Performing regular septic system maintenance is necessary to prevent sewage overflow and extend the longevity of your system. However, septic tank pumping and cleaning won’t keep it working forever. Eventually, you must replace the tank, and you can usually tell this is necessary when it exhibits the following problems.

When Do You Need a New Septic Tank?

1. More Frequent Pumping

Generally, you will only need to schedule septic pumping every three to five years. While this frequency can vary, you shouldn’t see any significant changes in the schedule unless more people move into the home or you increase the total volume of wastewater. If the tank is filling up faster than normal, it may be approaching the end of its life span, as it cannot drain the effluent. During this time, you can also expect more backups and repairs. 

2. Improper Size

Septic tanks come in a variety of sizes to meet the capacity of different households. For example, while a 750-gallon tank is perfect for a one- or two-person household, it will quickly fill up with more people living in the home generating wastewater. This means that if your family is growing steadily, you may find that the septic tank no longer suits your needs.

If this happens, a 1,000-gallon tank should work perfectly for a three-bedroom house that is around 2,500 square feet. However, for bigger residential properties that have even more family members, you’ll need one that can hold between 1,200 and 1,750 gallons. 

3. Wet & Green Grass

If notice that the grass near your septic system is constantly wet and much greener than the rest of your lawn, this is an indication that the tank is failing. However, this could also be an issue with another aspect of the septic system—such as the drain field—so don’t rush to conclusions before scheduling an inspection. 

Sometimes, standing water happens when the tank or cover is leaking. If you catch this issue early, the damage may be small enough to repair. However, you should begin budgeting for a replacement in case the issue worsens. Also, if the drain field is failing and is the same age as the tank, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the entire system.

If you need to determine if your septic tank is still reliable, contact John’s Reliable Septic in Springfield, OH. For 27 years, this company has been providing superior septic system services to homeowners. They perform septic pumping, maintenance, and repairs, as well as drain and sewer line cleaning. Call (937) 926-1482 for a free estimate, and visit the website to learn more about their services.