If you have a septic system at your home in Chappaqua, NY, you may be wondering how long it will be before you need a septic tank repair. The truth is, there are quite a few factors to consider when estimating how long it may take before your septic tank needs a repair. In this article, we will share what you can do to prevent even needing repairs in the first place, as well as additional information about the approximate lifespan of a septic system.
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What You Can Do to Prevent Needing Septic Repairs
It’s good to be proactive so that you can avoid the hassle of needing a septic system repair.
Keep Up With Septic System Maintenance
Many septic system companies offer services to maintain your septic system to ensure it works properly for many years. They can set up a schedule to routinely inspect your septic system every so often to ensure everything is working properly.
Septic tanks should be pumped approximately every three to five years, but factors such as the type of septic system you have, household size, volumes of solids, and septic tank size can affect how often it needs to be done.
Ensure Your Septic System Is Properly Installed
When a septic system isn’t installed properly, you will more than likely have issues with it. The installation site needs to be properly excavated so that it’s level, the correct depth, and at the right pitch to ensure proper drainage.
Follow Septic System Recommendations
Septic system usage guidelines must be followed to ensure the proper operation of the system. For example, certain materials and items should not go down the drain as they will clog up the system. Avoid putting facial tissues, coffee grounds, cooking fats, wet wipes (even the flushable kind), and feminine products into the system via sink drains or flushing them down the toilet. Be sure to watch the water level in your septic tank and avoid putting too much water into the septic tank at once because it can prevent the system from working properly.
The Average Lifespan of a Septic System
The average lifespan of a septic system is generally between 15 to 40 years. Exactly how long the lifespan is will depend on a variety of factors. For example, the soil acidity, maintenance practices, the water table, and what material the system is constructed out of all play a role. Plus, it needs to be installed correctly.
Steel septic tanks tend to have the shortest lifespan because they are likely to rust. You can expect a steel septic tank to last about 15 to 20 years. However, concrete septic tanks tend to last the longest because they are so sturdy. They can last 40 or more years, as long as the connected pipes and parts don’t fail.
Septic systems that are installed in non-acidic soil tend to last longer than ones that are installed in acidic soil. Before a septic system is installed, the technician should take a soil sample to determine the condition of the soil. This inspection will ensure that the system is installed in an ideal location.
If the water table is too high, the ground will be too saturated for the wastewater to filter into the soil. If this is the case, the water will back up into your septic tank and lead to system problems, which inevitably shortens the lifespan.
