Are you a homeowner in western North Carolina? Unless you are in downtown Asheville, it is very likely that your home has a septic tank. While the sewer system is a bit more convenient and has less need for service, septic tanks are often seen as more eco-friendly and use more natural processes to filter out waste from wastewater as it enters back into the groundwater.

Maintaining a safe and healthy home environment requires ensuring that your septic system is working properly. Understanding how your septic system works is very crucial, as is having it cleaned on a regular basis to avoid failure. 

Why Are Septic Tanks More Eco-Friendly Than The Sewer?

Septic tanks are often considered more environmentally friendly than centralized sewer systems for several reasons. Firstly, septic systems treat wastewater locally, right on the property where it is generated. This localized treatment reduces energy consumption and infrastructure needs, minimizing the overall environmental footprint.

Unlike sewer systems that rely on extensive networks of pipes and treatment plants, septic systems use natural processes for filtration and treatment. As effluent percolates through the soil, it undergoes natural filtration, removing pathogens and pollutants and eventually recharges the local groundwater supply. 

Septic systems also reduce the risk of pollution. Any potential issues, such as leaks, are confined to a single property and are easier to manage compared to sewer system failures, which can cause widespread contamination. Additionally, septic systems help control the release of nutrients into the environment, reducing the risk of problems like algae blooms.

Homeowners with septic systems tend to be more mindful of their water usage, conserving water and reducing chemical use to protect their systems. This conservation mindset promotes sustainable water use practices and reduces the use of harmful chemicals, leading to less environmental contamination. 

The Importance Of Regular Septic Tank Cleaning

A septic tank’s primary function is to separate solids from wastewater, allowing the effluent to flow into the drainfield for further treatment. Over time, solids settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer, while lighter materials like oils and grease float to the top, creating a scum layer. If not regularly cleaned, these layers can build up and cause several problems:

• System Overload: Excessive sludge and scum can clog the inlet and outlet pipes, leading to backups and overflows. This can result in sewage entering your home or yard, creating unsanitary conditions and costly damage.
• Drainfield Failure: A neglected septic tank can allow solids to escape into the drain field, clogging the soil and preventing proper effluent absorption. This can lead to drainfield failure, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
• Environmental Contamination: Overflowing septic systems can contaminate nearby water sources, posing a risk to public health and the environment. Regular cleaning helps prevent such contamination and ensures your septic system operates efficiently.

Clean Your Septic Tank Today With Viking Environmental and Septic Services

Don’t wait for septic problems to disrupt your home and your peace of mind. Trust Viking Environmental and Septic Services for professional, reliable septic tank cleaning in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Transylvania, or Yancey counties. Contact us today to schedule your service and keep your septic system in top condition. 

By choosing Viking Environmental and Septic Services, you are investing in the health of your home, the environment, and your peace of mind. Act now and ensure your septic system receives the care it needs to function flawlessly for years to come.