How long does a septic system last?

There is no fixed lifespan. A well-built system on good soil, used sensibly and pumped on schedule, commonly lasts for decades. A system that is overloaded or neglected can fail much sooner.

The tank

A concrete tank can last a very long time. What fails are the parts inside it: baffles break and lids crack. Those can be handled with a repair.

The leach field

The field is usually what ends a system's life. Over time the soil under it clogs and stops absorbing water. How fast that happens depends on the soil, the size of the field and how much goes into it.

What shortens a system's life

• Skipping pumping. When solids build up in the tank, they wash out into the field and clog it. Many homes need pumping every three to five years, but ask your pumper what fits your household.
• Too much water. Leaking toilets and back-to-back laundry loads flood the field.
• Grease, wipes and chemicals. None of them belong in a septic system.
• Driving or building over the field. Weight crushes pipes and packs the soil.
• Roots. Keep trees away from the tank and field.

How to make yours last

• Pump on a regular schedule
• Fix leaks and spread out water use
• Keep vehicles, sheds and patios off the field
• Send roof and surface water away from the field
• Keep the records, including the permit and pumping receipts

When it is near the end

Watch for the signs of a failing leach field. If you are seeing them, get the system looked at before it becomes an emergency. Planning a replacement on your schedule costs less stress than doing it with sewage in the basement.

Call or text (720) 273-0109 for a quote.