How Many Years Does A Septic System Last?

If you’ve just moved into a new home in a rural or suburban area, chances are you have a septic system. But don’t worry! A septic system shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, though you might be wondering how long it will last.

A septic system can last for 15-40 years depending on installation, maintenance, and usage. Steel septic systems only last for 15-20 years, and plastic tanks can last for 30-40 years. Concrete septic systems are the strongest and can last more than 40 years.

It is true that with the proper maintenance and care, a septic system will last you many years. However, though these systems are designed to last, a septic tank that is installed underground will deteriorate eventually.

The average lifespan of a septic system depends on a number of factors including the material it is made of, how well it was installed, its’ workload, and how well it’s maintained. Though, you can typically expect your septic system to last between 15 and 40 years.

A steel septic tank will inevitably rust over time. How quickly the tank will rust is affected by soil acidity and the steel septic tank’s quality. The worse the quality of steel, the faster your septic tank will rust.

Because of its habit of rusting, steel septic tanks tend only to last fifteen to twenty years. Rusting can get so bad that tank bottoms disappear entirely as the rust eats it away.

To ensure your steel septic tank lasts as long as possible, you should have it inspected often. A professional can catch rust and other issues before they become more significant problems.

Plastic septic tanks are cheaper and easier to install than other septic tanks. It is also possible to install a plastic septic tank in a wider variety of places than other tanks.

Plastic septic tanks are crack-resistant due to the flexibility of the material. They are also immune to corrosion, meaning they won’t rust like steel options. Because of this, plastic septic tanks can last thirty to forty years if well-maintained.

However, because plastic is less sturdy than other septic tank material alternatives, it can get crushed more easily. If vehicles drive over where your tank is buried, the pressure will likely crush a plastic septic tank. Though crack-resistant, plastic septic tanks are more susceptible to damage than sturdier materials like steel and concrete.

Concrete has the longest lifespan of any septic tank material. If well-maintained, concrete tanks can last anywhere from forty years to indefinitely. Concrete septic tanks are very durable because concrete is so sturdy.

Concrete septic tanks also won’t be affected by changes in the environment. These changes include growing tree roots, changing soil conditions, or vehicles driving over the area where the tank is buried. You also won’t need to perform as much maintenance on concrete septic tanks as on their counterparts.

However, concrete is more vulnerable to corrosion and susceptible to cracks than plastic tanks. Corrosion is more likely to occur if you have highly acidic groundwater in your soil.

If your concrete septic tank is well-maintained, you can avoid cracks and corrosion. If your tank is ill-maintained, cracks can get out of hand and cause complicated septic tank repairs.

Building, paving, or driving over a septic system can cause damage or potentially render it irreparable. From repeated or even sporadic abuse, the pipes and/or tank of these system may shift or be crushed. The soil may also get compacted or ruts may be created, which exposes the system’s components and may also bring untreated sewage to the surface.

Paving over all or even a section of the drainfield can limit the airflow to the soil, while also preventing access for maintenance and repairs. Building over your drainfield can result in compaction or damage the linen because of the structure’s weight. Both paving and building over a septic tank will also prevent any necessary tank maintenance.

Tree roots are another possible way that your septic system can incur physical damage, clogging the drain lines and gravel in the trenches. The best way to prevent this from happening is to avoid planting trees or shrubs within 25 feet of the drainfield.

If you detect an issue with your septic system, you’ll want to reach out to a certified professional immediately. These problems need to be dealt with quickly. Replacing or repairing a septic system is not suitable as a DIY project.

Another common sign that a replacement for your septic system is in your future is simply based on its age. It’s very common for septic system to last 40 years. So, if you’ve recently bought a new home, it likely won’t need replacing. However, if your home is older, it’s possible that the septic system is nearing a half a century year old.

If you start to notice any of the other aforementioned signs, it may be time to start budgeting for a new system. That said, it’s in your best interest to determine the approximate age of your system, assuming you don’t already know it.

Related Questions

How much does it cost to repair a septic tank?

If you suspect something is wrong with your septic tank, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2500 to repair your tank. Major problems may cost around $5,000 to fix. However, these repairs are necessary to increase the longevity of your septic system. 

How much does it cost to install a septic system?

A septic system can cost an average of $3,200 to $5,000 to purchase and install. Price per system varies on the size and location of installation. In some cases, replacing a damaged system can cost upward of $20,000.Plastic tanks are generally cheaper to buy and install. Concrete tanks can cost anywhere from $600 to $1000 without installation costs. 

A septic system can last anywhere from fifteen to forty years, depending on materials, maintenance, quality of installation, and workload.

Your septic system can be made of steel, plastic, or concrete. Steel lasts fifteen to twenty years, while plastic lasts about thirty to forty years. Concrete systems last the longest, with a lifespan of forty years to a lifetime.

Proper maintenance and use will help to extend your septic system’s lifespan. Have it pumped and inspected regularly, and only send wastewater down drains. Also, avoid driving or parking on drainfields.

If your system was installed improperly, this could also shorten your system’s lifespan. Impermeable, overly-saturated, or too thin soil, poor construction, and inadequate system size will cause a problem.

Try your best not to create an excess of wastewater that can overwork your septic system. Conserve water and install high-efficiency toilets and showerheads. Following this advice can ensure your septic system has a long and happy life!