Septic tank troubles can appear in unexpected areas on your Idaho property, from standing water in your kitchen sink to bright green grass filling your yard. While repair can be a quick fix for minor issues, it doesn’t always address severe or recurring problems. If you constantly have to schedule septic tank repairs or pumping, replacement may be a more cost-effective and lasting solution. Keep reading to discover the top signs that it’s time to upgrade your septic system and the benefits of professional installation.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Replacement
When your septic tank starts showing signs of trouble, it can be challenging to determine the difference between a quick fix and a serious issue or emergency. Knowing the warning signs that replacement may be necessary will help you save time and money, preventing costly system failures.
The top signs that it’s time to contact a professional for septic tank installation include:
- Slow-moving drains: While one slow-moving drain is often a quick fix, several may indicate a more significant problem with your septic tank. If your toilet, bathtub, and sink drains all start to move slowly, there may be a blockage or damage that requires replacement.
- Bright green grass: The nutrients in wastewater act as natural fertilizers for your grass. If areas of lush, vibrant grass begin to pop up around your yard, there’s likely a leak, allowing sewage waste to seep into the surrounding soil.
- Foul smells: If you notice foul sewage smells circulating around your property, there may be a septic leak or backup within your system.
- Soggy patches in your yard: If your septic system isn’t disposing of waste properly, it can cause pools of wastewater to form in your yard. You’ll often notice soggy, foul-smelling patches near your septic tank or drain field.
- Frequent pumping: If your septic tank is filling up more often than usual, cracks, leaks, or structural issues might be to blame.
Why Septic Tank Replacement Is Sometimes the Best Option
While minor issues with your septic tank may be a quick fix, some prompt the need for complete replacement. If your system is between 20 and 40 years old, has severe damage, or constantly needs repair or maintenance, replacement is often the most effective solution. Replacing your septic tank comes with several benefits, including:
- Improved performance: A new septic system will operate more efficiently, keeping your home systems running smoothly and preventing issues like backups or slow drainage.
- Reduced risk: Replacing a failing septic tank reduces the risk of environmental damage and health hazards such as water contamination, keeping your property and family safe.
- Increased property value: Installing a new, well-functioning septic system can increase your property value and provide peace of mind to potential buyers.
- Cost savings: Paying for frequent repairs or pumping adds up over time. Installing a new septic tank reduces the need for constant maintenance and repairs, helping you save money in the long run.
The Septic Tank Replacement Process
Booking with a reputable company like Express Septic ensures your septic tank replacement is a smooth and stress-free process. There are typically four key steps that they’ll follow:
- Assessment: The team begins by inspecting your current septic system using specialized tools to determine if replacement is necessary.
- Planning: They’ll consider your household size and property layout to determine the best system type, material, and capacity for your home.
- Installation: Once the plan is in place, our pros install your new septic tank and adjust other system parts, such as the drainage field, as needed.
- Final inspection: Once they install your new septic tank, they’ll perform a final inspection to ensure everything works correctly and offer tips to care for your new system.
Cost Factors in Septic Tank Replacement
The cost to replace a septic tank varies greatly in Boise, depending on the tank size and material, the current condition of your property, and the required permits.
Tank Size and Material
A 1,000-gallon tank costs anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500, while a 1,500-gallon tank can cost upwards of $3,500. Opting for a material such as concrete will also increase the cost but offer a longer lifespan than plastic or fiberglass options.
Property Condition
To install a new septic tank, technicians must prepare and excavate your property, including clearing trees, leveling land, and removing rocks and debris. The condition of your property will determine the total cost of excavation. The more time and labor and heavy machinery required, the higher the preparation cost.
Permits and Inspections
Septic tank installation permits are often a non-negotiable step to ensure your new system meets local standards. Costs vary depending on location but can run anywhere from $300 to $2,000. Some replacements may also require pre-installation soil testing, costing between $250 and $4,700.
Maintaining Your New Septic Tank
Professional septic pumpings and inspections are the best way to ensure your new septic system continues to operate smoothly for years to come. Schedule pumping at least once every three to five years to remove solids and prevent build-ups or blockages. Other maintenance tips to keep your septic tank in top condition include:
- Watch what you flush: Putting items such as tissues, diapers, and feminine products down the toilet can cause clogs and damage your septic system. To keep things running smoothly, only flush septic-safe toilet paper and human waste.
- Think about what’s going down your drain: Many homeowners dump coffee, eggshells, oils, and grease down their kitchen drains, unaware of the damaging effects on their septic systems. These items can build up in your pipes, causing clogs or blockages that lead to costly repairs.
- Being careful with chemicals: Cleaning chemicals such as drain cleaners, bleach, and toilet bowl cleaners can reduce the good bacteria in your septic system, making it more difficult to break down waste. Look for natural or septic-safe cleaning products to reduce the risk of septic damage.
Call Us to Schedule Septic Tank Replacement Today!
If your septic system shows signs of failure, don’t spend another minute searching for professional septic tank installers near you. Contact the team at Express Septic to schedule an inspection today! Our experts will thoroughly assess your septic tank to diagnose the underlying issue and determine the most effective and cost-friendly solution.
Whether it requires a quick repair or complete replacement, our technicians will ensure a smooth, stress-free process from start to finish. We offer exclusive discounts and flexible financing that ensure your septic tank replacement won’t break the bank!
Don’t wait for your septic issues to worsen — call us or book online to schedule service today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average lifespan of a septic tank?
Septic tanks typically last between 20 to 40 years with proper maintenance. The tank material will also affect the lifespan. Concrete tanks last over 30 years, while plastic or fiberglass tanks may only last 20 to 30.
What happens if I don’t replace a failing septic tank?
If you ignore the signs of a failing septic tank, untreated sewage can leak into your yard and surrounding properties. This sewage will likely contaminate your water supply.
