How Long Do Septic Tanks Last?

Prolong your septic tank’s service life—schedule reliable maintenance with King’s Services!

Your septic system serves an essential household function: waste removal and management. If your property doesn't connect to the municipal sewage system, it has a septic tank instead. And like other private networks, these components will need maintenance and replacement services to keep everything flowing smoothly.

How long do septic tanks last? King Services’ comprehensive septic system inspection in Manitoba can help you answer that question in more detail. In the meantime, learn about the average septic tank lifespan and what influences this timeline below.

Factors That Influence Your Septic Tank’s Useful Life

Your septic system performs onsite wastewater management. For example, once you flush a toilet or run water down the drain, the waste will enter the pipe system and make its way to the septic tank. Once it reaches this point, the solids, liquids, and gasses separate, with bacteria colonies inside the tank assisting in the separation process by breaking down the solids and liquids.

Since the cycle never ends, your septic tank almost always contains waste—unless it recently underwent pumping services. With that in mind, you’ll find some factors affecting septic tank lifespan listed below. 

Tank Material

Septic system durability greatly depends on the tank material you’ve chosen, which may include the following types:

• Steel: Although steel seems impenetrable, it doesn’t last as long in a septic tank. Like other metals, steel gradually rusts, leaving corroded areas that could leak. Steel tanks last about 20 years, so most modern plumbing installations will involve other, more durable materials. 
• Fibreglass: Fibreglass tanks are sturdier than steel ones. They can last for 30 years but have a higher upfront cost. 
• Plastic: Like fibreglass, plastic tanks withstand over 30 years of service. 
• Concrete: A concrete tank often outlives the other materials over an average of 40 years or longer. It costs more than the other materials and can fracture as it settles, so a high-quality installation job is important.

Usage Frequency

Septic tank longevity also depends on how often you use the tank. Your tank handles daily use since you must flush toilets, wash your hands, and shower. However, usage goes beyond one person’s habits. 

Every additional family member adds to the laundry or dish loads, daily toilet flushes, and showers. If you have a larger family, you may need to consider septic tank replacement more frequently. 

Groundwater Levels

Groundwater refers to the amount of water under the soil, with a higher groundwater table contributing to regular sewage backups. Ideally, your septic tank’s liquid contents should be able to drain into underground filters, but saturated soil doesn’t leave enough room for that drainage to escape. A professional like King’s Services will be able to offer you solutions once they assess your property’s septic system.

Soil Type

Do you know whether your property’s soil has a high or low pH balance? Low pH numbers indicate acidic soil, while higher measurements indicate basic soil. 

Acidic soil will break down the tank materials faster, making steel and concrete especially prone to corrosion, fractures, and crumbling. If you have acidic soil, plastic or fibreglass tanks are better.

Don’t Forget About A Good Service Routine

The maintenance of septic tanks makes or breaks their longevity. Taking the time to schedule regular inspections and pump services protects your tank long-term. 

A septic specialist can point out and fix issues before they evolve. Otherwise, you’ll be balancing the expenses of a tank replacement service and septic backup mitigation with those maintenance visits you wish you hadn’t missed.

Making Your Tank Last Longer

How long do septic tanks last on average? Although longevity mostly depends on the tank materials, your septic tank may meet or exceed its expected lifespan with proper maintenance. 

So, what can you do to make it last longer?

• Proper waste disposal: Limit your waste to toilet paper, water, and sewage. Otherwise, you risk tank overflow and an unsanitary mess. 
• Pumps and inspections: Schedule inspections every two years to closely monitor your tank’s contents. Schedule pump services every three to five years, but be sure to ask your septic technician if this is enough for your tank’s model and the property’s location. 
• Leach field protection: When wastewater filters out of the tank, it runs into the leach field. Proactively addressing any plumbing concerns protects your leach field from clogs, plumbing failure, and acidic soil conditions. 
• Bacteria levels: Septic tanks house bacteria colonies to target solid and liquid contents. Without them, your tank will quickly fill with solids. Why not ask your septic technician for product recommendations to enrich your tank’s internal ecosystem?
• Minimizing water usage: Guide your family on when and how to minimize water usage, whether that’s taking shorter showers or redirecting gray water to the garden. 

How Long Do Septic Tanks Last on Average?

Most septic tanks last between 20 and 30 years on average. However, several factors apply, so use the following checklist to maximize your plumbing investment:

• Test the soil: Although concrete tanks typically last, fibreglass or plastic might outdo them if a soil test shows you have acidic soil. In that case, shop for plastic or fibreglass tanks. 
• Practice better habits: Even if you haven’t installed the new system yet, you can practice habits like minimizing wastewater and disposing of inappropriate materials in garbage cans or compost heaps. That way, your family can transition seamlessly once you upgrade the system. 
• Be proactive about maintenance: Avoid the mess; don’t put off regular maintenance.
• Ask for advice: Your septic technician will gladly guide you to the best tank for your property and family. 

Protect Your Septic Tank With Maintenance Services From King’s Services

While the average unit will last anywhere between 20 and 30 years, various factors can change this timeline. Our septic system technicians would love to help you choose from the different types of septic systems on offer so that you have just what your household needs. 

How long do septic tanks last in your part of the world? Find out from King’s Services when you call 431-813-5843 today for comprehensive septic services in Manitoba and beyond!