How Long Does a Septic System Last?

You have probably heard a lot about septic tanks. A septic tank is simply an underground chamber made from different materials where wastewater or sewage is drained and treated. A septic tank or system can be made of concrete, plastic or fibreglass construction materials which require professional installation and management.

You might be wondering how long does a septic system last? The lifespan of a septic system depends on the type of construction material it is made of, the size, and the operational purpose. This article will guide you on what you need to know about septic tanks and their average lifespans.

Septic System Lifespan

The durability or lifespan of a septic system vastly depends on several main factors that are highlighted below.

• The number of people per household: On average, every home uses at least 110 gallons of water daily. Therefore, the bigger the house and the more people attending to bathroom needs, the more wastewater will drain into the septic tank. If too much wastewater drains into the septic tank in short intervals, bacteria and organic waste products might settle in the drain field, failing the septic system.
• Products used per household: Some homeowners might use toxic chemicals or pollutants that might harm the beneficial bacteria in a septic tank. The number of toxic chemicals used in a home can vastly determine how long the septic system will last and its overall health.
• Soil quality: The soil condition or quality vastly determines the overall lifespan of your septic tank. The soil of good condition can sustain a septic system for up to 50 years. However, if soil consists of acidic and corrosive groundwater, it can quickly minimize the overall lifespan of your septic system to 20 or 30 years.
• Installation details: How a septic tank system was significantly installed determines its lifespan or longevity. Details such as the depth of the water table, the type of material or gravel used, and the leach field lengths or dimensions are factors that determine how long your septic system will last.
• Maintenance: Like any other waste drainage system, a septic tank requires regular maintenance to increase its longevity or lifespan. If a septic tank is neglected for long periods, it can clog the drain field and contaminate the nearby groundwater. It is highly recommended to perform routine maintenance for the septic tank by pumping out inappropriate solids for at least three to five years.

Importance of a Septic System

Septic systems play a massive role in preventing environmental pollution and degradation that might be caused by inappropriately and unnecessarily discharging untreated sewage or wastewater into the environment.

Additionally, septic systems replenish wastewater to its natural means that can be healthily re-used and recycled for various purposes, including irrigation, industrial, groundwater recharge, etc. For over the last couple of years, septic systems have significantly led to the safe disposal of wastewater and night soil from the latrines in most rural regions globally.

Do You Need Excellent Repair and Maintenance Services for Your Septic System?

Welcome, All-Pro Septic, a Texas-based family-owned business offering some of the best septic tank cleaning services since 1999. We operate on a 24-hour clock system to ensure our clients are well-serviced through their needs. Also, we offer a variety of septic tank services, including septic tank installation, maintenance, repair, hydro jetting, septic tank pumping, etc., for commercial, residential and industrial properties. Call us today and get your septic system running efficiently.

Categorised in: Septic Tank Service