3 Reasons a Home With a Septic Tank Shouldn’t Scare You Off

Septic tanks have gotten a bad reputation in the last decade. In the 1990s, they helped fill the demand from an explosion of suburban housing developments. In the last 10 years, stories of their failings and costly repairs filled the news. It is important to note that older septic systems were only built to last around 20 years.

With care and regular maintenance, septic tanks offer a lot of advantages. It’s necessary to keep up with yearly inspections to spot problems requiring septic tank repair Antioch. If you have an older tank, then it may need to be pumped out every five years. If these simple steps are taken, then there is no good reason to avoid these types of systems.

Cost

The cost of installing a new septic system is considerably less than hooking up to a public sewer. Depending on the type of tank and location, installation can cost from $4,000 to $10,000. Most sewer hookups cost between $20,000 to $30,000. With a sewer, you will also have a monthly bill to pay.

Environment

When working correctly, a balanced septic tank is much better for the environment than a sewer treatment plant. Plants can only reduce wastewater, often using chemicals to do so. The remainder of the wastewater is dumped into nearby waterways because it cannot be reused. It’s no surprise that waterways near treatment plants have seen record-high spikes in wastewater levels.

In contrast, septic tanks use naturally occurring bacteria to decompose waste. Cleaned wastewater is then distributed back into the ground through drainage fields. In the ground, water is filtered more thoroughly before it returns to the groundwater supply.

Independence

Septic tanks work independently from your neighbors, the township and large-scale processing plants. You do not need to rely on infrastructure to meet the growing needs of its residents. Most people with septic tanks also have a well, creating a closed system. Water from the well provides water to the home. As water goes down the drain, it is collected, cleaned and then released back into the ground where it came from.