Should You Replace Your Old Steel Septic Tank?
If your steel septic tank is fairly old, you may wonder if you should clean it out or get a new one in its place. If your septic tank isn't working as it should, you may want to replace it soon. However, a septic service provider can determine whether or not your steel septic tank is sound enough to keep. Before you make a decision about your septic tank, learn more about old septic tanks and the problems steel tanks encounter below.
Is Your Steel Septic Tank Too Old?
Age isn't the only thing that can affect your septic tank. Most property-maintained septic tanks can last about 40 years before they become unusable or fail, including concrete septic tanks and plastic septic tanks. However, steel tanks typically don't last as long as concrete or plastic tanks do. Certain conditions or factors can influence how well steel septic tanks last, including the soil conditions surrounding them.
Septic tanks require good soil conditions to last. Soil that's too soft and malleable may not be sturdy enough to support a septic tank over the years. The soil can gradually erode and expose a tank's housing to excess moisture. A steel septic tank is particularly vulnerable to moisture. Steel can rust if you repeatedly expose it to moisture.
Acidic soil can also affect steel septic tanks. Acidic soil contains minerals and other substances that eat through or break down steel. Ferrous metals like steel can become pitted when exposed to acidic soil conditions for long periods of time. Pitted steel appears discolored and mottled in places. The steel may also develop small cavities in it.
All of the factors mentioned above may determine whether or not you should replace your old steel septic tank or keep it. A septic service provider can examine your septic tank and help you make the right decision regarding it.
Is There a Better Septic Tank for You?
A provider will visually inspect your septic tank for you. If a provider finds pits, large areas of rust, and other issues with your septic tank, replace it immediately. Your septic tank and/or system will eventually fail. A failing tank can push solid and liquid waste back into your home. A failing tank can also cause waste to build up in the leach field connected to the tank.
You may want to choose a concrete or plastic septic tank as your replacement. As mentioned above, the tanks can potentially last 40 years or more with good care. If you need additional answers or information about your tank options, consult a provider right away.
Learn more about replacing your old steel septic tank by contacting a septic tank provider such as McMullen Septic Service, Inc today.
