What happens when a septic system is improperly maintained?

Improper maintenance of a septic system can lead to severe consequences, including sewage backups and system failures. A septic system is designed to treat and dispose of household wastewater efficiently. When the system is not properly maintained, factors like clogged pipes, overfilled tanks, or inefficient drainage can occur. These issues can cause the system to back up, resulting in sewage material entering homes or overflowing onto the property, which poses health risks and necessitates costly repairs or replacements.

In contrast, enhancing the efficiency of wastewater treatment, reducing operational costs, or providing better soil nutrients cannot occur when maintenance is lacking. Instead, neglect can lead to an increase in operational costs due to emergency repairs and more frequent pumping, along with negative environmental impacts. Thus, the right answer highlights the crucial need for regular maintenance to prevent significant and costly failures in the system.