professionals to inspect it before you start putting it to use. 

The preventive measures involved in maintaining your septic tank are nothing compared to the headache years of neglect will inevitably cause. Give yourself some much-needed peace of mind and schedule annual pumping with the experts at P & H Construction and Septic Service. Read more about their residential services online, and call them at (860) 848-8507 to speak with a member of their team today.