How Long Will Your Septic Tank Last?

Septic tank remains a major system in any home, but with most people paying little or no attention to their septic tanks until it gives them a major problem, it becomes the least maintained system in most buildings. Most times, people don’t care about their septic tanks until when sewage backs up into the house or terrible odors overcome the backyard.

Most people are also often of the opinion that septic tanks are generally built to last forever, but the truth is that; on average, septic tanks are known to last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. This is a large range, but that is because the average lifespan is dependent upon a lot of factors which will be highlighted in this article.

How often do you pump your septic system

The best way to maintain your septic tank is to have the septic tank cleaned or pumped regularly. Generally, it is advised that septic tanks should be pumped at least once in every two or three years. A quality septic tank service company will not just pump your tank, but they will also inspect the tank to suggest any repairs or additional maintenance that should be done on the system.

The type of tank you have

A steel septic tank will eventually rust with time depending on the acidity in the soil around the tank. A steel septic tank starts to rust by first losing its baffles (which leads to drain field clogging) and eventually rusts at its bottom or sides. A steel tank that is about 15 to 20 years or older is probably rusted. While on the other hand, a concrete septic tank usually has a longer lifespan in excess of 40 years. But this also largely depends on the acidity of the soil around the tank and the quality of the materials with which they are constructed. Plastic or fiberglass septic tanks equally have a long lifespan except they are mechanically damaged.

Soil condition

Soil condition under and around the drain-field goes a long way to determine the type of tank that can be installed in such areas and the longevity of such tanks. Acidic soils are known to severely affect septic tanks irrespective of the materials with which they are made. It is generally advised that house-owners should employ good companies who go as far as inspecting the land around and make a recommendation on what tank should be put in.

Water usage in the building:

The level of water usage in the building will go a long way in determining the lifespan of the septic system. An unusual or abnormal water usage will saturate a septic drain-field and cause it to fail.

Wet sites

Locating a septic tank in an area prone to flood or in an area near a high water table will only mean a short lifespan for the system.

Nearby trees

A lot of homeowners who locate their septic tanks close to trees have had issues of tree roots invading the septic system.

Continued neglect of a septic tank shortens the lifespan of the sewage system and may result in system failure that might even require complete replacement of the soil absorption field.