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TRUSTED BY READING, MA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon94
    Verified septic tank services reviews

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Avatar for W Callahan Excavation
W Callahan Excavation
4.8(
49
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Reading, MA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Bill and team were the first of several contractors to respond, the most detail-oriented and highly communicative, the most fairly priced (middle of the pack, not too high, not suspiciously cheap). Very easy to deal with. Showed up as promised, on-time, and did the job efficiently."
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for S&G Excavating
S&G Excavating
5.0(
6
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Reading, MA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

"I have never experienced a more professional company than this one. These guys are top tier when it comes to septic repair. They walked me through everything that they were gonna do before they did it, so I wasnâ t confused what was happening. There pricing compared to other companyâ s is unbeatable. I would definitely hire these guys again in the future!"
Distribution Box Repair
Distribution Box Repair
Distribution Box Repair
Distribution Box Repair
Distribution Box Repair

+9

Recommended by100%of homeowners
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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.

Talking with a septic pro before planting trees near your tank is best to ensure the roots won’t interfere with your septic system. However, there is an easy way to figure out where to plant a tree—but you’ll need to know how tall it can get when it’s fully grown. For instance, if the tree can reach 50 feet, plant it at least 50 feet from your septic system.

Yes, shower water goes into the septic tank. Shower water is a type of greywater, and in fact, all water used in a home with a septic system—including water from sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine—drains into the tank. When shower water enters the tank, debris like soap and hair travels with it. The solid debris sinks to the bottom to become sludge, while soap residue joins the scum layer at the top. The remaining water is treated in the tank before moving to the drain field for further treatment and dispersal. It is important to avoid putting oil or harsh chemicals down any drain, as they can cause clogs or disrupt the beneficial bacteria required for proper wastewater management in the septic system.

There are many reasons you may want to extend the depth of an existing well or drill a new, deeper well on your property. A deeper well can tap cleaner water sources—shallow water may contain more contaminants. With a deeper well, you’ll also have an easier time reaching the water table depth (the level at which underground water is found) and can get past tricky soil conditions. 

Plus, if your local building code requires a minimum well depth for safety and environmental standards, you’ll meet the code by digging a deeper well in the first place.

The bacteria already present in your septic system should be enough to break down solids in a properly maintained septic tank. However, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can try adding (well-mashed) rotten tomatoes to help the good bacteria fulfill their duty. Just make sure you give them a couple hours to work after flushing them down.

The Reading, MA homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

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