A functioning septic system is something you don’t even think about on a daily basis. You flush your toilet; the system takes over from there. But don’t let this fool you. Failure to keep up with septic maintenance can cause big problems and big bills.

Kline Services strongly recommends a three-step preventative maintenance program. With regular pumping, bacterial additives, and the installation of a filter, you can avoid a lot of problems. Experts say the number one reason for septic system failure is a lack of preventative maintenance. So what does this maintenance do?

Pumping the septic tank makes sure it doesn’t get too full and removes the top layer, which is made up of fats and oils that don’t break down. If the tank is overfull, showers and sinks will drain slowly, and it can even cause sewage to back up into the house. Without regular servicing, build-up will form in the tank that is difficult to remove. If this buildup gets bad enough, it can even mean you have to replace the tank.

Even worse, without regular septic maintenance, solids can flow into the pipes of the leach field, clogging them permanently. The overflow caused by this can bubble up to the surface, creating a swampy mess. It can also contaminate the water table, affecting wells and streams. The leach field pipes must be replaced in this case.

If you wait to take care of your septic system until there are problems, it is always going to cost more and be more of a hassle than preventing them in the first place. Some issues can force you to replace the entire system, at a cost of $20,000 or more.

Fortunately, the professionals at Kline’s Services are experts at septic maintenance. Contact us, and let us help you avoid expensive problems down the road.