If you have a home with a septic system, your drain field is a key component of that system. But how long do drain fields last in Oviedo? The experts at Acme Environmental Services are here to tell you.
One out of every five households in the United States utilizes a septic system. If you live in a suburban or rural area outside of the centralized public sewer system, your septic system will dispose of and treat the wastewater that leaves your home. Whether you’ve lived in a home with a septic system for a while or you’re new to the concept, you probably have some questions, including “how long do drain fields last in Oviedo?”
How Your Septic System Works
When solid and liquid waste leaves your home and travels to your septic tank through pipes, the liquid wastewater (or effluent) on the surface will be moved to your septic drain field.
This drain field then percolates the liquid wastewater through a natural filtration system made up of microbes and soil until it becomes groundwater. It may sound simple, but there are many variables that can affect the lifespan of your septic system.
In this blog, we will answer the question “how long do drain fields last in Oviedo?” and give some helpful tips to help maximize the lifespan of your drain field.
How Long Do Drain Fields Last in Oviedo?
The good news is that drain fields in Florida have a similar lifespan to anywhere else in the United States. While their useful life varies, you should expect a properly maintained septic drain field to last around 20 years, or even longer with the proper care.
The Installation Matters
If you’re a lover of DIY, you may be considering installing a new drain field yourself. We’re not here to rain on your parade, but you want to leave this job to an experienced septic technician. Installing a drain field is a lot more technical than you might think, and requires soil testing, properly installed pipes, heavy equipment, and hours of manual labor.
Working with a professional septic services company gives you access to the years of experience and knowledge that their contractors have, and means that you can have your septic drain field (and your entire septic system) installed while barely lifting a finger.
Don’t Drive on Your Drain Field
Heavy equipment and vehicles can wreak havoc on your drain field – it’s critical that your drain field is able to filter the liquid wastewater. Large vehicles and other heavy objects can compress the soil and damage the pipes, limiting the ability of your drain field to percolate the wastewater.
How To Care For Your Septic Tank
One of the best ways to increase your drain field’s lifespan is to maintain your septic tank. This means not dumping harmful chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, paint, or other household chemicals into your drains or toilets.
These items can harm your septic system and kill the bacteria that break down waste. The only things that should go into your septic system are water and human waste.
Get Regular Maintenance
If you’re asking the question “how long do drain fields last in Oviedo?” then our best piece of advice is to call in the professionals for regular maintenance. You should have your septic system inspected every 2 to 3 years, and pumped out as needed. Acme Environmental Services can take care of all of your septic needs. Contact us today to schedule your next service.