How Long Can You Use a Collapsed Septic Tank?
By Melanie Dawn
November 28, 2024
While septic tanks are designed to be long-lasting, most have a lifespan of around 10 years. After that, they're susceptible to a wide range of problems, one of which is a collapsed tank.
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Unfortunately, septic tank collapse can be serious and requires immediate attention if you want to prevent further complications. Here's what you need to know.
What Happens When a Septic Tank Collapses?
Septic tanks are typically made from plastic, fiberglass or concrete. Over time, things like age, above-ground pressure and tree roots can affect the structural integrity of the tank, causing it to partially or completely collapse. A collapsed septic tank can’t hold wastewater efficiently, which poses health, safety and environmental hazards.
How to Know If Your Septic Tank Has Collapsed: 4 Signs
Foul smells, soggy areas in your lawn that never seem to dry out and overflowing drains and toilets in your home are all signs you have a problem with your septic system. There are also some telltale signs of a collapsed septic tank. These include:
Signs on the ground. When your septic tank collapses, the surrounding ground may also cave in. This can cause sinkholes and shifted ground. If you notice a sudden dip or hole in the ground, it may be a collapsed tank.
Plumbing problems. A single drain overflowing is usually the sign of an individual clog. If multiple drains back up at the same time for no apparent reason, it could be a signal of something more serious within your plumbing system. Slow-moving drains can also be an indicator that wastewater isn’t moving efficiently to your septic tank.
Odors. If your yard smells like sewage, it could be that your old septic tank has collapsed.
Lush grass. Grass above an old septic tank system tends to be greener than the rest of your yard. However, it can also be a sign of a collapsed tank.
How Long Can You Use a Collapsed Septic Tank?
You should never use a collapsed septic tank. Continuing to use one can pose a variety of problems, including:
Health hazards. When a septic tank collapses, sewage can leak into the groundwater and nearby wells. This can put you and your neighbors at risk of E. coli and other health risks.
Legal issues. Depending on where you live, a collapsed septic system may violate local health and environmental regulations. This violation could result in hefty fines and legal issues.
Pollution. Wastewater from a collapsed septic tank can also cause damage to local ecosystems, including polluting local waterways and soil.
Property damage. When the walls on your septic system collapse, it affects the stability of the land above the tank. You may experience sinkholes and erosion in your yard.
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What Should You Do If You Believe Your Septic Tank Has Collapsed?
A collapsed septic tank is unusable and dangerous to your property. Once you’ve established the tank is collapsing or already collapsed, take these steps:
Stop using your plumbing system. Until you can get professional help, reduce the water you use to prevent further damage to your system. Switch to bottled water and avoid using your washing machine, dishwasher and other water-using appliances.
Contact a plumber. Contact a licensed plumber immediately. Once they come out, they'll inspect the system and plan a course of action. This usually includes pumping the tank to remove residual waste and repairing or replacing your existing tank.
Consider an upgrade. If you have an older tank or one that needs replacing, consider upgrading to a more environmentally friendly septic option.
Prevent future collapses. Take steps to prevent your tank from collapsing again. This includes regular pumping and inspections and trimming trees and shrubs away from your tank. Finally, be careful what goes down your drain.
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