Getting rid of waste is a necessity, whether it’s done via sewer or septic tank. However, one is greener than the other when done correctly – so let’s take a look at the positive reasons to use a septic tank.
According to Wikipedia,
“A septic tank is a key component of a septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas that lack connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations. Other components, generally controlled by local governments, may include pumps, alarms, sand filters, and clarified liquid effluent disposal methods such as a septic drain field, ponds, natural stone fiber filter plants or peat moss beds.”
Septic Tanks Are Good For The Environment
Septic tanks eliminate waste by using the natural filtering process of the soil. Wastewater is first filtered by the septic tank before ending up in the leachfield or drainfield. Bacteria is filtered by the soil once the wastewater is out of the septic tank, which makes the water safe to re-use. The use of septic tanks allows for local water tables to be naturally replenished. Local water tables benefit the wildlife in the area and septic tanks contribute to this cycle by recycling wastewater.
Septic Tanks Last For Years
A septic tank can last for several years as long as it is properly maintained and regularly pumped. In most cases, septic tanks last between 20 and 40 years. It is possible to use a septic tank for a longer time span with proper care and maintenance. It is important to find the right professional to regularly maintain the tank and prevent clogs and other issues.
Septic Tanks Are An Affordable Option
Installing new pipes to eliminate wastewater via a public sewage system is usually more expensive than using a septic tank. If your property is larger than an acre, a septic tank will probably be a more affordable option. The cost of having a tank installed varies in function of where you are located, what kind of system you need and how large the tanks needs to be. In the longer term the cost of a septic tank pump, pumping and maintaining the tank will be lower than what using a public sewage system would cost.
Schedule A Septic Tank Pumping
You need to have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis. The cost of maintaining your septic tank is lower than the cost of relying on a public sewer system. Besides, using a septic tank is a better option for the environment.
Why You Should Consider A Septic System
Using a public sewer system to eliminate wastewater can be expensive. A septic tank is usually a more affordable option and there are other advantages associated with these systems. You need to consider different factors such as cost, longevity and your environmental footprint when choosing a wastewater elimination system. The local water supply is often heavily used for recreation and for health in coastal areas. You need to do your best to keep your system in good working order to reduce your environmental footprint if you live in one of these areas.
Septic Tanks Are Better For The Environment
Using a septic tank will reduce your environmental footprint since this system uses the soil’s natural filtering process to eliminate wastewater. The water is filtered by the septic tank before being released in the soil. The soil then filters the bacteria so that the water is safe to drink and use again. Using a septic tank means you will be contributing to replenishing the water table located under your property. Recycling your wastewater on your property means the local water table is always being replenished, which is beneficial for the vegetation and wildlife.
You Won’t Have To Replace The Tank
Your septic tank can last as long as your home will if you maintain it. You can use your septic tank for up to forty years and even more if you have a professional inspect and maintain it regularly. You need to look for a professional who can service your septic tank whenever needed to prevent damages and clogs.
Septic Tanks Cost Less
Using a public sewage systems means your water bills will be higher. Relying on a septic tank is a lot more affordable since there are no costs outside of the initial installation and the occasionally maintenance. The cost of having a septic tank installed depends on how big of a tank you need, what kind of system you want to have installed and where your property is located but you will end up saving money on the long-term.
Have Your Septic Tank Pumped
You need to have your septic tank pumped and inspected on a regular basis. You can do this with a septic tank pump or hire somebody to help. It is important to make sure your septic tank is in good working order to extend its longevity and avoid issues. This will help you save money while reducing your environmental footprint.
How To Properly Care For Your Septic Tank
- Keep some records. You should have copies of any system plans or drawings and some service records. This will make your septic tank easier to find and will give you an idea of how often the system needs to be inspected and maintained.
- Be careful with laundry. Ideally, you should do your laundry throughout the week instead of washing all your clothes within the same day. Use dryer sheets instead of a liquid fabric softener and choose detergents that are biodegradable and that do not produce suds.
- Fix your plumbings. If there is a leak in your house, a lot of water might be drained into the septic tank. Inspect your fixtures and repair any leaks you find. This will make your septic tank and drain field last longer.
- Be careful with water softeners. Your local regulatory authority might allow you to use softeners that are released depending on how much water you use. However, you should know that water softeners can cause damage to your septic system.
- Be careful with food waste. Your local regulatory authority might allow you to use a garbage disposal. Keep in mind that you will have to remove solids from the septic tank on a more frequent basis if you use a garbage disposal. It is best to use the garbage to get rid of large quantities of food waste.
- Do not pour fats, oils and grease in the drains. This will lead to clogs and can make it difficult for the bacteria to break down the waste in your septic tank.
- Use biodegradable cleaners. Clean and disinfect your home with citric acid, chlorine and other biodegradable products. Avoid using products that contain pine oil or quaternary ammonia. Avoid using drain cleaners to get rid of clogs unless you absolutely have to.
- Floor drains should not be connected to your septic system. If there are floor drains in a garage or a work room, gas, saw dust or oils could end up in your septic system.
- Never flush medicine. Any prescription drugs that contain antibiotic could negatively impact your septic system. It is best to throw away old medicine in the trash or to bring it back to your doctor or local pharmacy.
- Do not use additives. You can find enzymes and additives for septic systems but the tank should already contain all the bacteria needed to break down waste. Using additives or enzymes is not necessary and could be harmful.
- Be careful with toilet paper. Choose non-quilted paper and avoid buying paper with color dyes since bacteria might not be able to break down the dyes. If you use brown toilet paper that has not been bleached, you should know that the break down process might take longer and that you will need to have your septic tank pumped more frequently. Do not flush thicker materials such as paper towels or wipes.
Image credit: flickr
