Get matched with top septic tank pros in Pine Ridge, SD

The easiest thing you can do to prolong the life of your septic system is to adopt septic-safe practices. This includes not flushing non-biodegradable items, chemicals, or excessive grease down drains and scheduling regular septic tank pumping to prevent buildup. It’s also important to fix plumbing leaks promptly and to practice water conservation to avoid overloading the system. To maintain your drain field, avoid heavy vehicle traffic and plant shallow-rooted vegetation in the area. Most importantly, invest in routine inspections and maintenance to detect and address issues early.

Many variables, such as home size, type of engineered system, the material used, soil conditions, and water usage, dictate how long your system will last. On average, most homeowners find that their system lasts 15 to 20 years, though it’s not unheard of for them to last up to 40 years with annual and preventative septic maintenance.

Ensuring you have adequate space for your engineered septic system is crucial. You’ll need to reserve approximately 900 square feet for a three-bedroom home’s system. However, the type of soil you have, soil absorption rate, the size of your home, climate, and local zoning code will impact the actual amount of space you need.

Septic tanks come in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials. However, they’re often round or rectangular in shape and made from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. There’s a range of septic tank sizes, with the average model measuring 30 to 40 square feet and holding 1,000 to 1,500 gallons of waste.