Factors That Shorten the Lifespan of Your Septic Tank

Many factors will shorten the lifespan of your septic tank. Here are a few factors;

Acidic Soil and Groundwater – Acidic soil and groundwater will corrode steel and concrete over time. It can also weaken plastic septic tanks and it may not last as desired. So before you install your septic tank, find out if the location has acidic soil and groundwater.  If so, find ways to neutralize the acidity or pick another location.

Flushing ‘Wrong’ Items Down the Drain – If you flush unsafe items down the toilet and drains, that will likely weaken the septic tank or make it get full quickly, requiring you to call a reliable septic tank pumping Chattanooga company for pumping. For instance, if you flush hazardous products like insecticides or pesticides down the drain, they might kill bacteria in the tank, reducing the breakdown of solid waste in the tank. And that will make the tank less efficient. 

Poor Maintenance – If you don’t take care of your septic system, your tank may not last as recommended. If you don’t hire one of the best-rated septic tank pumping companies in Chattanooga area to pump your system every 3-5 years, your tank may not serve you for long. If you don’t inspect and clean the tank regularly, it may not last as desired. 

Excessive Use of Water – If you use too much water in your home, you will be overworking your septic tank. That may affect bacteria concentration in the tank. It may also make your tank get full quickly, requiring you to hire a Chattanooga septic tank pumping company. And considering the cost to pumping septic tank in Chattanooga TN, you will likely spend a lot of money in the long run. 

Flush Down the ‘Right’ Waste/Items Down the Drain 

Many items can damage your septic system. Baby wipes, diapers, cat litter, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, dental floss, disinfectants, paper towels, paint, pesticides, and insecticides can weaken or damage your septic tank and system. Why? The septic system is not built to break down and store these substances and items. So avoid flushing them down the drains. 

Regular Inspection and Cleaning

One of the easiest ways to extend the lifespan of your septic tank is regular cleaning and inspection. A regular professional inspection helps identify minor issues that if not addressed soon can worsen over time and you may be forced to replace your tank. In addition, you need to pump and clean your septic tank regularly. So hire a reliable septic tank pumping Chattanooga TN company that can pump and clean your tank. The pumping team will also share tips that will make your septic system more efficient and last longer. 

Conserve and Reduce the Flow of Wastewater

Your septic tank has a specific amount of waste and wastewater it can efficiently and safely handle.  If you use too much water in your home, more wastewater will end up in the septic tank, and that will significantly affect its lifespan. Conserve water and you’ll reduce the flow of wastewater into your septic tank. That will help your system process sewage more efficiently. It will also extend the lifespan of your septic tank. 

Maintain the Drain Field

The drain field or leach field is also part of your septic system. The drain field filters out contaminants and nutrients from wastewater coming from the septic tank through underground perforated pipes. You can maintain your drain field through proper landscaping and keeping off obstructions. Also, avoid parking or driving heavy machinery or car on the drain field. Most importantly, direct rainwater away from the drain field.