Top-rated septic tank pros.

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Eudora, AR

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your septic tank service project in Eudora, AR?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Septic tank pros in Eudora

Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

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.

You may notice a septic smell in your yard after it rains if groundwater is entering your septic tank and causing it to overflow. If you experience septic odors after rainfall, contact a licensed plumber. They can construct a drain to redirect rainwater away from your septic tank. 

It is not normal to smell your septic outside and indicates a problem such as an unsealed manhole or access lid, a clogged septic line, a faulty vent stack, or the need for a septic tank pumping. If sewage is leaking from your septic system, it can be hazardous to you, your family, pets, and the surrounding environment. You can troubleshoot the issue yourself, or contact a septic tank pro who can resolve the issue quickly.

A properly installed and maintained septic drain field (also known as a leach field) can last up to 50 years, though the average is around 20 years. However, factors like poor soil conditions, heavy usage, or improper maintenance can significantly shorten its lifespan to 15-20 years.

To extend the life of your drain field:

  • Schedule Regular Inspections: Have the entire septic system, including the drain field, inspected every two to five years to catch problems early.

  • Protect the Area: Avoid driving heavy vehicles or placing heavy structures over the drain field. Plant only grass or other lightweight vegetation with shallow roots over the area.

  • Maintain the Septic Tank: Proper care of the septic tank, including regular pumping and avoiding harmful chemicals, prevents strain on the drain field.

Be aware of signs of failure, such as strange odors, standing water, or unusually lush grass over the field, which indicate your system may need professional attention.

Yes! Toilet paper can be flushed if you use a septic tank. While unique toilet papers designed to be used with septic tanks are available, many people have no problem flushing regular toilet paper with a septic tank, so long as you don’t flush too much toilet paper all at once. Do not flush any type of baby wipes or bathroom wipes, even if they say “flushable.”

The Eudora, AR homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

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