How Do I Know If I Need a New Septic Tank?

Calculations

Septic tanks can have life spans of many years, even decades under the right conditions. Like any man-made system, these units will eventually wear out or break down and need to be replaced. Knowing the signs that your septic system is failing is crucial to not wasting money by replacing it too early while--on the other hand--not waiting too long and experiencing a crisis.

Things You'll Need

• Service records

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Instructions

1. Review your maintenance records for cleaning/pumping the septic tank. The average tank should need to be pumped out every 3 to 5 years. If your tank suddenly needs to be pumped out more often than normal, or if the frequency of cleanings is increasing, it could be an indication the tank size is no longer adequate for your home and a larger unit needs to be installed.

2. Inspect the area around your tank's location. If there is standing water or if the area remains moist even during periods with no rainfall, it is an indication your tank is leaking. This could be due to a poor seal at the inlet and outlet ports, which can be easily repaired or it can indicate cracks in the tank or an overall deterioration of the tank's integrity, allowing water and waste product to seep out.

3. Check for low areas or depressions in the soil near the septic system. If a depression appears over the tank, distribution box or field lines, it could be an indication of a collapse in the system. Remain clear of these areas and have them inspected by a licensed professional.

4. Inspect the drain lines of your system. If the pipes are broken or severely clogged, it can at times be more cost-effective and practical to install a new system than to re-route or replace all of the drain lines.

5. Check the system for roots. If trees have become larger over the years and the root systems have infiltrated the drain lines and septic tank, it can result in clogs or severe damage. Rather than remove the trees or risk doing them great harm by massively trimming back the root systems, you may want to install a new septic system.

Tips & Warnings

• Moisture seeping out in the area around a damaged septic tank contains raw sewage and can pose a serious health risk to you and your family.

References

• inspectAPedia: Signs of Septic System Failure - A First Step in Septic Diagnosis