If you have a septic system, it's important to familiarize yourself with the signs that indicate your septic tank needs to be repaired or replaced. This will ensure that you call your septic company as soon as you notice a problem and before it gets worse. Here are four signs that may indicate it's time to replace your septic tank.

1. Frequent Sewage Backups

One of the tell-tale signs that it's time to replace your septic tank is when there are sewage backups in your yard. You may notice that the grass is greener near your tank, that there are muddy or wet spots in your yard, or there may be a foul odor. Unless you've failed to pump your tank when needed, most backups indicate a major problem that usually involves replacing your tank.

2. Old Age

Septic tanks don't last forever. According to Bob Vila, a well-cared-for septic tank can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. The older the tank gets, the higher the likelihood that you'll encounter issues. As such, many people hire a septic company to replace their tank when it's approaching the end of its life cycle. This ensures the system is replaced before it is allowed to fail completely.

3. Increased Household Size

Most of the time, the size of your septic tank is determined by how large your household is. In our experience, if six people are relying on a septic tank only meant for four, it will lead to more wear and tear. Plus, you'll likely need much more frequent pumping. If your household size has increased, consider getting a replacement that better aligns with your needs.

4. Excessive Repairs

Lastly, septic tank repairs can be costly. If your tank is encountering an issue that is expensive to repair, you have to weigh the cost of the repair versus the age of the tank versus the replacement cost. If your tank is older and has extensive problems, it usually makes more financial sense to replace it. This may actually save you money because you're paying for a single replacement rather than several repairs.

If you notice one or more of the signs listed above, it may be time to call in a septic company to inspect your system and make the repairs or replacements that are needed. When the time comes, reach out to Green Septic Clean to obtain an estimate and schedule an appointment.