Skipping regular septic tank cleaning leads to expensive problems that get worse over time. When sludge and scum layers get too thick, they start flowing into your drain field, clogging the soil and causing system failure.
You’ll first notice slow drains, bad odors, and gurgling pipes. Eventually, sewage backs up into your home or surfaces in your yard. At this point, you’re looking at thousands in repair costs, not just a few hundred for routine cleaning.
Drain field replacement can cost $3,000 to $8,000 or more. Regular pumping every few years is cheap insurance against these major expenses and the health hazards that come with septic system failure.