septic tank - how long do they last for?

[meltoadhall]

we share a septic tank with our new next door neighbours. despite the fact, when they moved in we discussed the septic tank and said what mustnt go in, ie. rubbish, fats, bleaches etc.. Prior to these neighbours arriving, the tank needed emptying every 18mths or so, now it seems to be blocking and them wanting to empty it every 4-6 months. We keep rodding it and find lumps of fat and gunge attatched Ych!!!

We have found out from the council who used to own the houses that the drain field is under what is now a very large garage/workshop and worry that its affecting the drainage system even more.

We now think it might need replacing as its probably 20-25 years old. is this the average shelf life and how can we get through to our anti social neighbours that they are not helping. We use ecover and eco freindly cleaners - no chemicals.

[raysparx]

Hi, it probably is just the gunk they are putting down there,we had a septic tank for over 25 years and never had a problem,if you have to keep rodding it maybe one of the pipes has cracked,there is no need to empty it every few months we only had ours done 5 times in all the time we were there,the garage shouldn't be harming it as it is only the excess water that overflows out and that just drains away, hope you get it sorted, Ray

Hope they aren't putting any disposable nappies down there,are they?

[ianess]

Disposable nappies and baby wipes are the main reason for septic tanks blocking up.
As they say in Greece, where the plumbing is notoriously bad, if you haven't digested it then you shouldn't be flushing it.
A bit extreme in the UK but you wouldn't have any more problems.