Septic tanks typically last between 15 and 40 years. How long exactly will depend on other factors, like the type of materials used, its design, the soil acidity, the water table, and how well it has been maintained. If your tank is starting to show signs of aging, it’s important to understand why. In this blog, we’ll cover the reasons behind a decrease in a septic tank’s longevity.
What Causes a Septic Tank’s Lifespan to Decrease?
Excessive water use is the most common way a septic tank’s lifespan is shortened.
This happens in a number of ways, but mainly through excessive showers or frequent, large laundry loads. Too much water doesn’t allow solids to sink to the bottom of the tank and the scum to rise to the surface.
Materials Used to Construct the Septic Tank
Some tanks last longer than others due to their structural integrity. The primary factors of structural integrity are the material type and the installation quality.
Steel Tanks
Steel rusts. And for that reason, steel septic tanks have the shortest lifespan of them all. Well-maintained steel tanks can last for up to 20 years. If you currently have a steel tank that is over 10 years old and hasn’t been examined, it’s important to schedule an inspection.
Fiberglass and Plastic
Fiberglass and plastic tanks last nearly as long as concrete septic tanks (if properly cared for). However, this level of longevity comes at a high price tag since most average around $1,200 to $2,000.
Concrete Tanks
Concrete septic tanks have the longest lifespan, often between 40 and 100 years. But they’re usually the most expensive. If a concrete tank doesn’t get clogged or corrode due to contact with acidic substances or soil, it can enhance your septic system’s general lifespan.
Drain Field
The drain field consists of a series of pipes that spread off from your septic tank and into your yard to distribute the wastewater. They’re often made out of PVC pipe, steel, or cast-iron material.
The performance of the drain field, otherwise called the “leach field,” can negatively impact your tank’s lifespan if it’s not properly maintained. When the drain field pipes are correctly positioned and taken care of, they can last up to 50 years. If they’re not maintained through annual cleanings, the tank can load up on wastewater and overflow, polluting the property and giving you a costly bill to clean up. Clogged drainage pipes in the drain field lead to an overworked septic system that reduces the overall lifespan.
Soil Type and a Septic Tank’s Lifespan
The soil type will determine how well your wastewater can travel and distribute into the soil. The water is more likely to overflow into the tank if it’s hard or clay-like.
Non-Acidic or Alkaline Soil
The best soil type for healthy septic tank bacteria is non-acidic, slightly alkaline, or neutral soil. Neutral soil — by far —will help your system last the longest. Acidic soil will degrade plastic or steel drainage pipes over time, leading to costly issues.
Highly Acidic Soil
Be careful. Highly acidic soil shortens the lifespan of your septic system. This is because acidic soil will corrode your drainage pipes over time. To check your soil type, schedule an appointment with a technician. If the soil can’t be replaced, more frequent maintenance should be scheduled to ensure the tank lasts.
Key Takeaway: Keep your soil type in mind when planning scheduled tank maintenance.
Water Table
The very top water layer beneath the soil’s surface is called the water table. If it’s low, it allows the sewage water to filter into the soil. If it’s too high, the soil can’t absorb the sewage water from the drainage field. When there is nowhere for the water to go, it returns back to the tank, causing excess water runoff.
The more this happens, the more it significantly reduces the lifespan of your septic tank. If your property happens to be located in a flood zone, it might have a higher water table — which means water runoff is happening more frequently.
The best solution would be to redesign your system to account for a high water table.
Usage Frequency
How many people are using it, and how frequently? As you might expect, the more you use your septic tank, the more work it has to do, leading to a rapidly aging system if overworked.
When too many people are doing laundry, taking showers, and running faucet water at the same time, it puts an unnecessary toll on your system. In addition, inappropriate use of your septic tank can also hinder its lifespan.
For example, flushing inappropriate items down the drains:
- Hair
- Paper towels, facial tissue, and napkins
- Wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cooking grease
- Paint
- Adhesives, grout, and mortar
Key Takeaway: Chemicals can interfere with the natural bacteria in the tank, causing it to malfunction and considerably lower its lifespan. Flushing down large plastics in the toilet can clog a pipe and disrupt water flow, hurting your septic system.
Signs of a Failing Septic Tank
As a septic system reaches the end of its lifespan, it does the inevitable: fail.
If your system malfunctions and causes environmental damage, local regulating authorities will demand that you fix it. Taking proper care of your system is important to avoid this, and to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Some of the signs that your system is failing include:
- Drains are slow to get rid of water
- Water is backing up into the residence
- Wet patches of soil and foul smells
- Drains back up during rainstorms
- Constantly needs to be pumped
- Excessive vegetation and growth above the septic tank
Tips to increase a Septic Tank’s Lifespan
The best way to ensure your septic tank lasts for years to come is straightforward:
- Ensure correct installation and materials
- Use it appropriately (don’t flush toxic chemicals)
- Routine maintenance (get it regularly pumped and inspected)
- Watch for and prevent signs of failure
Risks Associated with Poor Septic System Maintenance
Neglecting your septic tank system can have serious repercussions; its upkeep is paramount. Poorly maintained tanks can lead to contaminated water sources and health risks for those living in or near the affected area.
The first risk is that untreated wastewater may contaminate drinking water supplies. A poorly maintained and cleared septic tank can lead to overflow into close-by water sources, like rivers, streams, or lakes. The potential for polluted water to enter into public drinking sources, resulting in health risks for those who consume it, is a serious consequence of failing to regularly service and empty septic tanks.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and septic tank cleaning can help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements and the environmental risks of a faulty system. Routine cleanings can help maintain your septic system in top condition for an extended period and avert costly repairs or replacements.
Contact Missouri Septic Services, Your Southwest Missouri Septic Systems Experts
If you’re a homeowner with a septic system, having a reliable and trustworthy provider for all your septic needs is essential. That’s where Missouri Septic Services comes in. As a family-owned and operated business based in Springfield, MO, we pride ourselves on providing environmentally friendly sewage and non-hazardous wastewater disposal services and expert septic system repairs and installations. Our team of experienced septic system professionals is trained to handle any issue that may arise with your septic system, including drain field repairs. We understand the importance of keeping your septic system functioning correctly, not just for the health and safety of your family but also for the environment. That’s why we use eco-friendly methods to dispose of waste and ensure that our services always comply with local regulations.
Want to ensure your septic system runs smoothly while minimizing its environmental impact? Contact us today to find out how we can help!
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