Many people ask themselves: “How long should my septic tank last?” The answer to this question is dependent on several factors, including the size of your home and how often you flush. However, one thing we do know for sure: it is crucial to maintain your septic system!
Septic tanks need to be pumped out regularly by property owners to keep them in good condition. Property owners may wonder why they need to schedule this important maintenance operation if they are unfamiliar with septic tank pumping or how septic tanks function. Property owners can better appreciate the value of routine pumping by better understanding how a septic tank works.
There is no definite span of how long a septic tank can survive without pumping because septic tanks need regular pumping for better function and efficiency. However, this article will share different tips to keep your septic tank long-lasting and properly working.
Many factors can affect the lifespan of a septic tank, including:
- Size and number of people living in the home.
- Number of bathrooms in your home.
- Water usage habits (i.e., how often you do laundry or take long showers).
- The average septic tank will last about 20 years.
A septic tank is a big investment and can be expensive to maintain. You want to ensure you get the most out of your septic tank over its lifespan and not spend too much on repairs or replacements. If you keep an eye on when your tank needs to be serviced, you will know when it is time for a replacement.
When do I have to replace my septic system?
Every 20-30 years or so, depending on your system type (some require more frequent service than others). The frequency of maintenance required depends mainly on how much waste is being put into the system: if multiple people are living in an area with a single drain field — as would be common with a large family home — then service intervals will naturally increase in order for everything within that house’s plumbing lines stay functioning properly for longer periods between visits from technicians who specialize in this sort of thing.
What happens if you do not pump your septic tank?
Some may not notice immediate effects if their septic tank is left unattended. However, as time goes by, if the tank is not pumped, there is a tendency for the solids to accumulate, and the tank holding capacity will exceed, resulting in multiple clogging problems in the drainage system.
When the drain field starts to get clogged, these things are most likely to happen:
- The unpleasant smell of sewage in the yard.
- Areas of drain fields might become swampy.
- The draining system will become slow.
- Wastewater backing up into the house.
When the tank is full and the flow of liquids is high, the water level can drop and cause the tank to overflow.
When the tank is full and the flow of liquids is high, the water level can drop and cause the tank to overflow. Septic systems can also overflow when your septic tank does not have enough space for all of the waste being flushed down your drains. Toilets, sinks, washing machines, and showers all use water that needs to be processed by a septic system. If you have too many people using these things at once or if there is a blockage in one of your pipes (like when grease gets clogged on a line), this could cause an overflow in your system.
Overflow septic tanks can contaminate the surrounding soil, so you should clean up after it.
If you are one of the few people with a septic tank, you can probably attest to the fact that it is something you need to clean up after. That is because septic tanks can cause damage to the surrounding soil, resulting in contamination and disease.
When your septic tank overflows or fails, it is essential to clean up after it as soon as possible so that no further harm is done by allowing this type of system to remain open all day long without taking any steps towards cleaning things up again.
Conclusion
Do not wait for your sewage system to overflow. Regular pumping is needed for your septic systems. Maximize the function of your septic tanks with proper maintenance and care.
If you are unsure when your septic tank needs to be pumped, then simply call a local septic tank company, and ask them for an estimate. They will be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with your current tank and give you an estimate on how much it would cost for a replacement.