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How long does a septic tank last?

Septic tanks and lift stations are some of the most important components of a home – and certainly the most important component of its plumbing system. Not only does it remove wastewater, but it treats it and stores it – making its use vital.  But how long do they last? Is this something like a roof – where you’ll have to consider replacing it every 20 years or so? That’s what we’re here to answer today. Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about a septic tank’s lifespan. The average life Septic tanks usually last somewhere between 25 and 30 years. But with the right kind of maintenance – some tanks can last significantly longer than that. The key to extending its lifespan as long as possible is through regular, ongoing maintenance. That means having it serviced once a year and pumped at least twice a year. Now tanks come in all shapes and sizes so the need for both of these might vary – but regardless of the size, you should make sure your tank is being maintained regularly.  Impact of soil type The kind of soil that you have on your property can influence this as well. While it can get a little particular – we generally tell folks that the sandier the soil – the longer your tank is likelier to last. Sandy soil tends to drain better and allows the tank to use bacteria to bust up waste more effectively and efficiently. This wouldn’t be as true if you had thicker, more clay-based soil.  The type of your tank can matter A...

Septic Tank maintenance tips in the fall

We know it’s a little on the early side, but fall will be here before we realize and with the cooler weather comes, well – a lot of maintenance and things to think about. For our friends up north it’s raking leaves. It’s cleaning your yard. Down here – it’s a time to settle in and catch up on those outdoor projects you’ve been procrastinating.  Your septic tank should also be looked after. While you won’t have to do any kind of deep clean – there are some things that you can do in the fall to make sure your septic system is being maintained and properly cared for. Let’s jump right in.Clean up the area near your tank Even down here in Florida, the fall brings a lot of wind and storms – so you’ll see twigs, branches, leaves and all sorts of debris everywhere. Make sure you keep the area around your tank clean. The first reason is that you’ll want to keep the tank clean in order to get it cleaned this fall. The second is that if there’s stuff around it, even just a little debris can cause significant damage if it falls into the tank. So make sure the areas around your septic tank are clear.Don’t mow Sounds wild, right? And true, this is more of a thing for our friends up north; but at the end of the fall, allow your grass over your tank to grow a little extra and don’t mow it. This will help add an extra layer of insulation so that when it gets colder, the tank won’t rupture...

All about lift station maintenance

Lift stations are an integral component of a wastewater management system. They transport wastewater from low elevations to higher ones when gravity won’t cooperate and give entire systems more flexibility and efficiency in terms of how they move wastewater from point A to point B. But like anything, lift stations need maintenance every now and then. Today, we’re going to talk about why that’s important, some signs you might need to get your lift stations cleaned and what actually goes into it. Let’s jump right in! Why it’s so important If a lift station is well-maintained, it basically ensures uninterrupted flow of wastewater. Lift stations regularly take a beating and blockages, backups and other random issues will pop up from time to time. Keeping the system clean not only helps your system run better and more efficiently – but it prevents otherwise minor issues from becoming significant issues further down the line.  Does your lift station need to be cleaned?  There are a number of telltale signs that you should get your lift station cleaned. Some of the most obvious or common issues include – drainage and backup issues, odors coming from the lift station area itself, some abnormal sounds coming from the pump, overcycling and fluctuating water levels. There are some others – but these are the ones that account for about 90% of the issues. Just keeping your eyes peeled and being a little more diligent at monitoring things like your water levels will help you stay out ahead of these issues.  Additionally, it’s not a bad idea to be on a regular maintenance plan. That way,...

When it’s time to clean your lift station

Just as is the case with anything you use routinely in your life – properly maintaining your sewage system in your home of business is vital in order for it to function as intended. However unlike many other things – neglecting your wastewater system can lead to serious problems including contamination, people getting sick and the like.  Lift stations or pump stations as they’re sometimes called – are a vital part of this system – particularly in commercial designations. They help water climb and get to places where the natural grading of the ground won’t allow them to. Keeping them clean is a crucial part of your maintenance schedule – but to the layman – it’s hard to know when the right time to get it cleaned would be.  That’s what we’re here to discuss today. Here are some of the signs you need to look out for that might be an indication that you need to get your lift station cleaned.  Grease buildup Especially in commercial settings like a restaurant – you may begin to see grease collecting on the walls or floating to the top of the waste within the lift itself. If you don’t clean it out, it can cause serious issues in the future – including pump failure. So as soon as you spot grease in abundance, call a professional to have them come pump your lift station.  Foul odors One of the most obvious signs a lift station needs to be cleaned is the appearance of some pretty pungent odors coming from the station or drains. Usually that’s an indication that there’s a backup...

Signs your septic tank might need to be replaced

Most septic tank replacements actually don’t come from owners mismanaging their tanks or not engaging in good habits. Most of them come from a new, first time home buyer purchasing property from someone else and they inherit an older septic system.  Today, we’re going to be talking about some of the warning signs that might be there that’ll let you know that your tank is older and possibly in need of being replaced entirely. Let’s jump right in.  Stinky, unusual yards Two telltale signs of an expiring tank are some interesting odors coming from the leach field and brighter than normal grass. If you smell something that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, it’s not a good sign and likely that some sort of raw sewage has leaked from the tank or pipes. Also if you notice grass is really green and growing really fast in that one area – that could be an equally bad sign. This is usually a sign that that particular area is getting more fertilizer – which often times is coming from waste leaking into the soil.  Drainage issues If You’re noticing that you toilet is flushing really slowly or that your kitchen or bathroom sink, bathtub or shower is draining at a substantially slower than usual pace – it could mean your septic tank is failing. Now that being said, this could be just a sign of clogged pipes or a full tank – in which there’s no need to panic – but in many cases – slow draining can be a sign of failure.  Water contamination One of the most ominous signs...