A well-maintained septic tank can reduce the need to make costly repairs. Bacteria in the tank are constantly working to break down solid waste. It is a good idea if it is not cleaned every three years. This will ensure that it functions properly. It is best to have it checked by a professional contractor at the very least once a month.
There are many things that you can do to help keep your septic tank clean. You should use less water than you normally do. The more water that is in the tank, it is more difficult for waste to be dissolved. You can reduce water use by using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash dishes.
When wastewater from your home is discharged into the septic tanks, it separates into three layers. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, while the oils and grease rise to the top. Bacteria in the septic tank break down some of the waste and distribute it to the leach field. Pumps will be required to remove the sludge once it reaches the bottom.
Depending on the size and needs of your home, you need a tank that can handle the amount water you use. The average American adult uses between 80-100 gallons of water per day. This amounts to roughly 90 gallons per year of solid waste. A septic tank should be capable of reducing solids by 50 percent.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. In fact, they could cause more harm than good. For example, sodium hydroxide can increase the alkalinity of the system, which can accelerate clogging and lead to sludge buildup.
Septic tanks are very easy to maintain. They do need to be pumped every so often to remove any solid waste which is not allowed into the leach area. Most septic tanks do not require pumping unless there are significant amounts of sludge. However, if you notice a problem, it is best to get it checked immediately.
Septic companies will inspect your tank after pumping it. These inspections can help you identify any potential problems. A septic inspection can be done once or several times during a property purchase. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are rolled into the repair costs.
How often you should pump your septic tank depends on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your home. The EPA recommends that your tank be pumped every three to five years. However, depending on your particular situation, you may need to pump more often than this. A single person may only need to pump their 1,000-gallon tank every nine to twelve years, while a family of five may need to pump every two to three.
You should consider putting a septic system on the site prior to laying the foundation for a new house. Contractors won’t have to drive over the tank site as they build the house. This could slow down the building process. If the septic system is located near where supplies are delivered, they will be unable to drive over it. You may need to wait until the construction is complete before you can install it.
It can be hard to determine how much a septic tank cleaning should cost. Three local companies are the best way to estimate the cost. Three companies should be able give you a written breakdown of the cost. This way, you won’t have to make a decision on the basis of guesswork. Septic tanks are necessary but expensive.