Not getting your septic tank pumped for years on end can be dangerous to your health and that of your loved ones. Slow drains, sewer backup, and foul smells are the first signs that you need to pump out your septic tank.

Here are 3 possible health risks of not pumping your septic tank in time. 

Groundwater Contamination

Untreated waste contains harmful substances such as cleaning chemicals and toilet waste flushed down your septic system. So, if raw sewage escapes your septic tank and seeps into the nearby ground, it could cause innumerable diseases.

Depending on the environment, the hazardous substances might make their way into groundwater or water wells. Unfortunately, drinking contaminated groundwater can cause serious illnesses, including: 

  • Cholera 
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Leptospirosis 
  • Infectious hepatitis (jaundice and fever)
  • Legionellosis (lung inflammation, joint pains, and drive cough)

Worse still, some untreated waste might end up in nearby properties. That means even your neighbors might suffer the consequences of an unpumped septic system.

Dangerous Fumes

A functional septic tank typically holds sewer gases. Its structural mechanisms prevent these gases from reaching your house. But if you neglect to pump your septic system for a long time, the waste will build up in the drain pipes, decompose, and ultimately emit dangerous fumes into the environment. 

The unmistakable rotten egg smell of hydrogen sulfide gas is the first sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped. If left unattended, the system will emit more dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia.

These fumes aren't just nasty but they also present a ton of health risks. Depending on your level of sensitivity, the smell can cause irritation, headaches, and nausea. These gases can also aggravate asthma symptoms or even cause organ damage if they reach high enough levels. Ensure you keep to a regular septic pumping schedules to stay clear of such hazards.

Mosquito Invasion

Once your septic tank exceeds its storage capacity, raw sewage and black wastewater will spill over into the drain field. Too much wastewater seeping into the drain field will eventually prevent your drainfield from absorbing too much wastewater.  

When that happens, you'll start to experience slower drainage that could lead to unusual things like:

  • Swampy areas around the drainage field
  • Greener grass above the drain field
  • Water backup in the home's drainage system

Swampy areas and greener grass will quickly form a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. These insects harbor various diseases, from malaria to West Nile and more. 

Your septic tank needs to be pumped from time to time to keep these health hazards at bay. Your septic tank pumping expert should recommend a suitable pumping schedule, depending on its size and how much load it handles. 

For more information on septic pumping, contact a company near you.

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