If you’re not connected to your city’s sewer system, then you have a septic tank and drain field on your property. All the wastewater from your home flows out your main sewage line into the septic tank, where it’s separated and eventually safely dispersed. Learning more about your home’s septic system will help you save money and maximize your tank’s lifespan.
Main Influences on Lifespan
When professionally maintained, your septic tank can last between 20 to 40 years. The specific time frame depends on your home’s usage, the type of septic system, and the composition of your soil. One of the key factors in your septic tank’s lifespan is its material. Some materials like concrete are more durable and will last much longer than steel or even fiberglass.
Properly installed concrete septic tanks have an average lifespan of 40 years or more. They tend to cost more to place, but with regular care, you can avoid harmful cracking or settling. Fiberglass or plastic tanks are the next most popular option and will last upwards of 30 years. Steel septic tanks are less common today as they can only function for a few decades before they corrode or rust.
Your average usage will also play a role, with less-used tanks lasting longer. You can roughly calculate how often you use your septic tank by the number of people in your household. The more family members, the more often the toilet or washing machine is used. You may also be inadvertently harming your system when your household flushes inappropriate items like wipes, makeup, cotton swabs, medications, or harsh chemicals. When these items end up in the tank, they can cause blockages and harm the valuable bacteria colony.
Two other significant conditions that can impact your septic tank’s longevity are your soil composition and your water table. For example, acidic soil has a reputation for breaking down concrete and steel faster than basic soil. Your property’s water table, or where your groundwater sits, will impact your septic system’s drainage and saturation rate. Both factors are usually tested before installation to ensure your septic team finds the right septic placement and material for your location.
All septic tank owners should schedule a cleaning or pumping every two to five years. Emptying your tank improves its efficiency, prevents overflow, and removes potentially problematic clogs. Occasional inspections will also guarantee your septic tank is in ideal condition and help you spot early problems.
Signs of a Failing Septic Tank
Fortunately, septic tanks have many easily noticeable warning signs that indicate they’re at the end of their lifespan. Your sinks and tubs will begin to have a tough time draining. This won’t happen in only one room but will instead become a house-wide problem. Sewage can back up into the home, coating your tubs in unpleasant, foul-smelling slime.
Your pipes will also get louder, emitting strange gurgling noises. This can point to air in the lines or large blockages affecting water flow. Outside in your yard, you may find the ground around your septic tank is wet or spongy. There may be an odd odor or unexpected, vibrant lawn growth. When your tank leaks sewage, it can function as a fertilizer for the surrounding soil, changing the color and thickness of your grass.
How to Extend Your Septic System’s Lifespan
Professional installation and routine service are key to guaranteeing a long septic lifespan. If you’re interested in making the switch to a septic tank, be sure to have your soil assessed. Follow your septic service provider’s recommendations for location and material. Keep a careful eye on what your family puts down your toilets and drains. On top of regular care, you should also monitor the tank as well as the leach field for any irregularities. Once you notice issues with your drains or yard, call for immediate repairs before the problem becomes bigger and more costly.
Best Hutchinson Septic Company
Depend on Hutchinson Septic Service to take care of your septic cleaning and maintenance in Hutchinson, KS, and the surrounding communities. Our proficient team pumps more than 2,000,000 gallons of wastewater and handles about 100 excavation-based septic services every year. We have all the necessary skills and equipment to repair or replace your septic system or lateral field. Don’t forget to come to us if you need portable restroom rentals or roll-off dumpsters. Call Hutchinson Septic Service for more info on our comprehensive septic services today.
