Are you looking to replace your septic system? Here are some important tips and guidelines to follow.

Every septic tank manufactured is expected to reach an estimated lifespan before it will need to be changed.

However, the reality is a bit different. Such a lifespan is reached only when the septic tank is well maintained and taken care of.

In other cases, damage(s) may result in such tanks. Such damage may be caused by plant roots or tank dislodgement as well as pressure resulting from a damaged drain field.

Whatever the issue may be, the fact remains that a septic tank will need to be replaced at some point.

What Causes Septic Tanks to Be Replaced More Frequent than Usual?

This is an interesting question whose answer will prove vital to how frequently you have your tank replaced. In most cases, improper use or care of your septic system will impact the lifespan of your septic tank.

Now, you should know that your toilets aren’t trashcans. This means that not everything should find its way into the septic system. The continued dumping or flushing of all sorts of substances will gradually lead to a buildup that negatively impacts the lifespan of your septic tank.

So, what are those things you should avoid flushing down your toilets or drainages? There are several! These are essentially made of things that cannot be easily broken down by digestive microorganisms within the system.

Such include condoms, excess cooking grease or oil, baby wipes (including other types of wipes), and photographic solutions.

More harmful substances include dental floss, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, diapers, coffee grounds, paper towels, cat litter, household chemicals, and pharmaceuticals among several others.

These items reduce the efficiency of your septic tank. A continued buildup of these will eventually lead to its breakdown. Your tank will have to be replaced earlier than necessary. This is something you don’t want to deal with. The best way to extend the lifespan of your tank is to check what goes into it.

Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed into your tank.

Common Indicators That Point to the Need for Septic Tank Replacement

This part focuses on the replacement of septic tanks.

Unlike common indicators that signal or point to the need for septic tank repair, this is quite different. It is different in the sense that the condition of a tank can deteriorate significantly.

In such situations, an outright replacement will be necessary.

So, what are these indicators that call for an overhaul or replacement of a septic tank? There are several of them. Any or a combination of these indicators will require taking urgent steps to replace tanks having such problems.

  • Nearby Water Sources Are Contaminated

The contents of septic tanks finding their way into surrounding water sources can pose serious health threats. This is a situation you want to avoid at all costs. If you have suspicions about your septic tank leaking, you might want to call for water quality testing.

This will focus on nearby water sources like wells etc.

When such water tests positive for nitrates or bacteria, urgent action will have to be taken. The chance of your septic tank leaking is significantly increased.

  • Swampy Patches Appear in your Yard

When you notice swampy patches in your yard you can’t explain, it points to the likelihood of your septic tank, and the system is due for replacement. This calls for further investigations. It will be best to call in professionals to carry out inspections on the causes.

The inspection will cover the tank and drain field among other things.

  • Incorrect Tank

Certain septic system types fit specific needs. These are influenced by the soil type or structure among other things.

Also, you must take into consideration the fact that most septic tanks are gravity-fed. Thus, not being installed at the right depth will affect its functioning.

This will require replacement.

Inspection is the only way to find out if the right septic tank is installed. An inspection is likely to uncover multiple problems which may all point to the need for septic tank replacement.

  • Are there Frequent Repairs? Your Tank May be Due for Change

As the lifespan of septic tanks gradually winds up, the need for repairs increases. In other words, there’s a noticeable rise in cases where such tanks need to be fixed.

When this happens, it simply points to one thing; the need to replace such a tank. A septic system technician or professional is likely to alert you to the need for replacement.

Having this knowledge allows you to call for replacement even when the suggestion hasn’t been raised. Also, ask for expert advice on a replacement tank that best fits your soil structure.

  • Moving into a Property with a Smaller Septic Tank

If you have a large family, you might want to consider replacing your septic tank. However, this is only for homes or properties with smaller-sized tanks. Not replacing your tank will lead to more frequent pumping of the tank. This is a situation you’d rather not deal with.

Upgrading the tank is the best way to ensure that you don’t have to worry about frequent cleaning.

The process of replacing a new septic tank is pretty much straightforward. However, other components of the septic tank system might also need some fixing or upgrading. Plus, there may be new regulations or requirements in place in regards to septic tank replacement.

In any case, it’s best to seek expert advice and replacement quotes before proceeding. You get to make informed choices much easier.

  • When Flushing Becomes an Issue

Whenever you experience problems with flushing your toilet, it could point to two problems.

The first problem may be due to a full tank. When this isn’t the case, such a problem may be much more complex with clogged piping and ultimately a malfunctioning tank as possible causes.

When the latter is the case, replacing your tank becomes the only logical option available.

  • Smelly or Stinky Yard

Effluent released to the leach field is expected to be fully devoid of odor and ready for further treatment through absorption. Now, any odor perceived around the drain field or close to the tank will be a result of a malfunction.

Sometimes, this could point to underlying issues that can be fixed.

Other times, such a problem may signal the need for septic tank replacement. A tank must be changed urgently to prevent further complications with the entire system.

What Is the Typical Lifespan of a Septic Tank?

We have made several mentions about the lifespan of a septic tank.

However, no definite information has been provided regarding the exact number of years a tank is expected to last. Now, the lifespan of a septic tank varies greatly.

Typically, a tank is expected to last as much as 40 years. While the likelihood of your tank clocking this number of years is possible, such isn’t always the case.

Damage resulting from roots, pressure from groundwater, misuse among other factors may reduce the lifespan.

When this happens, some septic tanks will be needing replacements as early as 15 years. This is far from the intended lifespan it was built to attain.

Here, you can see that frequency of septic tank replacement rests largely on how it’s used and the conditions it undergoes by nature’s intervention such as interference by plant roots and the likes.

  • Type of Tank Will Also Determine Longevity

Here, the focus is on the type of materials used in making the tank.

Some tanks are made of concrete, others of steel while some others are made of fiberglass, etc. Among these, septic tanks made of concrete tend to last the longest.

Some concrete tanks even exceed the 40-year lifespan limit as long as they are well maintained. Such tanks are built with the best grade of concrete materials. It is important when choosing a concrete septic tank to go for those from a trusted manufacturer. That way, you won’t need to worry about replacing your septic tank too soon.

Unlike concrete tanks, steel tanks degenerate over time as a result of rust. Soil acidity will also impact its degeneration. Plus, durability also counts. The less durable a steel septic tank is, the earlier it will need to be replaced. The opposite applies to durable steel septic tanks.

On the whole, steel septic tanks will need to be replaced more frequently than concrete ones.

Regular Service

Do you want to extend the lifespan of your septic tank? You should!

For this to be possible, consider carrying out the regular service of your tank. It will be best to discuss with your technician to determine the service frequency.

This way, you won’t be dealing with a failing septic tank. This ultimately leads to infrequent septic tank replacement, thus saving you cost.

Septic tank replacement has been covered extensively to this point. Without the indicators or symptoms listed here, it’s almost impossible to easily identify the problem. Knowing whether to replace your tank depends on these indicators.

When repairs become too frequent, however, it should be seen as a sign that points to the need for replacement.

Fixing your septic tank has gotten much easier with the information provided here.