In the world of real estate, there can be a lot of potential deal breakers, from being located on a busy street to having a ceiling with water damage. But one factor should never be considered a deal breaker, though it might at first seem intimidating to those who are not familiar with it: a septic system.
As a business offering septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN, we sometimes field questions from curious folks who are looking into buying a home with a septic system and want to know how much extra work and risk is really involved.
When we get those questions, our short answer is usually this: so long as you invest in proper maintenance the same way you would with any plumbing system, having a septic system should not pose any undue burden on your life. If you would like to know our longer answer, read on.
Knowing the basics
Before you can decide if having a septic system is right for you, you need to know exactly what a septic system is and how it works. In short, a septic system consists of a large pipe that collects and carries all the waste from your house into a large underground tank, which is typically located in your backyard.
While many people assume that septic systems are only for rural homes that do not have direct access to a wastewater treatment plant, in truth, septic systems are often used for suburban and even urban homes as well. In fact, approximately 25 percent of U.S. households currently use septic systems, meaning that no matter where you live, you probably know at least one person with a septic system on their property.
One common anxiety about having a house with a septic system is the fear that, should something go wrong with the tank or pipe, your drinking water supply will be tainted. Fortunately, septic systems are always kept completely separate from the drinking water supply, meaning that is not something you will realistically have to worry about.
Understanding maintenance
Now that you know a little bit about how septic systems work, you are probably curious about what risks are involved. By far the most common problem septic system owners encounter is a clogged or overflowing tank, which can usually be spotted by a large wet patch over the tank, or a generally slower plumbing system.
But so long as you follow a consistent maintenance schedule of pumping the tank, unclogging the pipes and performing other cleaning and service tasks, this should not be something you need to be concerned about. As we have mentioned, a septic system is just like any other feature in your home: so long as you properly care for it, it should remain in strong condition for a long time.
Help is available
If you are planning to or have recently bought a home with a septic system, you can count on Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services for effective and consistent septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN. Call us today to learn more!