Septic system units typically have long lifespans, especially if the property owners are following the best industry practices. These sustainable tips range from implementing additional services and maintenance on your system to specific harmful practices to avoid. Not only do these tips improve the efficiency and performance of your tank for everyday use, but they also extend the lifespan of your septic system. The average septic tank system lifespan is 15-25 years, but it’s not unheard of for some systems to last decades longer.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential practices that will help you increase the lifespan of your septic system in Molalla, Sherwood, Newberg, Wilsonville, and nearby areas.
Key Strategies for Extending Septic Tank Lifespan
1. Schedule Regular Pumping
According to the top septic system management specialists in Newberg, one of the best tips for extending the average lifespan of your septic system is to pump it regularly. Even the professionals at credible firms like American On-Site Septic recommend having your tank pumped at least every three to five years, but depending on the total size of your household and system age, condition, and usage habits, it may need to be pumped every other year or so.
Contact us at 503-822-7533(Molalla) or 503-538-8808(Newberg) to inquire about the best pumping schedule for your septic system. Regular pumping will also allow us to spot minor problems and issues quickly.
2. Conserve and Reduce the Flow of Wastewater
Top septic tank maintenance experts in Wilsonville reveal that every septic unit can only handle a certain volume of sewage and wastewater. The size of your tank determines its specific volume, but for most typical residential setups, it usually holds anywhere from 600 to 2,000 gallons of wastewater. Having less wastewater means your system can last longer.
You can save water and lessen the amount of wastewater your septic system has to handle at once by following these helpful tips:
- Take quicker and shorter showers.
- Install low-flow showerheads and toilets throughout your commercial, residential, or industrial property.
- Look for signs of leaks from your pipes and fixtures, and get them inspected and repaired quickly.
- Spread out laundry loads across the week instead of doing everything in one day.
- Only wash dishes or clothes when you have a full load to save water and energy.
Professionals at American On-Site Septic suggest that reducing the rate of wastewater entering your septic tank can enhance sewage processing efficiency and increase the average lifespan of your septic system.
3. Never Flush Anything Other Than Waste and Toilet Paper
Leading septic sustainable management experts in Sherwood reveal that a commercial, residential, or industrial septic tank system isn’t built to handle anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Anything else, like feminine products or baby wipes, could cause extensive, dangerous, and toxic sewage backups in your residence or cause your tank to overflow. So, stick to flushing only toilet paper and human waste to keep your septic system running smoothly and avoid potential hazards.
4. Avoid Using Chemical Cleaners in Your Bathrooms
Some bathroom cleaning products contain strong chemicals that can harm your septic system. Your septic tank relies on helpful, healthy bacteria to effectively break down solid waste and sludge. Adding chemicals can kill these beneficial bacteria, disrupting waste levels. Top septic sustainable management specialists in Molalla reveal that you should always choose septic tank-friendly products when cleaning to maintain the balance and health of your system.
5. Avoid Landscaping or Digging Near Drain Field
Leading septic system maintenance and management contractors in Sherwood reveal that as a responsible property owner, you should know the exact location of your septic tank and leach field to avoid construction, landscaping, and digging in that area. Remember that digging or using such equipment near a tank could accidentally puncture or pierce the tank or important pipes connecting to it. This could lead to costly repairs and a potential decrease in the average lifespan of your septic system.
6. Maintain Your Leach Field Properly
To extend the life of your septic system and keep it operating at optimal levels, ensure you follow these best practices:
- Don’t drive or park anything in the leach field area. The weight of cars, campers, trucks, and other heavy vehicles can damage the area and make it harder to drain, further reducing the average lifespan of your septic system.
- Plant trees and other items strategically. Tree and shrubbery root systems you thought were safe might grow into the leach field area over time, causing expensive damages. Consult a septic professional, like American On-Site Septic, on your landscaping plans to ensure proper spacing between plantings and the drain field.
- Keep your drain field free of any unnecessary obstructions. If an issue develops in the future, our professional septic system contractor will need to be able to access the area easily.
- Make sure all components of your rainwater disposal system, like roof drains and downspouts, direct water away from the drain field. Too much water can overwhelm the field, causing blockages and backups in your yard.
7. Hire a Septic System Professional When Necessary
Top septic system maintenance and management contractors near Wilsonville caution that backed-up sinks and toilets, strange noises, a foul septic odor, and sluggish drainage can indicate your residential or commercial septic system needs professional attention. If you spot any signs indicating a potential septic problem that can affect the average lifespan of your septic system, it’s crucial not to delay. Reach out to a trustworthy and experienced septic specialist like American On-Site Septic. We’ll thoroughly inspect your system, diagnose the root issues, and provide effective solutions to resolve them.
Our technician has the expertise and experience to address any obstruction or drainage issue within your residential plumbing system or along the pipeline connecting the residence to the septic cleanout.
Final Takeaway
If you ever encounter major septic system issues or require professional assistance, our team at American On-Site Septic is here to help. Our full-service solution provides customers with a comprehensive septic tank service experience throughout Molalla, Newberg, Sherwood, Wilsonville, and neighboring areas.
With more than 22 years of extensive experience in the septic industry, we know that the last thing our customers want to deal with is a faulty, worn-out, or improperly installed septic system. That’s why we use only the very best septic system components for our customers – whether it is for a complete installation or if you need a septic system repair, maintenance, or pumping. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, and maintain all the necessary documentation you need to confidently hire a contractor.
Contact us at 503-822-7533(Molalla) or 503-538-8808(Newberg) to schedule an appointment with our team today.
