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Avatar for American Home Shield – Home Warranty
American Home Shield – Home Warranty
3.5(
5,688
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Excel, AL and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"I just pay $75 you never know who's going to come out. They do everything electrical. Just about everything is covered except the septic tank. I had an air conditioner replaced. It went great, all I had to do was pay for the freon. He didn't charge e more than what was needed."
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Recommended by65%of homeowners
Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

It only takes a few days for a septic tank to fill with water after a pro has pumped it. This is completely normal, and the water is a vital part of your septic system’s wastewater treatment process. The water that fills your tank days after pumping is not the same as the tank being filled with waste. You shouldn’t have to pump your septic system more than once every three to five years unless you have a tank that’s too small for your home’s water output or there’s a problem with your leach field. 

Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

Mound systems can fail if foreign objects are flushed into the septic tank, the septic tank is backed up with solid waste (sludge), if wastewater floods or seeps from the mound, or if any part of the system is clogged. To prevent this, only flush toilet paper and your normal “business” down toilets, and get a septic inspection at least yearly.

A septic system's lifespan typically ranges from 15 to 40 years, with a common average of 20 to 30 years. The longevity heavily depends on the tank's material, maintenance diligence, and usage habits. With proper care, lifespans can reach the upper end of this range.

Lifespan by Tank Material:

  • Concrete: 20 to 40 years

  • Plastic or Fiberglass: 30 to 40 years

  • Steel: 15 to 20 years

To maximize your system's lifespan, follow these maintenance best practices:

  • Regular Pumping and Inspections: Have the tank pumped every three to five years and schedule professional inspections regularly.

  • Mindful Usage: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid putting items like cat litter, paper towels, cigarette butts, fats, grease, oils, or coffee grounds down your drains.

  • Avoid Chemicals: Do not pour harsh chemicals into the system.

  • Water Conservation: Reduce the amount of wastewater your system has to process.

  • Protect the Drain Field: Avoid driving or building heavy structures over the drain field area.

Perc rates vary dramatically, and a good perc rate could be anything from 5 minutes per inch of drainage to 60 minutes per inch. The lower the number, the faster your system will drain and the more effective it will be. A 60-minute-per-inch drain rate is the highest number considered to be good, or even allowable, draining.

The Excel, AL homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.