How Could Septic System Failure Create Health Risks?

July 23, 2020 5:50 pm Published by Writing Staff

A failing septic system could result in some significant problems for you as a homeowner, both inside and outside of your home itself. Perhaps chief among these problems is the potential health risks you and your family face if the problem is not quickly rectified.

Here’s an overview of what you should know about the risks of septic system failure in Texas and what you should do to prevent it from occurring.

Why septic system failure could be hazardous

The failure of a septic system will often result in toxic fumes being released from inside the system. Over time, various gases form in the tank due to the waste and the reactions it has with the bacteria that eat away at it.

As an example, methane is a common byproduct of the processes that occur in the septic system. When released, it can be quite dangerous, as it is toxic to both people and pets and is highly flammable.

Another example of a toxic gas that is likely to be released due to septic system failure is sulfide gas. This gas has a horrible “rotten egg” sort of smell, and if it’s left unaddressed for too long, the exposure can cause irritation in the nose, throat and mouth.

Airborne bacteria can also arise from septic system fumes. These bacteria can result in sinus infections and cause or worsen a variety of other respiratory problems. Inside the septic system, bacteria are highly beneficial for their ability to break down solids and waste, but septic system bacteria are not meant to become airborne where people can be exposed to them.

Finally, failure of a septic system could result in mold spores going into your home, which will also cause or worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies. If you do not address the presence of mold spores immediately, those spores could result in mold growth around the home, particularly in areas like the bathroom or basement where there is more likely to be standing moisture at any particular time. The worse mold problems become, the more difficult and expensive they can be to resolve, and the more damage it could do to some of the structural components of your home.

What can you do?

The best thing you can do to prevent septic system failure is stay on top of your regular septic system repair and maintenance in Texas. Have a professional come out and inspect the system once a year or so to make sure everything is in good operational condition. Make sure you take care with what you put down your drain, and limit grease discharge as much as possible. Finally, avoid planting trees or shrubs near the system so the roots do not interfere, and avoid parking or driving heavy vehicles or equipment on top of the septic system.

For more information about addressing septic system failure in Texas, contact Countryside Construction Inc. today.

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