Septic System Vent Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Septic tanks are very important to any home or location that doesn’t have a place to handle waste products. It’s a long-lasting addition to a home, but they aren’t permanent. Eventually, the tank will break down and need repairs. Here are the many things to know about how long septic tanks last.

Steel Tanks

A large factor in how long a septic tank typically lasts is related to its material. Steel septic tanks last the least amount of time, lasting only 20-30 years on average. This means that you’ll likely need a few replacements over your lifetime.

Plastic Tanks

Plastic tanks are a step up from steel tanks in longevity. Unlike the steel tank, they don’t suffer from as much weathering. Plastic tanks last anywhere from 30-40 years without needing a replacement. They provide a great upgrade over steel tanks in terms of longevity and resist some of the chemicals that erode concrete tanks.

Concrete Tanks

A concrete tank is the longest-lasting septic tank. In most cases, concrete septic tanks can last over 40 years. You probably won’t need to replace it unless an accident happens. The big problem with concrete is that it’s susceptible to erosion by certain chemicals in the soil.

Maintenance

Although materials determine a lot about tank life, so does maintenance. Even if you invest in an amazing tank, it’ll break quickly without proper maintenance. Make sure you’re cleaning it as recommended.

Pumping

Another form of important maintenance is pumping your septic tank. You need to do this service with a professional septic contractor every three years or less as it prevents build-up in your septic tank. If you ignore this maintenance, the build-up will eventually break your tank much earlier in its lifespan.

These are the things to know about how long septic tanks last. Just remember that maintenance is much more important to your septic tank’s health than the material that makes it.

‍