Septic System Installation: Removing Waste From Your Home With No Access To The Public Sewer System

Septic systems have allowed for the building of homes in areas that are more rural and without access to the public sewer system. Roughly 25% of all homes use a septic system to remove waste, with Vermont having the highest percentage of 55% of homes using septic systems. Whether you are buying a new home that has a septic system, or building a new home that needs a septic system installation, it's important to work with a reputable company in order to get the job done. Septic systems need to be designed properly in order to function, and will need to maintained to ensure they continue to work effectively.

How Long a Septic System Lasts

There are a number of factors that go into the longevity of a septic system. The system consists of the septic tank, the D-Box, and the drainfield itself. The tank can be made of steel or concrete. Steel septic tanks generally last 15-20 years until corrosion from the soil breaks down the tank. Tanks made out of concrete can last 40 years or more. How much waste is flushed into the system, how often the septic tank is pumped, and how effectively the wastewater is managed by the drainfield all play a part in how long the septic system will last without failing.

Pumping Out the Septic System

In general, your septic system should be pumped out at least every three years. If you have a larger sized family and your system is used more often, consult with a local septic system company to assess whether your system should be pumped out more frequently. Regular maintenance of your septic system will help prevent system failure. 

Signs the Septic System is Failing

Your system can begin to fail for a number of reasons. If there is a clog in the system from items that should be flushed, if tree roots are growing into your system, you can have signs of failure. You may notice that drains in your home are going slowly, and your toilet may not flush easily. You can look outside and see if there is any standing water that doesn't seem to go away. If it hasn't rained, this is wastewater that isn't being handled correctly by the septic system. You may need to replace your entire system once the system is beyond repair.

If you believe you are having problems with your septic system, call for a service right away. You may be able to save your system without the need for a complete replacement.