"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."
Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.
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.
There are a few signs that indicate a failing drain field. For instance, if your septic tank starts requiring more pumping than normal, your drain field might be failing. Other signs to watch for include poor drainage after rain, standing water or sewage over the septic system, a strong septic smell outside, new and healthy grass growing over the drain field, and plumbing backups in your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets.
Depending on the size and location of your septic tank repair job, you may want to let the septic pros finish before tackling other backyard work. However, in some cases, it’s not a bad idea to coordinate between your providers if the timing’s right and your septic repair pro says it’s safe to do so. For instance, if the septic repair work is happening in the fall, you might want to take advantage of the opportunity to prepare your backyard landscaping for winter , or in spring, start mulching the garden beds.
Modern septic tanks have two lids: one that covers the inlet where wastewater flows into the tank and one that covers the outlet where the treated water flows out to the drain field. However, older septic tanks installed before 1975 may have only one lid. Because septic tanks last 20 to 40 years, if yours only has one lid, it may be time for a replacement.
The Stephen, MN homeowners’ guide to septic tank services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A damaged septic system can leak odors and sewage, so repairs are urgent. Find out how much septic tank repair costs based on repair type, tank size, and more.
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.
