Septic systems are main components of every residential establishment. Septic systems provide treatment of waste water generated by the home. If you want an efficient and sanitary area, you have to work hard at keeping your septic system flowing smoothly. The septic system’s longevity depends on the maintenance, pumping frequency, usage, soil conditions or type, materials, its components, and surrounding vegetation. For you to be sure that you’re very own septic system is running at its optimal best and surely for a very long time, you have to understand the various procedures that are necessary for the maintenance, cleaning, and care. With that in mind, how long do septic systems last?
Of course, you really have to pump the septic tank on a regular basis. This will make sure that the bacteria really have the chance to breakdown all the solid particles and the effluent before it gets through to the septic system leach field. Part of using the septic system is conserving as much water as you can. This greatly lowers the heavy load of the absorption in the septic drain field. You should also know what the allowable substances are that should be flushed down the drains so that there will be no adverse effect on the pipes or on the bacterial population.
The rate of percolation that the soil has and the ground water level that affect the drain fields should also be considered. A fiberglass, plastic, or concrete septic tank could last longer than a metal one if there is no mechanical damage, the concrete is mixed very well, or is surrounded by non-acidic soil. The longevity of the septic system’s components such as the filters, baffles, sand bed, and septic system drain field are all indicators of how frequent the septic system should be repaired or replaced. The vegetation that surrounds the septic tank, if too large or too numerous, may invade these components of the septic system.
If you have a metallic or steel septic system tank, expect it to last for an average of 15 to 20 years, if taken care of optimally. By the time it has reached it full life, the baffles would already be lost and it would have a rusted bottom as well. Be careful not to drive over the cover of the septic tank so that it would be able to last as long as the rest of the system. A septic system made of concrete can definitely last for at least 40 years, depending on the quality of the concrete and the pH or the groundwater.
When you talk about the drain field, it can probably last for at least 50 years, depending on the type of soil that it has or the pipe installation itself.
When buying a new home, you will be challenged with thoroughly inspecting the septic system. You should also know its complete history, size, age, condition, and pumping schedule so that you may be well versed with its maintenance and care. This will enable you to assess how long your septic system will last. Whatever your septic system is made of, you should make sure that you take its maintenance and care very seriously so that you may be able to use it to its fullest capacity. Seek professional advice with regard to this so that you may have all the knowledge that you need in caring for your septic system.