Blog Post

Strathcona Excavating’s Septic Tank Services: Ensuring The Health and Safety of your Property

Septic tank services are important for the health and safety of your property for several reasons. 

Storing and treating the wastewater

Septic tanks are responsible for storing and treating the wastewater generated by your property, which contains a range of contaminants, including pathogens, bacteria, and chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment if not properly treated. If not properly treated, these contaminants can pose serious health and environmental risks. For example, untreated wastewater can contain harmful pathogens and bacteria that can spread disease to humans and animals. Additionally, some of the chemicals found in wastewater, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can contribute to the growth of harmful algae blooms in nearby bodies of water, which can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

Septic tanks are designed to treat this wastewater by separating solids from liquids and allowing the liquids to be absorbed into the surrounding soil. The process of breaking down and treating the wastewater is known as "anaerobic digestion," which relies on bacteria to break down organic matter and other contaminants. However, septic tanks require regular maintenance to function properly. Over time, solids can build up in the tank and block the flow of wastewater, leading to backups and other issues. That's why it's important to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that it is functioning effectively and that the wastewater is being properly treated.

Ensure functionality with regular septic tank services

Regular septic tank services, such as pumping and cleaning, help ensure that the tank is functioning properly and that the wastewater is being effectively treated. Septic tanks are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but they require regular maintenance to function properly. Over time, the solid waste and other materials that collect in the tank will gradually accumulate, reducing the available space for wastewater to be stored and treated. If the tank is not regularly emptied or pumped out, the solid waste will eventually overflow, which can lead to unpleasant odours, clogs, and other issues. Additionally, if the solids are allowed to build up too much, they can interfere with the anaerobic digestion process, reducing the tank's ability to effectively treat wastewater. This can result in contamination of groundwater and soil on your property, which can pose a significant health and safety risk.

Regular septic tank pumping and cleaning services help ensure that the tank is functioning properly and that the wastewater is being effectively treated. During a typical service appointment, a technician will use specialized equipment to remove the accumulated waste and inspect the system for any signs of damage or wear and tear. This helps identify potential issues before they become major problems and allows for repairs to be made as necessary. Overall, investing in regular septic tank services is an important part of maintaining the health and safety of your property and protecting the environment from contamination.

Avoid these potential issues 

Failure to properly maintain a septic tank can result in backups, leaks, and other issues that can contaminate the surrounding soil, groundwater, and surface water, potentially leading to serious health and environmental hazards. When septic tanks are not regularly maintained, they can overflow, leading to backups and contamination of groundwater and soil on your property. This can cause unpleasant odours, attract pests such as rodents and insects, and cause property damage.

In addition, septic tanks that are not properly maintained can also cause environmental hazards. The untreated wastewater that overflows from a septic tank can contain high levels of bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals that can harm the health of people and animals. When this contaminated wastewater seeps into nearby water sources, it can cause the water to become unsafe for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. It can also pose risks to drinking water sources.

If left unchecked, these issues can become major problems that are expensive to fix and can cause long-term damage to the surrounding environment. By investing in regular septic tank services, you can help prevent these issues and protect the health and safety of your property and the surrounding environment.

Avoid odours

Malfunctioning septic systems can release unpleasant odours, attract pests such as rodents and insects, and cause property damage. This can be especially problematic if your property is located in a residential area or close to businesses or other public areas. Another issue is that malfunctioning septic systems can attract pests such as rodents and insects. This is because septic tanks contain organic matter and other waste materials that can serve as a food source for these pests. Pests that are attracted to a malfunctioning septic system can cause additional problems, such as property damage and the spread of disease.

Lastly, malfunctioning septic systems can cause property damage. For example, if wastewater backs up into your home or business, it can cause water damage and other types of structural damage that can be costly to repair. By investing in regular septic tank services, you can help prevent these issues from occurring and ensure that your septic system is functioning properly. This can help keep your property safe, clean, and free from unpleasant odours and pest infestations.

View this as an investment in the long term 

By investing in septic tank services, you can help prevent these problems and ensure the long-term health and safety of your property. A properly functioning septic system can add value to your property by providing a safe and effective method of wastewater management. In contrast, a malfunctioning septic system can have a negative impact on the value of your property and make it more difficult to sell.

Prospective homebuyers are often wary of properties that have a history of septic system problems or that require expensive repairs. If your property has a poorly functioning septic system, it may be more difficult to sell, and you may have to accept a lower offer than you would if your septic system were functioning properly. In addition, local health codes often require that septic systems be regularly maintained and inspected. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal penalties, which can be costly and time-consuming to resolve.

By investing in regular septic tank services, you can help ensure that your property is in compliance with local health codes and that your septic system is functioning properly. This can help increase the value of your property and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. Overall, regular septic tank services are an important part of maintaining the health and safety of your property and the surrounding environment. They can help prevent costly repairs, protect your property value, and ensure that your septic system is functioning effectively for years to come.