What is the Lifespan of a Septic Tank?
Septic tanks are a sewage treatment method that can give you many years of high-quality sewage. Septic tanks are a perfect alternative to the main sewer line, and the right septic tank can give you everything you need for environmentally friendly sewage and wastewater treatment. But choosing the right septic tank is not just about picking one general item, but you should also consider the overall lifespan of a septic tank.
What has an impact on the system?
How Often Do You Pump It?
One of the key aspects of maintaining a septic tank is about getting your tank pumped which clears the waste and sludge. The number of times you pump your septic tank will depend on the size of it and how much you use it. As a general rule of thumb, once a year or every two years is enough.
How Often Do You Service It?
Pumping removes your tank of waste, but to get the most out of your septic tank, you need to make sure you get it serviced. A comprehensive service includes an inspection and a system clean.
How Often Do You Use It?
The more you use your septic tank, the quicker it will wear out. It’s important to use your septic tank, but it’s also crucial to be conscious of your water usage. You can fix this by reducing your water usage at home while also disposing of products that may contain chemicals or waste, such as sanitary products, in a safe manner.
The Material of the Tank
Septic tanks come in a variety of different materials. If you chose a steel septic tank, you can expect it to last between 15 to 20 years as it is more likely to rust. If you chose a plastic tank, this can last approximately 30 years due to its durability. However, if you chose concrete tanks, they are the strongest material and can last approximately 40 years.
The Installation Method
It’s crucial that when you have a septic tank installed, you choose a septic tank company that understands the lay of the land. When you choose a company that is an expert in septic systems, they will take extra care and caution to install your tank, resulting in a long-lasting and stronger system.
The Surrounding Land and General Environment
A professional septic tank installer can give you invaluable information on where you should install your septic tank. However, it’s important to consider the environment your tank will live in. For example, if the level of the soil is too acidic, this can affect the lifespan of the tank, and any excess water can have an impact on the absorption of the drainage fields. In addition, any roots from nearby trees can result in damage to tanks.
Put simply, the lifespan of a septic tank depends on how much you care for it. The average lifespan of a conventional septic system can be between 20 and 30 years but if you choose a well-designed tank and look after it properly, its lifespan could go much longer.