If your Lisle home isn’t connected to the municipal sewer system, a septic system is essential for managing your household wastewater. These systems are designed to treat and dispose of sewage in a safe and environmentally responsible way. While septic systems are incredibly robust, they do need attention to ensure they work at their best for as long as possible.
By establishing a proactive maintenance routine, you can drastically extend the lifespan of your septic system. This translates into significant savings by reducing the likelihood of expensive repairs or the need for a whole system replacement far sooner than necessary.
How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?
Larger houses may produce more wastewater
The average lifespan of a well-maintained septic tank ranges from 20 to 30 years. However, several factors can significantly impact how long your system lasts:
- Construction Material: Concrete tanks are the most enduring option, often lasting 40 years or more, thanks to their durability and resistance to cracking and corrosion. Steel tanks are less expensive upfront but tend to rust more easily, shortening their lifespan to around 20-30 years. Fiberglass tanks are another option, offering a balance between affordability and durability, but may not be suitable for all soil conditions.
- Household Size: Larger households naturally produce more wastewater, putting a greater strain on the septic system. A family of five will have a larger impact than a single person or couple. The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association recommends adjusting your pumping frequency based on household size.
- Maintenance Habits: The commitment to regular pumping, inspections, and responsible use plays a massive role in longevity. A well-maintained system can last at its peak performance level for decades, while a neglected system can fail prematurely.
- Soil Conditions: The type of soil surrounding your drain field significantly impacts how well it absorbs the treated wastewater effluent. Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage is ideal. Clay soil or soil with a high water table can impede drainage and lead to drain field problems. If you’re unsure about your soil composition, a septic system professional can conduct a percolation test to assess its suitability.
- Groundwater Levels: High groundwater levels can saturate the drain field, making it difficult for the system to function efficiently. This can lead to backups and sewage surfacing around your drain field. If your property has a history of high groundwater issues, you may need a raised drain field or alternative system design.
Maintenance Practices
Regular pumping prevents build-up
While it takes effort, proper septic system maintenance isn’t overly complex. Let’s delve deeper into the most important practices:
- Pumping: Regular septic tank pumping removes the build-up of solids which, if left unchecked, can clog the system and lead to costly backups or damage to the drain field. Ontario Regulation 315/10 amended the Ontario Building Code, introducing the Mandatory On-Site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program. This program requires municipalities across Ontario to conduct inspections every 5 years. In 2022, the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Building Department resumed the 2-Step Mandatory Septic Reinspection Program after the pandemic.
- Inspections: Septic system inspections ensure everything is functioning correctly. A professional can spot problems with baffles, leaks, roots infiltrating components, or signs of drain field failure that homeowners often miss. In some provinces, inspections are mandatory at certain intervals or before a property is sold, helping ensure the system is in good working order.
- Water Conservation: Canada is a water-rich country, but minimizing your impact extends the life of your septic system and helps the environment. Water-efficient fixtures reduce the load on your system, helping it last longer. The Ontario Water and Energy Conservation Guidance Manual for Sewage Works provides for Incentive Programs to help lower water usage by offering rebates for installing water-saving equipment or devices, or by offering a payback plan for water saved.
- Mindful Flushing: Most clogs are avoidable! “Flushable” wipes are notorious for problems and create expensive backups. If you have young children, consider restricting access to wipes or other non-biodegradable items to avoid an emergency call to the plumber. Remember – if it didn’t pass through your body or isn’t specifically designed for septic use, don’t flush it.
- Garbage Disposal Alternatives: Food scraps break down slowly and add to solids in the tank. Composting is widespread in Canada, and many municipalities even offer collection programs or subsidies for compost bins. Reduce garbage disposal use or only put easily degradable soft food scraps down the drain to avoid excessive tank pumping.
- Protect the Drain Field: The drain field is where treated wastewater re-enters the environment. Compacting the soil ruins its ability to absorb water, leading to soggy, swampy ground, or worse, backups into your home. Keep vehicles off, trees with aggressive roots away, and plant only grass or low-growing, shallow-rooted plants to ensure good drainage.
- Keep Harsh Chemicals Out: Your septic tank is home to beneficial bacteria that break down waste naturally. Harsh chemicals kill those bacteria, throwing the balance off and causing potential septic tank failure or clogging. Opt for cleaning products labelled “Septic-Safe” for peace of mind — they’re easy to find in grocery and hardware stores.
- Additives Are Unnecessary: Companies often aggressively market tank additives, and it’s tempting to think they’re a shortcut to avoiding pumping. But a healthy, regularly pumped septic tank doesn’t need them. Your best additive is responsible water use and avoiding flushing inappropriate things – those practices are far more powerful than any product you buy.
- Know Your System’s Location: Knowing the location of your tank saves time if you ever need a pump-out or inspection. Similarly, knowing where your drain field is prevents accidental damage from deep-rooted plants or construction. Often there’s a property sketch when you bought your home, but if not, a septic company can trace your system.
- Professional Guidance: Septic system professionals are a great resource! Never hesitate to call for advice, or if something seems wrong, like slow drains or foul odours. Getting problems fixed early is far cheaper than dealing with full system replacements down the road, and they’ll ensure you’re following local regulations for septic system ownership.
Your septic system is a crucial part of your Lisle home’s infrastructure. By prioritizing these maintenance tips, you’ll be protecting this investment and ensuring your system continues to function reliably for years to come. Remember, prevention is far less costly than dealing with major septic system failures.
If you require septic system expertise, from pumping and inspections to repairs, look no further than Plumbing Authority. We’re your trusted Lisle specialists! Contact us today at (647) 992-7473.