Skipping septic maintenance leads to serious and expensive problems. As sludge accumulates, it reduces your tank’s capacity and allows solids to flow into your drain field, causing clogs and system failure. This can require complete drain field replacement costing $5,000-$10,000.
Full tanks can also cause sewage to back up into your home, creating health hazards and requiring professional cleanup. The contaminated water can damage flooring, walls, and personal belongings, with restoration costs often exceeding $10,000.
In Chicago’s clay soil, failed septic systems can contaminate groundwater and neighboring properties, potentially resulting in legal liability. Regular cleaning every 3-5 years prevents these catastrophic failures and keeps your system functioning reliably for decades.