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Are you on a septic tank for the first time? Or maybe you’ve always had one but you’d like to know how it works so you can ask intelligent questions the next time you need septic services. Here are the basics of septic tanks.

what is a septic tank

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a large container buried underground in areas where the city sewer lines don’t reach. These tanks hold all of the solid waste generated by a particular home, as well as a complex set of bacteria and other living organisms that break this waste down.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Septic systems pump waste into the tank. Solid waste sinks, becoming part of the sludge that is there. Liquid waste is filtered out into a drainfield. You should never build on your drainfield, park on it, plant on it, or use it for much of anything other than as the drainfield.

How Long Do Septic Tanks Last?

Septic tanks need to be pumped out every 3-5 years, depending on the number of people in the home and the size of the tank. Concrete tanks that are properly maintained will last up to 40 years. Steel tanks only last 15-20 years.

How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?

It’s impossible to answer this without more information. The price of the tank depends on the type of tank you need and the size of tank you want. It also depends on whether this is a first-time installation or a replacement. New tanks can run from $15,000 to $25,000. Replacing an existing system can be between $3,000 and $7,000. These are ballpark numbers, though.

If you need a new system, call our professionals and they will give you a quote after inspecting your home and system thoroughly.

In fact, reach out to us at Wilson Services for all of your septic system needs in Sussex County!