Your septic tank is an invaluable part of your property. As with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You should take the preventative maintenance of your septic system seriously. Here are three reasons why it's best to schedule regular services with your local septic tank cleaners.

1. Avoid Backed-Up Plumbing

If you don't have a septic tank cleaner visiting frequently enough, you run the risk of getting backup in your system. When that happens, your drains and toilets will start to smell. The drainage will start to slow or make gurgling noises when in use. You might even begin to notice soggy spots on your lawn that weren't there before. Don't ignore the early warning signs. Regular maintenance checks can catch these backups before they happen.

2. Save Money

As mentioned, preventative measures are less expensive than reactive fixes. This is a simple truth of life that you can apply to septic tank cleanliness as well. With some proactive thinking, you can stop breaks before they happen — with the assistance of a trained specialist, of course. During your appointment, however, you should feel free to ask for preventative maintenance tips that you can accomplish on your own. The professional will likely have some pointers such as "Check your toilet paper quality," and "Don't pour used oil down your drain!"

3. Help Your Community

Our water, as a local population, is connected much more than you might think. Failing to care for your septic system endangers those around you by posing a threat to the groundwater. This can even go so far as to damage the nearby streams and lakes. Your local wildlife does not have the means to handle septic chemicals in their environment, but you can protect them by keeping up with your septic tank cleaning services. While this depends on your neighbors' cooperation as well, be sure to do your part.

Fortunately, there are simple guidelines you can follow. According to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, you're best off cleaning your septic tanks at least every three to five years. Consider hiring a septic tank pumping service to evaluate whether or not your tank needs pumping every two to three years. For more information, reach out to our team today here at Shelley's Septic Tanks.