"The technician emptied the freezer, which was in the basement, to work on the part that needed repair. Then he neglected to put anything back into the freezer, including a turkey I had bought for Christmas and a rack of ribs. Two days after he left, I went out of town for two weeks. The turkey actually exploded and spewed its liquid all over everything, which had to be discarded. I let AHS know and they couldn't even bother to call me or follow up on this. I'm considering not renewing my contract with them because of the quality (or lack thereof) of many of the providers they send."
Getting well water tested costs$100 to $350 if done by a pro. You can also buy DIY test kits for $20 to $100, but professional tests are more reliable. You can get a comprehensive well inspection, which includes advanced water testing, for $700 to $750, which you should do yearly anyway.
There are three layers of wastewater in a septic tank: scum (solid waste that floats to the top of the wastewater), liquid (the relatively clean liquid wastewater in between the two other layers), and sludge (solid waste that falls to the bottom of the wastewater). The buildup of sludge is one of the main reasons septic tanks need to be pumped. If the tank is more than 1/3 of the way full with a combination of sludge and scum, it’s time to call a pro for pumping.
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.
Adding a thin layer of dirt over a septic drain field is fine, especially if soil erosion has occurred. However, adding too much dirt can compact the soil, reducing the drain field’s ability to absorb and filter wastewater properly. Avoid using heavy clay soil, as it can prevent proper drainage. Instead, use a light layer of topsoil and plant grass to help with soil stability.
Septic tanks naturally have bacteria that break down some of the solid waste in the septic tank. However, sludge buildup is just part of owning a septic system. While liquid wastewater can be filtered and treated through the system, a septic tank company has to pump the septic tank out at least every few years.
The Badger, MN homeowners’ guide to septic tank services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
It’s crucial to install a septic tank with the right volume to avoid wastewater backups. This guide will help you calculate the right septic tank volume.
Septic tank sizes vary depending on the size of your home, how many people live there, how much water you use, and more. Read on to learn how to determine the right size for you.
