Does your property have a septic tank? A septic tank can be one of the best ways to remove waste from your home, especially if you're in a rural or isolated area where there's no easy access to municipal sewage. However, unlike other sewage systems, a septic tank requires regular maintenance and cleaning. According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, most septic tanks require cleanings every three to five years. In some cases, it can be helpful to clean your system even more frequently. Below are a few benefits of having your septic system regularly cared for by a septic system cleaner.

1. Prevent Major Clogs and Issues

Perhaps the biggest advantage of regularly cleaning your septic system is that it eliminates the accumulation of debris that can lead to major clogs. There are many reasons why a tank could clog. People in your house could put too many solid materials down the drains. They could also put grease and other dangerous materials down the pipes. The tank could accumulate hair, dirt, and other items that lead to blockages. Regular cleanings remove those items and prevent inconvenient clogs from happening.

2. Eliminate Foul Odors in Your Home

If your tank becomes clogged, this can also lead to other issues. Waste exits your septic tank through a drain that flows into a leach field. As a blocked tank fills, there's only one place for waste to go — back up through the pipes leading to your house. The first sign you'll notice is a foul waste odor in your sinks and showers. If the clog becomes serious, the smell will spread through your entire house. Cleanings can prevent unpleasant odors from coming into your home.

3. Save Money

You may not want to spend money on septic tank cleaning, but a major septic tank repair can be much more expensive. In fact, it's not uncommon for a complete septic overhaul to cost tens of thousands of dollars. A major septic system issue can also lead to waste backups in your home, which may require water and waste remediation services. One way to avoid those major costs is to contact a septic system cleaner and schedule a cleaning. Regular cleanings eliminate debris, solid waste, and accumulated grease, all of which can cause serious damage to your septic system.

4. Protect the Environment

A clog isn't the only negative outcome you can experience with your septic system. Another potential issue is when waste exits the septic tank before it has been fully processed. The result is that trash and waste will litter your leach field. This could potentially lead to the contamination of the groundwater or surface of your yard, which could even be considered a public health problem. That's definitely a situation you should avoid, both for yourself and your neighbors. A septic system cleaner can remove solid waste from your tank so there's no risk of it draining into your yard and surrounding property.

5. Increase Your Home's Value

Have you ever sold a home with a septic system? If so, then you likely know that the system is viewed as a major component of the home. Potential buyers will ask when it was last cleaned and how regularly it has been maintained. If you haven't regularly cleaned your tank, buyers may assume that the tank will need maintenance soon. That could affect their perception of the value of your home. However, if you can show that you have regularly cared for it, buyers may view the septic system as an asset. This is just another way that working with a septic system cleaner on a regular basis can have a positive impact on your wallet.

A septic system is a great option for waste removal from your home. If you live in a rural or secluded area, this can be much more affordable than installing drainage pipes to connect with a nearby municipal line. However, a septic system can be a disaster if it is not properly maintained. Contact a septic system cleaner today to learn how you can maintain your tank and avoid those bad outcomes. Our team at Reliable Septic & Services can get you set up on a regular maintenance schedule.