A septic tank can be a necessary purchase for homeowners who live in rural communities that don’t have access to a city’s municipal sewer line. While having a septic tank can eliminate the need for septic bills each year, replacing your tank can be quite costly. We’re going to dive into how long these tanks last and what factors can influence the overall lifespan of your own septic system.
Average Estimated Lifespan
All septic tank manufacturers will include an estimated lifespan for all the septic tanks that they produce. On average, most septic tanks are rated to last anywhere between 15 and 40 years. With such a wide lifespan, it can be helpful to understand how different factors can affect the actual lifespan of your own septic tank.
Tank Material
Septic tanks are made from a variety of different materials. Steel is one that has the shortest lifespan due to its high susceptibility to corrode over time. Most homeowners will get about 20 years out of a steel septic tank. Concrete can have a lifespan of 50 years or more due to its strong construction. However, it must receive proper care to prevent cracking that could drastically shorten its lifespan.
Fiberglass tanks are becoming a popular option because they’re extremely lightweight and offer a fairly long lifespan of around 40 years. Plastic is another option that can last 30 to 40 years. The specific material for your septic tank will be influenced greatly by your budget and the soil conditions in your area of the country.
Care and Maintenance
Just like any other component of your home, your septic tank needs to receive regular care and maintenance to stay in tip-top condition. Regular inspections help to catch problems while they’re small and easy to fix. If you fail to get regular maintenance for your septic tank, the risk of experiencing major damage, like cracking, significantly increases. This will shorten the lifespan of your septic tank.
Surrounding Soil Acidity
The overall acidity of the soil can have a very significant impact on the overall longevity of your septic tank. Slightly acidic soil is ideal for most conditions as it allows for easy drain field dispersion and isn’t overly damaging to the tank material. However, overly acidic soil can easily eat away at your septic system’s components, like your septic tank, and cause premature deterioration.
Tips on Extending Your Tank’s Longevity
One of the best ways to help extend the overall longevity of your septic system is to invest in regular inspections. Most homeowners opt for every two to five years, depending on the frequency of their septic usage. You’ll need to pair pumping service with inspection services, as our septic professional will need to remove the debris in your tank to perform a thorough inspection service.
Additionally, you’ll want to avoid putting anything damaging down your septic system. This includes things like drain cleaners, grease, fats, oils, flushable wipes, cleaning products, cat litter, and even medications. All of these can deteriorate your septic tank and drastically shorten its lifespan.
Top Signs You Need a Septic Tank Replacement
As your septic tank approaches the end of its lifespan, it will exhibit multiple signs that will let you know that it’s time to consider replacement service. One of the more obvious signs is that you’re paying for frequent septic repairs. Instead of wasting money on an aging system, many times it’s simply best to invest in a new system setup.
Another sign that your septic tank needs to be replaced is that you’re regularly experiencing backups. When your tank fills up and you don’t get it pumped, it can allow sewage to back up into your home and into the surrounding drainfield. If you’re experiencing this problem often, it could be a sign that your household has outgrown the size of your existing tank. Upgrading to a larger septic tank can help prevent backups from occurring and give you peace of mind about your septic system.
Reliable Septic Tank Replacement Service
Salina Septic Service offers reliable septic tank replacement services to the Salina, KS community. We can also help with all your portable restrooms, septic tank cleaning, septic pumping, septic repair, septic maintenance, lateral field, aerobic treatment, and emergency septic service needs. Call our friendly staff today to book your next septic service consultation.
