When Should You Replace Your Septic System?

Septic Systems Rocklin

Curious about septic system lifespan and how to determine when to replace it? The answer depends on the age of your septic system and the nature of the problem that has you considering replacement.

General Information

The average septic system’s lifespan is 25 – 30 years. The cost to purchase and install a new system ranges from $5,000 – $15,000. All septic solutions comprise two key parts: a tank and a drainfield (aka leach field). The tank is where waste settles to the bottom, and the drainfield is where the treated wastewater is dispersed. Interesting fact: 20 percent of US households use a septic system, and this number rises to 50 percent in southern states.

To Repair Or Replace

It’s common for your septic system to tell you when it’s time to consider repair or replacement. For example, you may wake up to discover a foul scent in your backyard. Or, your house might experience a sewage backup. When this happens, the first thing you should do is call NexGen Septics, serving California and Hawaii. Whether you have a residential septic system or a commercial septic system, our well-trained team will diagnose the problem and offer a solution.

Sewage in your home

If a backup results in sewage entering your home, the water level in your septic tank should be checked. It’s possible there’s a clog in the pipe connecting the tank to your house. This is something a plumber can fix. There’s also a chance that the pipe is broken. If this is the case, you’re probably looking at a few hundred dollars to remedy the problem.

If the problem lies within the tank itself, you should consider having the tank pumped – a project that runs $200 – $1000 depending on the size of the tank.

Drainfield issues

If the drainfield near your backyard smells bad or is soggy, a septic-tank pumping might solve the problem. Or, temporarily reduce your water usage and see if the drainfield returns to normal. A more serious problem is if the drainfield fails completely. This can happen if the septic tank isn’t pumped regularly, or it can occur when the septic system reaches a certain age.

When To Repair

Standing water in the drainfield, a foul odor in your backyard, or a backup in your home’s plumbing may simply be the result of a broken pipe. Or, depending on the complexity of your septic system, a part or two might require adjusting or replacing. For those people with a standard drainfield, it’s possible that the backup/soggy drainfield is due to a die-off of the bacteria that decomposes the waste because of the lack of oxygen. In this scenario, reducing system usage for a couple of weeks should facilitate bacteria growth and a return to normal functioning.

When To Replace

When a drainfield fails, there’s a good chance it’s beyond repair – which means a new septic system is in order. Whether you need to replace some or all of the system depends on the type of system you have, its age, and the condition of all components.

The passage of time is also cause for replacement. If your septic company provides periodic checkups and maintenance, they’ll tell you if the tank is developing cracks, piping is getting old, etc. Even the best septic systems expire, and eventually, a new setup will be required to ensure your safety and the value of your property.

For more information on septic systems, contact NexGen Septic. Our cutting-edge septic solutions deliver terrific fiscal and operational benefits to homes and businesses in California and Hawaii.

The EnviroFin Septic Solution Officially Coming to Hawaii

septic system in hawaii

First launched in New England, the EnviroFin® Septic System is one of the most robust passive onsite wastewater treatment systems on the market. And as more homeowners and businesses discover the financial, environmental, and maintenance advantages of this patented septic technology, EnviroFin’s popularity has continued to spread nationwide.

And this growing interest isn’t just limited to the continental United States.

A few weeks ago, we wrote an article about how the EnviroFin® Septic System would soon be coming to Hawaii. And after receiving the green light earlier this year, we’re happy to announce that we’ve launched in the Aloha State as of February 2018.

Given all that’s happening in Hawaii at the moment, the timing of this Pacific launch couldn’t be better.

Why Hawaii Needs the EnviroFin® Septic System

Across the country, states are beginning to phase out the use of traditional cesspools and older septic systems. And nowhere is this decommissioning more pronounced than in Hawaii – a relatively small state with surprisingly large waste management challenges.

Outdated cesspools not only continue to threaten drinking water for local residents, but they’ve also started to chip away at the state’s primary source of revenue – i.e. tourism.

And already, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started doling out hefty fines to those who continue to use antiquated septic and cesspool solutions.

To avoid these penalties, protect their citizens, and safeguard the tourism industry, Hawaii is now engaged in an aggressive push to upgrade its current waste management infrastructure with greener and more sustainable alternatives.

By 2050, in fact, the state hopes to phase out all 90,000 of its cesspools that have been identified.

And this is precisely where the EnviroFin® Septic System comes in.

Using a passive wastewater treatment technology, each EnviroFin® unit is able to transform wastewater into 99.98% contaminate free wastewater – all without relying on toxic chemicals or additives. This treatment process not only benefits area residents and vacationers, but it also protects waterways that might normally become contaminated using traditional septic systems or cesspools.

The ecological benefits of EnviroFin® are very clear.

But does it make financial sense to install this septic technology?

Hawaii Will Help Subsidize Your Septic System Upgrade

By mid-century, every residential, commercial, and municipal property throughout the state will need to replace its current cesspool with a more environmentally friendly alternative.

That’s a pretty large (and potentially expensive) undertaking.

The good news is that EnviroFin® is already more affordable than most traditional septic solutions. This is especially true when you factor in the maintenance and upkeep costs associated with non-passive septic technologies.

But there’s even better news.

The Hawaiian government is now offering generous incentives to help with this statewide transition. Under Act 120, the EnviroFin® qualifies for tax credits that can further drive down the already low cost of this powerful septic technology. Each septic system upgrade or replacement is eligible for up to $10,000 in tax relief, making EnviroFin® one of the most cost-effective secondary wastewater treatment technologies on the market.

To learn more about our upcoming Hawaii launch – or to ask questions about the EnviroFin® Septic System – schedule a free consultation with us today.