Working from Home and the Impact on Your Septic Tank
With so many Georgia residents switching to working from home, furlough and kids off school, septic tanks are showing the strain. There are roughly 1.5 million septic tanks in active use in the state. Unfortunately, many of these systems were already reaching end-of-life before the pandemic struck.
More people spending time at home will understandably put pressure on an aging septic tank. However, even newer systems may need a revised maintenance schedule. If a septic tank fails or suffers damage, it can result in raw sewage backing up – or worse, finding its way into public waterways and drinking water.
Additional Water Use
It goes without saying that those additional eight hours a day spent at home will result in increased water usage. From preparing drinks and meals to washing up and showering, your septic tank will have to deal with the additional usage. At an estimate, each person in your home could contribute an additional 80-100 gallons of water per day.
What is more worrying is that the chemicals and cleaning products used in these activities can upset the balance of helpful bacteria in your septic tank. These bacteria are an essential feature in the processes that break down waste and debris. Additional chemicals and water could therefore result in a buildup of sludge and other materials, forcing the working parts of your septic tank to work harder and potentially fail.
Wastewater & Water Quality
The last thing the state of Georgia needs is a failing septic tank crisis. The consequences of a dramatic increase in home waste management systems no longer working could become catastrophic. Serious issues could range from the spread of viruses and other pathogens to the pollution of drinking water. There are several scenarios that are avoidable with proactive maintenance or the replacement of older systems.
Homeowners and businesses in northern Georgia can do their part by calling Septic Service Pro to arrange an inspection. We are committed to ensuring our customers never experience a septic tank disaster. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help keep your system functioning smoothly.
Posted on Behalf of Septic Service Pro
