There are many benefits to having a septic tank in your home but you might just not know it yet. Septic systems aren’t just there to help you dispose of your wastewater responsibly, it helps ensure that you aren’t damaging the environment as well. Unfortunately, not many people are familiar with this environmental benefit.
Septic systems help filter your water waste and return it to the earth as properly as possible. As per septic tank, the process in septic systems begins when wastewater will go down the drain and into the septic tank. Inside the septic tank are bacteria colonies that will help dissolve all of the solid materials in your waste water.
The solid materials will drop to the bottom in the form of sludge while scum from grease and oil sets at the top. The filtered wastewater goes into the soil on the drainfield for the soil and grass to absorb. Because this method deposits water back to nature it is the more eco-friendly.
Even the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the septic system is a mix of technology and nature, when it comes to the water cycle. The agency continues to encourage more people into getting a septic system. It really does help in keeping the natural cycle of the environment healthy.
Here are a few reasons why many environment-concerned people prefer this over other wastewater systems.
The process doesn’t require harmful chemicals
The solid materials in the wastewater aren’t dissolved by chemicals or other third-party fluids. Instead, it’s the natural bacteria colonies within the tank that dissolves and turns the water into sludge. As it doesn’t need the use of chemicals, septic tanks are the best choice for those that want to safely dispose of their wastewater.
In fact, it’s not advisable to add any chemicals inside the wastewater. These harmful elements can kill the bacteria inside the tank which would make the filtration process much harder for the septic tank. Since there are no chemicals in the process, the effluent water coming out of the septic tank is safe for the drainfield as well.
In some disposal methods, chemicals aren’t present as well but because of the filtration process, the resulting effluent is potentially harmful for the environment and wildlife.
Even the sludge and scum are disposed of properly
After 3-5 years, it’s highly advisable that you have your septic tank cleaned and pumped. All the sludge and scum will have to be removed from the tank itself. These cannot be absorbed by the soil in the drainfield as not only are these unsanitary, they’re also near impossible for the soil to absorb.
Professional septic tank cleaners take the sludge and have them sent to a treatment center where it is responsibly disposed of. It’s important to make sure that the sludge and scum make their way back into the soil as these can be harmful for both the environment and your health.
It’s beneficial for surrounding wildlife and vegetation
The effluent water that comes out of a septic tank is perfectly safe for the wildlife and vegetation nearby. You’ll notice that the grass near your septic tank is lush and never dry. That’s because the water contains good nutrients for the soil and the wildlife to benefit out of. As compared to other water disposal systems, the septic systems provide the most benefits for nature.
Tanks are properly sealed
The wastes your family generates might not be immediately safe for the environment. However, as the wastes spend time inside the septic tank, it becomes filtered and safer for the soil to absorb. Septic tanks are usually made from cement or other materials that water can’t seep out of unless there are leaks.
Since water can’t seep out naturally, none of the harmful wastes will reach the environment unless they are released by the septic tank itself.
Septic tank maintenance tips
Septic tanks can take care of the environment for you but you have to know how to properly maintain the heart of your septic system as well. As you can’t directly care for it, here are a few ways on how you can ensure that your septic tank is working as properly as possible.
- Limit the amount of oil and grease that goes down the kitchen drain. First, these will clog up your pipes, making water harder to come down. Second, these can easily pile up inside your septic tank as scum.
- Schedule regular maintenance. Although it’s advised to get your tank cleaned every 3-5 years, some septic tanks require more maintenance. If your drains begin to work slower, it might be time for a routine checkup.
- When you get sick, you take antibiotics. Some of this might go down the drain and these are bad for the bacteria inside your septic tank. A few drops here and there won’t be enough to do damage but an entire bottle could disrupt the ecosystem inside.
- Do not let harmful chemicals like bleach go down the drain. These could kill the bacteria colonies inside the tank, making filtration harder.
- Make sure that your tank comes with an effluent filter. Although most tanks come with this, there are a few that don’t. Effluent filter acts as a second filter that blocks solid waste from coming out of the tank.
- Don’t let any non-biodegradable materials get inside. These include cigarette butts, plastics, diapers, and more. Keep in mind that the bacteria inside can only dissolve biodegradable materials.
Septic systems are clearly something that you should consider investing in. A properly maintained septic system can last you for up to 40 years! It’s good knowing that your waste water is being disposed of properly. At the same time, your water also provides nature with the right nutrients to keep it healthy.
