How Long Will an Aerobic Septic System Last?

The anaerobic septic system is one of the most common waste treatment systems in areas without centralized sewage systems. Its widespread popularity is due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and affordability. However, one question that many homeowners have is: how long will an anaerobic septic system last? In this article, we’ll explore the typical lifespan of these systems and the factors that influence their longevity.

I always hate having to start an answer with, “It depends…” but that’s often the way it just has to be. So, here we go…

Anaerobic Septic System: A Brief Overview

Before diving into lifespans, it’s crucial to understand how an anaerobic septic system functions. The term “anaerobic” refers to processes that occur without the presence of oxygen. In this system, wastewater from households flows into a septic tank, where anaerobic bacteria break down organic materials. The byproducts are mainly gases, solids (known as sludge), and a clarified liquid effluent that exits the tank and is distributed into a drain field.

Typical Lifespan of an Anaerobic Septic System

You might be wondering, how long do aerobic septic systems last? This might be the main answer you’re looking for…

On average, an anaerobic septic system can last between 20 to 40 years, with the septic tank itself often lasting longer if well-maintained. The drain field, on the other hand, generally has a shorter lifespan, ranging from 15 to 25 years.

But here's the thing, these numbers aren't set in stone. Consider them as guidelines for common usage and care patterns. 

• A system installed correctly under optimal soil conditions and maintained constantly can certainly be able to stretch to that 40-year mark. 

• On the other hand, a poorly maintained or heavily used system may begin to give evidence of failure within only 15 to 20 years.

The septic tank itself is the workhorse of your system. These tanks are made of concrete, fibre-glass, or plastic and are made to be durable enough to last several years of waste decay. Homeowners have found that in most cases, their tanks are still in operation after 30 or even 40 years. This is not the case with the drain field, though.

 Here is the reason why the average lifespan of septic system changes:

• Durability of the tank

Lasts 30-40 years or more with proper maintenance because of the strong material of construction.

• Drain field degradation

Over a period of 15-25 years, soil gets saturated and compacted, rendering it incapable of absorbing and filtering effluent effectively.

• Cost implications

Replacement of the drain field is one of the most costly repairs that homeowners face, and therefore, protection and overload prevention are very important to ensure that your overall system lifespan is prolonged.

Factors Influencing the Lifespan

 

The lifespan of your anaerobic septic system is determined by several important factors. Here is what actually influences the lifespan of your system:

1. System Installation

The initial installation plays a crucial role in your system's longevity.

• Proper installation, following all guidelines and regulations, significantly extends the lifespan

• Incorrectly installed systems present problems early on

• Poor installation is expensive to fix and reduces overall system durability

2. Usage and Overloading

How you use your septic system matters more than you might think. 

• Sending more water than the tank can handle reduces its lifespan

• Flushing non-biodegradable items damages the system

• Your septic tank isn't a garbage disposal; treat it with care

3. Maintenance

Here's the truth: regular maintenance is your best friend when it comes to extending your system's life.

• Regular pumping removes inorganic materials (wipes, toys, plastics, tampons)

• Clearing sludge and floating scum extends system life significantly

• Using Drain Field Cleaner keeps your tank and drain field clean

Neglecting maintenance leads to costly system failures. Keeping the organic solids cleared out with Drain Field Cleaner to keep your tank and drain field clean also extends the life of your total system.

4. Soil Conditions

Not all soil is created equal when it comes to drain fields.

• Permeable soils that drain well are ideal for drain fields

• Clay or compacted soils reduce system effectiveness

• Poor soil conditions cause problems to develop faster

5. Chemicals and Additives

This one surprises a lot of people. 

• Harsh chemicals kill essential anaerobic bacteria in your tank

• "Home remedy" additives (roadkill, yeast, horse manure) harm the system

• Damaged bacteria reduce efficiency and shorten lifespan

Stick to what's designed to go down your drains

6. Physical Damage

Your septic system's location matters.

• Vehicular traffic over the tank or drain field causes premature failures

• Landscaping activities and construction work can damage the system

• Protecting your system's location is just as important as maintenance

Signs Your Aerobic System May Be Failing

Sometimes, despite the most excellent maintenance, things go wrong. Early detection of issues before they turn out to be costly catastrophes is important. Understanding how long do aerobic septic systems last will allow you to predict when something will go wrong, but it is vital to identify these symptoms early:

Slow Drains and Backups

• Sinks, showers, and toilets drain slowly

• Frequent backups or gurgling sounds in your plumbing

• Numerous drains are malfunctioning simultaneously

Unpleasant Odors

• Strong sewage smells around the tank or the drain field area

• Foul odors inside your home despite cleaning

• Septic smells in your yard or near the septic system

Wet Spots and Pooling

• Unusually wet or soggy areas over the drain field

• Pooling water that doesn't drain away, even without rain

• Greener grass over the drain field (due to nutrient-rich effluent)

Lawn and Garden Issues

• Patches of lush, overly green grass in your yard

• Dead grass or algae blooms in the drain field

• Unusually healthy vegetation where it shouldn't be

Visible Effluent

• Sewage or grey water surfacing in your yard

• Raw sewage is backing up into your home

• Effluent appearing in nearby wells or surface water

Notice any of these? Then don't delay, call a professional septic inspector as soon as you can. Being aware of the average life of a septic system is a good way of preparing, but it is more economical to spot issues early on and save thousands of dollars in repairs.

Prolonging the Lifespan

1. Regular Inspections: Have a professional inspect the system every 1 to 3 years to identify potential issues.
2. Pump Periodically: Depending on usage, pump the tank every 3 to 5 years to remove accumulated sludge and scum.
3. Mind What You Flush: Be cautious about what goes down the drain. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, oils, fats, and harsh chemicals.
4. Conserve Water: Reduce water usage and avoid overloading the system.
5. Protect the Drain Field: Avoid planting large trees near the drain field, and never drive or park vehicles on it.

Conclusion: Take Care of Your System, and It Will Last Longer

The bottom line? The life of your anaerobic septic system depends on you. Although the lifespan of septic system may depend on many factors, like

• Installation quality, 

• Soil conditions, 

• Usage patterns, and 

• Maintenance

The best way to increase the life of the anaerobic septic system is through proper care and maintenance. Here's what you need to remember: 

• Regular inspections every 1-3 years, 

• Pumping every 3-5 years, depending on usage, and 

• Watch what you flush down the drain.

It may, on the one hand, save you money in the present, but neglecting warning signs or ignoring maintenance will cost you thousands in repairs or replacement in the future. Knowing the working of your system and the things that can influence its life cycle, you will be in a position to take precautionary measures to ensure that your anaerobic septic system will last for many years to come.

Your septic system is an investment in your home, so treat it like one.

FAQs

1. How long does an aerobic septic system last?

Usually, around 20 to 40 years. Your drain field? That'll probably go out sooner, somewhere between 15 and 25 years.

2. What is the average lifespan of an aerobic septic system?

It really depends on how much you care for it. You actually maintain it? Could go 40 years. You ignore it? Don't expect much from the past 20 years.

3. How long do aerobic septic systems last before needing replacement?

Most people end up replacing around 25-35 years old. Your drain field might need it first, around 15-25 years, depending on how hard it's working.

4. How does the lifespan of aerobic systems compare to traditional septic systems?

They're basically the same lifespan (20-40 years), but aerobic ones are needier. They have pumps and electrical stuff that break if you don't care for them.

5. What factors influence how long a septic system lasts?

Installation quality, regular maintenance, water usage patterns, soil conditions, what gets flushed, and physical damage all play a role in longevity.