This depends on the size of the tank, number of people in the home, and whether the home is used full time. Under normal use, a correctly sized tank should be pumped about every 8-12 years.

Most septic systems are expected to last 20-30 years. Some systems will last much longer, some systems will need to be replaced sooner.

A number of things can cause a system to fail. Most typically, if a tank is not pumped, it will fill with solids and back up into the home. Sometimes the fix for this is as easy as having the tank pumped. We frequently see pipe collapses or failures as a reason why the septic system backs up into the home. There are other situations where the system was not properly designed or permitted for the lot, these cases require the entire system to be replaced in order to function properly.

• a camera inspection between house & tank • if septic tankis accessible we will imspect the condition of the tank and take a core sample of the tank to inspect how full the tank is (we regularly find the tank buried and inaccessible) • if the distribution box is accessible we will inspect the box and all incoming/outgoing lines from the box (we regularly find the distribution box buried and inaccessible) • drainfield inspection including checking the conditions of the lines and checking for ponding or surfacing (we regularly find the drainfield buried and inaccessible) • Any pumps or other opponents that are part of the septic system will be inspected as part of our normal fee • report of findings • 30 minutes worth of phone calls about the inspection. We are willing to take the time needed to explain in detail the condition of the system, and any other recommendations needed to the person paying for the inspection along with any other parties that want to listen in (it's beneficial to have the buyer, seller, and both real estate agents in the phone all at the same time.) What we cannot do, is explain in detail the condition of the system to the buyer, seller, both real estate agents, the lender etc. all individually on separate phone calls, or continue screenign phone calls about the system to other potential buyers for months down the road.

In a conventional septic system, water goes out of the house to a septic tank which separates liquids from soilds. The liquids then flows via pipe to the drainfield, where the ground then acts as filter as it absorbs the liquid. The basic definifition of an alternative system is adding a filter between the septic system and the ground. In general, an alternative system reduces setbacks to sandy soil, fractured bedrock, & limited space. It results in about a 50% reduction in drainfield size. Alternative systems can't solve every single problem, but most. Some lots may still be unbuildable.