You’ll hear ranges like 2–3 years or 3–5 years, but the real answer is: it depends.

Pumping frequency depends on:

- Household size

- Tank size

- System age

More people and smaller tanks fill faster. When sludge exceeds about ⅓ of the tank, solids can escape into the drain field—leading to costly repairs or replacement.

That’s why we don’t guess. We evaluate your system and recommend a schedule that actually protects it.

You’ll see answers online like 20–30 years, and in some cases that’s true. But many septic systems last much longer. For example, we regularly service systems that are 50-60 years old.

Lifespan depends on factors like:

• Maintenance history

• Whether the system has been overloaded

• Soil conditions

A well-maintained system in the right soil can last decades longer than most people expect.

Common warning signs include:

• Toilets draining slowly or not flushing properly

• Soggy or unusually wet areas over the drain field

• Wastewater backing up or overflowing at the tank

If you notice any of these, it’s best to address the issue early, before it turns into a more expensive repair.

Yes. A septic system design is required to obtain a building permit. Permits are issued by the county environmental health department, even if your property is within village limits.

A proper design typically requires:

• A soil analysis

• House plans

• A site plan

These ensure the system is designed correctly and approved without delays.

Possibly. It’s common for a septic system to need adjustments—or even replacement—when adding a swimming pool.

Minimum clearance requirements:

Above-ground pools: at least 5 ft from septic components (some counties require 10 ft)

In-ground pools: at least 25 ft from all septic system components

Because requirements vary by county, it’s important to review your layout before installing a pool.

Yes. A soil analysis (or soil test) is required to properly design a septic system.

The test evaluates soil characteristics like texture, structure, and drainage. This information—along with the number of bedrooms in the home—is used to determine the correct size of the drain field or distribution area, per Illinois Environmental Health Department requirements.