If you were to buy a home with a septic tank, you might be driven away by the effort and cost required to keep the tank maintained. You may have also heard of many other myths and misconceptions surrounding septic tanks that do not bode well for you.
Should You Buy a Home with a Septic Tank?
That said, do not let the word “septic tank” be a dealbreaker just because you do not know much about it. Below we’ve included everything you need to know about septic tanks to help you answer the question: “Should I buy a home with a septic tank?”
The common misconceptions about septic tanks
1. Septic Tanks Smell Bad – FALSE
Many myths surround septic tanks that can cause you to have preconceived notions about having one in a home. For example, many believe septic tanks smell bad. While it does contain foul wastewater, a well-maintained tank will not emit any odor.
2. Septic Tanks Require a lot of Maintenance – FALSE
Another common myth about the septic tank is that it often fails and requires lots of maintenance. Fortunately for you, this is untrue! Septic tanks can easily be maintained with professional help and can last multiple decades without a single failure.
3. Septic Tanks are a Contamination Risk – FALSE
There are many other misconceptions out there, such as the risk of contamination. However, many homeowners use septic tanks that do not have any adverse effects on their air and water quality and general environment.
The function of a septic tank
The function of a septic tank is simple. All it does is collect your home’s wastewater, including water from toilets, sinks, showers, and the like. This water enters the tank, allowing the solid matter to settle at the bottom. This creates an environment that is perfect for anaerobic bacteria that break the solid matter down and release the oils and fats. The rest of the water then goes out into a drain field where water seeps into the soil and is naturally filtered.
The maintenance of a septic tank
Ensuring your septic tank runs without a fault for decades is not too challenging. Here’s what you should know:
1. Use Septic-Safe Products ONLY
You should be mindful of what you flush down your sinks, toilets, and any other drain. Putting anything that’s non-biodegradable can easily clog your pipes, regardless of whether you have a septic tank.
2. Do Not Park or Place Heavy Objects On Your Septic System
You should not drive on the drain field or plant trees over the tank. These could lead to damaged pipes that can break the fixture.
3. Schedule Septic Tank Pumping
You should get your tank cleaned by professionals every two to three years. Also, if you discover any problem such as sewage backup, gurgling sounds, and slow-moving drains, call the experts immediately for a fix.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about septic tanks, the whole idea is no longer as scary as it sounds. Not only is one relatively easy to maintain, but many of the misconceptions are also false. If you’re in the market for a new home, you should know now that should you buy a home with a septic tank, the maintenance is nothing to worry about.
That said, if you buy a home with a septic tank, make sure that you schedule inspection and maintenance with professionals. With their help, you can ensure that your septic tank can provide decades of problem-free service. This leads to a safer and more comfortable environment to live in—something every homeowner wants for their home!
A-1 Tank is a family-owned and operated septic tank service provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are looking for a septic tank service in Alameda County to keep yours maintained, reach out to us!