If connecting your home or business to the mains sewer line is not feasible, a septic tank system is the ideal alternative. With the correct septic tank and drainage field built, your premises will have everything you need for environmentally safe sewage treatment and wastewater treatment.
Septic tanks are an inexpensive and reliable form of sewage treatment that can offer you untroubled service for several years, given that proper maintenance of the septic system is completed. Your septic system’s lifetime depends on a number of factors, the most important one for ‘how long does a septic system last’ we will look at in this report.
Factors that influence lifespan of septic tanks
Septic tank pumping-a key part of the maintenance of the septic tank is pumping your tank to clear it of waste and sludge. The frequency of pumping your tank depends on the use and size of your tank – a qualified installer will advise you on a schedule to match your needs – but in general, it should be enough every year or two.
Service-tank pumping is not the only maintenance necessary. While pumping will remove your waste tank from building up, you should also receive regular professional service. This will include an inspection to look for and correct any problems or faults in septic tanks, and possibly a clean system too.
Use – A device that is used extensively is expected to wear faster than one that is used more sparingly. Obviously you can still use your water when you need it, but you can be kind to your system by being water-conscious – for example, by ensuring that any leaky, continuously running toilets or taps are repaired, or by spreading loads of washing machines over the week instead of exhausting the system in one day.
You will also make sure that only wastewater and biodegradable products are flushed or washed away. Things such as nappies, baby wipes, sanitary products and chemicals should not be allowed into your septic tank system, because they can cause blockages and affect normal functioning.
Installation – very clearly, if you select a reputable company that is specialist in wastewater systems, your system will definitely be designed correctly and carefully – and as a result will last longer.
Tank material – septic tanks can come in different materials, with different life expectancies each. A steel septic tank can be vulnerable to rusting and has about 15 to 20 years of life expectancy. Plastic tanks last longer – about 30 years or so – and concrete tanks will last for 40 years or more, which are the sturdiest.
Environment – a qualified contractor should be able to tell you where to properly mount your septic tank, but various variables related to your tank’s climate will also have an effect on its longevity down the road. Soil acidity may cause degradation; excess water from roof runoff or proximity to streams may cause the absorption of your drainage area and backups; tanks can be impaired by the root growth of surrounding trees.
