How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Emptied? Find Out Here
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Emptied?
Septic tank emptying is not an easy job, and without the right experience and knowledge, it can quickly become a messy and complicated task. If you're wondering how often your septic tank needs to be emptied, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the details to help you keep your system running smoothly.
What Is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is a watertight container, typically buried underground, that is constructed from materials like concrete, fibreglass, or polyethylene. These tanks are designed to hold wastewater from properties, particularly in rural areas where connecting to a central sewer system isn't possible. The tank handles all the wastewater from your home, including bathrooms and kitchens. It digests organic waste and separates out materials like oil and grease. Eventually, the effluent, or liquid wastewater, exits the tank into a drainage field where it percolates into the soil, while solids and scum remain in the tank.
How Often Should You Empty a Septic Tank?
To avoid any issues, it's crucial to empty your septic tank on a regular basis. A well-designed and professionally installed 1,000-gallon tank, or even smaller tanks, generally requires annual emptying. However, the frequency may vary depending on factors like water usage and the number of people living in the property. A professional plumber or drainage engineer can provide the best advice on how often your tank should be emptied, as well as handle the pumping, cleaning, and maintenance.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying
If your septic tank hasn't been emptied on schedule, here are some warning signs that might indicate a problem:
Gurgling sounds from your plumbing system
Water and sewage backing up into your property
Foul odours around the septic tank and drainage field
Damp spots or standing water near the septic tank
Pros and Cons of Septic Tanks
A well-maintained septic tank, when serviced regularly and emptied as needed, can be a perfectly adequate wastewater system for any property. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Cost: Septic tanks offer an affordable wastewater solution with reasonable installation costs. They allow properties to manage their own water treatment independently from public sewers, potentially reducing water bills.
Durability: With proper maintenance, septic tanks can last up to 40 years, especially those made of plastic or concrete.
Environmental Benefits: Septic tanks help remove bacteria before releasing water back into the soil, making them a viable wastewater management option in rural areas.
Cons:
Maintenance: Regular pumping is required to remove solid waste from the tank. Failure to do so can lead to sewage backing up into the property.
Potential for Water Backup: Septic lines can become damaged or blocked, particularly if unsuitable items like baby wipes or feminine hygiene products are flushed down the toilet.
Risk of Rupturing Pipes: Tree roots or accidental digging can damage the piping connected to the septic tank.
How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?
Septic tanks are generally made from materials like concrete, steel, or fibreglass, and can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. The lifespan of your tank will depend on how often it's emptied, how well it's serviced, and how much usage it endures. Regular maintenance and early detection of issues can significantly extend the life of your septic tank.
Septic Tank Materials
Steel Tanks: May rust, potentially reducing their lifespan to around 20 years.
Plastic and Concrete Tanks: These can last up to 30 or 40 years. Proper installation by a professional is crucial to avoiding issues that could shorten the tank's lifespan.
Does a Septic Tank Need a Soakaway?
Yes, septic tanks require a soakaway because the effluent or wastewater that leaves the tank has typically only undergone one level of treatment. At this stage, the water is still hazardous to the environment. A soakaway or drainage field provides further treatment, allowing the water to be safely released back into the soil as groundwater.
Where Should a Septic Tank Be Located?
Septic tanks should be placed as far away from the house as possible, with a minimum distance of 7 meters. Considerations for location include accessibility for tankers to service the tank and ensuring the tank is not situated in an area prone to flooding.