Some septic systems benefit from the installation of a device called a septic pump, which assists in the process of transferring wastewater from your septic tank to the drain field. But how long do septic pumps last, and why would someone need to replace theirs? Acme explains!
Septic systems can last for up to fifty years if properly cared for. Septic pump-outs, inspections, and following septic mandates and safety tips, are just part of the maintenance regimen that extends the life of your septic system. Some septic systems also benefit from or require the installation of a septic pump, which lies between the septic tank and drain field.
These devices are generally necessary when the septic drain field is located at a higher elevation than the septic tank, or in any other situation when additional force is needed to carry partially-treated waste (effluent) from your septic tank to the drain field. But if septic systems last for decades, how long do septic pumps last? This is a great question for those who are interested in avoiding septic surprises and the cost of managing them.
The Lifespan Of A Septic Pump
Just like other devices and appliances, septic pumps have a certain amount of time they are expected to last. In general, a septic pump lifespan is about 5-15 years. The exact number of years varies depending on factors such as what kind of pump you have and your septic care practices. There are two basic types of septic pumps:
Effluent pumps – These septic pumps are used to pump clarified liquid out of the septic tank and usually last 10-15 years.
Sewage grinder pumps – These septic pumps handle solid waste and have an expected lifespan of 8-10 years.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Septic Pump
Even though septic pumps have a shorter lifespan than septic systems, there are several ways that septic owners can improve the functionality of their septic pump and ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Everything septic pumps handle comes from the septic tank, so the best way to keep your septic pump in optimal condition is to watch what goes down the drains and pipes of the toilets, sinks, and showers in your home. Here are a few common household items and substances that should stay out of your septic system:
- Harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and other disinfectants can kill beneficial bacteria in septic systems.
- Solvents and paints, paint thinners, and varnishes are toxic to septic systems and can damage the components, including the pump.
- Oils and grease solidify and clog the septic pump or pipes over time.
- Gasoline and motor oil are highly toxic, flammable, and corrosive to the septic system and pump.
- Medications and antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria and disrupt the septic tank’s biological process.
- Household chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals are dangerous to the pump and the environment.
Regular Maintenance
Along with only disposing of septic-safe materials down the sinks, toilets, and showers in your home, regular septic maintenance is key for extending the life of your septic system and septic pump. Here are a few septic maintenance services that help your septic system to last:
Septic pump-outs – Septic pump-outs are recommended every 3-5 years by the EPA and other experts in the field of septic care. This service is performed by certified septic technicians who remove all of the liquid and solid waste from your septic tank and transport it to a designated waste treatment site for safe, sanitary disposal.
This service allows a technician to remove any built-up waste from your septic tank, which would otherwise lead to clogs, backups, and environmental harm.
Inspection – Septic inspections are a required part of septic ownership. During an inspection, a licensed septic inspector examines the interior of your septic tank, including the inlet and outlet pipes, baffles, and interior walls. Inspections also include evaluation of the efficiency of your septic tank, septic pump, and drain field. This service is crucial if you want to ensure that your septic pump is effectively carrying wastewater from your septic tank to the drain field, and that no other part of your septic system needs to be repaired or replaced.
Celebrate Another Year Of Your Septic Pump’s Life With Acme
So, how long do septic pumps last? With routine septic pump-outs, regular inspections, and septic-safe habits, they will last for the entirety of their expected lifespan.
Contact us for septic pump care, inspection, pump-outs, and any of your other septic needs.