How Long Does a Septic System Last?

How Long Does a Septic System Last?

The septic system is a very critical part of your home. The entire system of a tank, drain field treats, and all the drains in your home. A properly designed, installed and maintained septic system may provide many years of trouble-free service. It needs periodic pumping to ensure proper operation and within state regulations. Metro Septic Pumping specializes in septic tank pumping. We want to keep your septic tank working properly.

Septic Tank Construction Materials

The life of your septic system depends on several factors. The most important is the materials used to construct the tank. Concrete tanks last longer than steel tanks, but concrete is more expensive and may not be feasible for smaller systems. Drain fields also have a limited lifespan; older drain fields can fail and must be replaced.

Concrete Septic Tanks

Concrete septic tanks are the most common type of holding tank. The concrete holds up well in cold weather and can withstand freezing conditions. Concrete tanks can also be used as a backup system for emergency water storage or home heating fuel.

Steel Septic Tanks

Steel septic tanks are becoming more popular because they are less expensive than concrete tanks and easier to install. However, steel is not as durable as concrete and may need to be replaced sooner than a concrete tank if exposed to freezing temperatures or other extreme weather conditions.

Drain Fields

Drain fields are a series of perforated pipes connecting the septic tank to the ground below. The wastewater flows through these pipes along with the soil's natural bacteria, which break down the waste into harmless substances that can be absorbed into the surrounding soil. Drain fields usually last about 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Soil Type

The type of soil you have will play a role in how long your septic system will last. Clay soil is more difficult to dig through and can cause problems with the drain field. Sand and gravel are easier to search but can clog up the drain field.

Acidic Soil

Soils high in acidity can cause septic systems to fail sooner than expected. The acidity level of your soil should be tested before you purchase a home or build a new home because you may need to install an alkaline filter that will allow your septic system to work correctly.

Water Table

How close your home is to groundwater affects how often you need to pump out the tank and how long it will last. If your home is close enough to groundwater, you may want to consider installing a double leach field instead of a single one, so there is less chance of contaminants infiltrating your drain field if it floods during heavy rains or snow.

How Much Usage

The more your septic system is used, the faster it will break down. For example, if you have a family of five and live in a home with two bathrooms and one kitchen sink, this will cause much more flow into your septic tank than if you lived in an apartment with only one bathroom and no kitchen sink.

How Often Pumping

You should be pumping out your tank every three to five years if you have no leaks or problems with your system. If you have a leaky pipe or something else causing excessive flow into your tank, it may need to be pumped out more often, so it doesn't overflow onto the ground or cause damage to other parts of your home (like the drain field).

Metro Septic Pumping is a go-to septic company. We are available to assist with your pumping needs when you need them.