How Long Does a Septic System Last?

On average, a septic system in Australia will last between 25 and 40 years if it’s maintained and treated properly. Like a car, if you treat it well, use the right products and make sure it doesn’t get damaged it will last a long time without issue.

The type of system you have, the materials it’s made of and the different components all affect its lifespan.

If you’re looking for advice on restoring your system’s performance, fixing a problem or maintenance speak with one of our wastewater experts.

Steel septic tanks

Steel septic tanks are the least durable as they will eventually rust and need to be replaced. The quality of the metal used and the soil’s acidity are the two most important factors in estimating the lifespan of a steel septic tank. If you have a steel septic tank that might be more than 15 years old you should have it inspected as some of the internal components, such as the baffles, may have rusted and will no longer be doing their job.

Concrete septic tanks

Concrete septic tanks last much longer than those made of steel and if maintained well can run forever without any issues. This is still very much dependent on the quality of the concrete septic tank, acidity of the soil and how regularly the system is treated.

Leach Field

The lifespan of a leach field, absorption field or drainage trench is difficult to estimate as the way it was built plays such an important role. How large it is, the type of soil used, how it’s maintained and the quality of the piping will determine how long it lasts. If a leach field is maintained properly and treated regularly it can last without issue for decades.

Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS)

If serviced regularly and the correct measures and products are used to maintain the optimal biological conditions for bacteria to digest waste an AWTS will also last a long time. As an AWTS has more moving parts they need to be serviced more frequently than a regular septic system but the advantage is that the water can be used for irrigation.

If your system is built well and you’re consistent with your maintenance and treatment routine you can expect to live odour and blockage free for many years without any issues.

Read our guide on taking care of your wastewater system for tips and checklists that will help your system last longer and let you live odour and blockage free.

To find out more about how we can improve the lifespan of your system, please get in touch with us. Here are what some of our happy, long-term customers are saying.