Septic systems fail for different reasons. The most common reasons are:
- Age. Most modern residential systems are designed for a 20 to 30 year service life to
keep installation cost reasonable.
- Misuse/Abuse. Uninformed homeowners are unaware of the damage they inadvertently
cause by discharging harmful items down drains and toilets. More information about this
can be seen on our "Money Saving Tips" page by clicking here.
- Lack of Maintenance. Septic tanks must be cleaned (or "pumped") periodically. Additives
are not a substitute for pump out maintenance, which should be done generally every 3
to 5 years Click Here for more information about septic tank maintenance.
- Improper design. Many older systems were not engineered treatment systems. They are
more prone to premature failure than a modern, properly designed and installed system.
- Improper installation. Unfortunately, as with any industry, there are substandard septic
system installers that do not construct systems using proper practices and attention to
detail. Although every city and town requires at least one or more inspections during or
after construction, poor work practices are not always apparent until later years when
problems arise. Substantially lower estimates can be a red flag. Contractors offering
much lower cost than several others should be researched for credentials and
references.
