Your septic tank and system are not delicate pieces of equipment, so they don’t have to be carefully watched over and maintained every second of the day, but like any other part of a home, they shouldn’t be neglected or mistreated.
Septic maintenance is important to the health of your system and can even help extend it’s life. Failure to take care of the system can result in costly repairs and, in the worst case scenarios, a really big mess to clean up.
How Long Do Septic Tanks Usually Last?
Septic tanks, depending on what they are made of, can last any number of decades. This is provided that they are pumped, cleaned and maintained properly. Concrete tanks can last 40 years, if maintained properly. Steel tanks can last up to 25 years, and plastic tanks have been known to last 30-40 years, as well.
Keep in mind that plastic septic tanks are not approved in all states, while concrete septic tanks are.
Proper Septic System Maintenance
There are many things that can be done to increase the life of a septic system and keeping it running smoothly. First off, owners should always keep a record of when the system was built and what kind of equipment was installed. If you just purchased a house with a septic tank, try to acquire the plans from the seller.
In order to take good care of your system, you should:
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- Take care to use your garbage disposal sparingly, and deposit foods into the garbage when possible.
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- Avoid pouring grease, fats, oils and coffee grounds down the drain.
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- Only use cleaners that are approved by the manufacturer of the septic system.
- Not link drains from your basement and garage into the septic system
Also, don’t forget to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned at least once every 2-3 years. If you frequently use a garbage disposal, it may have to be cleaned every year.
Maintenance Can Delay, But Not Prevent Septic Replacement
Always remember that even if you take the best care of your septic system, no tank will last forever. As time goes by, you want to have a professional come and inspect your septic system to make sure that it is working properly and doesn’t need to be replaced.
If your system does need to be replaced, you want it to be done by a company that is sure to get the job done right. So contact AAA Wastewater today to have your system checked.
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