Septic System Life Expectancy FAQs

Index to Q&A on how long a septic tank & fields last
Effect of septic tank pumping on septic system life Q&A
Determine remaining life of a septic system Q&A
Septic tank material vs septic system life FAQs

Remaining Life of Old Septic Systems FAQs

What's the future life of a 75 year old septic system?

Hello! We are considering buying a vacant lot that had a concrete septic system installed in 1953 and apparently upgraded in 1981. No home has ever been built on the property, so the septic system has never actually been used.

Would you anticipate that the septic system would be usable if a new home were now built on that property? (We're trying to evaluate the logistics and costs associated with developing the lot.

If we'd need to replace the septic system, that's something we'd want to keep in mind before we made an offer on the property.) Thank you! On 2017-08-28 by Bob

by (mod) - zero

Bob,

On a system installed 75 years ago I wouldn't bet a dime on anything.

But you should be able to at least find the septic tank, inspect itns size and condition, and from there snake out the pipe exiting the tank to find the D-box (If there is one) and from there snake further to find the drainfield (if there is one).

A couple of small test excavations in those areas might tell you what was installed and whether or not it's collapsed or blocked by roots or silt.

It would be prudent to include in your economic plan a complete septic system installation. To estimate that you need perc tests, plot plan, available space, and basic design.

Septic Tank Material vs Life FAQs

Which septic tank material is best - lasts longest?

Which is a better tank material concrete or polyethylene for giving long septic tank life. No traffic over tank, concern is tree roots for adjacent property.On 2017-03-17 by Peter

Reply by (mod) -

Peter

I don't have an opinion nor research that argues that one tank material is always superior to the other.

Both have advantages: strength of tank and cover if exposed to traffic vs light-weight ease and economy of transport vs shape and ease of cleaning vs. need to anchor so an empty tank won't float-up out of the ground;

A lightweight tank would be first choice where it's difficult to get the tank to the spot where it's needed.

Impact of Pumping on Septic System Life FAQs

How to identify the nitrogen amounts reduced by pumping a septic tank on a regular interval.

I am trying to identify the nitrogen amounts reduced by pumping a septic tank on a regular interval. We have 23,000 owts in our county. On 2017-02-19 4 by John Neddo

by (mod) -

This research might be of use, John.

I suspect that the type of septic system, tank, disposal field have a domimant effect on nitrogen levels.

• Aravena, Ramon, M. L. Evans, and John A. Cherry. "Stable isotopes of oxygen and nitrogen in source identification of nitrate from septic systems." Groundwater 31, no. 2 (1993): 180-186.
• Viraraghavan, T., and R. G. Warnock. "Efficiency of a septic tile system." Journal (Water Pollution Control Federation) (1976): 934-944.
• Walker, William Gordon, J. Bouma, D. R. Keeney, and F. R. Magdoff. "Nitrogen transformations during subsurface disposal of septic tank effluent in sands: I. Soil transformations." Journal of Environmental Quality 2, no. 4 (1973): 475-480.
• Walker, W. G., J. Bouma, D. R. Keeney, and P. G. Olcott. "Nitrogen transformations during subsurface disposal of septic tank effluent in sands: II. Ground water quality." Journal of Environmental Quality 2, no. 4 (1973): 521-525.
  

How Long can a Septic System Last FAQs

What's the maximum life is for a well kept septic field?

Hi, ive just looked at a custom house built 30 years ago. The home has original septic still in place (unsure if its steel or concrete-will ask).

The original owner designed this house and still lives there. They are very meticulous with maintaining all areas of the house and they do have the septic pumped out on schedule often with records.

I would imagine as clean as the house is most non septic friendly items did not make it to the drains often. you state any system over 20 years old could likely need costly attention at any moment. what do you feel the maximum life is for a well kept septic field? Thanks On 2012-06-25 by Ken

by (mod) - a 50 year old septic that works is possible but uncommon - depends on maintenance, soil properties, site drainage, etc.

Ken, while I've seen a working septic system that was more than 50 years old, it was an unusual case.

I think it's hard to make any promises especially because of wide variations in soil conditions as well as quality of original installation. Even well-maintained, eventually the biomat that forms around conventional septic drainfield trenches clogs soils there and begins to slow effluent water absorption into the surrounding soils.

At a property I repaired, there had been NO working drainfield for years, but no evidence of failure. The soil at that home is a mix of sand and gravel. A six foot pipe extended from the septic tank outlet into the soil and ended there. No drainfield, no seepage pit was working. The home was occupied by a solitary elderly lady who used little water.

But the night after a new family moved in and did two loads of laundry, water was standing in the yard.

Therefore a prudent home buyer of a property that has a 30 year old septic system would

- inspect and test the system before purchase

- check with the septic pumping company about signs of trouble during pumpout: lost baffles, water backflow into the tank, abnormal levels in the tank, tank damage, materials used, etc.

- budget to permit septic system repairs at any time after moving in

- in absence of any sign of trouble, keep pumping the tank on schedule and keep your money in the bank.

What's the probable remaining life for a septic system built in the 1940s?

A home that was built in 1942 with a septic system. No record of being maintained, no records at Heather department either. Current owner has never cleaned out pumped septic ever. I think I should not purchase this house. Someone tell me how long they last. N what expense to fix replace. If had too.

Or if I had it pumped out after many years would that take care of the problem. Or look for a different house. On 2018-04-06 1 by Paulette Jenkins

by (mod) - zero

There is no reasonable probability that a septic system that was built in the 1940s and has not been touched since, and that continued in use, would continue to be functional. Even if the tank were concrete and in good condition you would assume that the fields failed.

Pumping the septic tank will never fix a failed absorption bed or drainfield.

Needing repairs is not, in my OPINION, a reason not to buy a home.

Inspector says septic is at end of life; is the seller's $4500. allowance reasonable?

Septic inspector said septic the end of life. Seller want to give $4500 for repair is it good or bad ? septic was from 1960 On 2017-10-05 by Rita

by Lo - depends on what repairs are needed - $8,500 to $40,000 is at stake

Rita,

Depends on what is not working. Septic tank and Distribution box can cost $8500.

If it is drain or leach field, it can cost $40,000.

So, read the Septic inspector report carefully. You can even ask the inspection company how much it cost to repair?