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 that it be cleaned at the least once every three year to ensure it is in good condition. It is best to have it checked by a professional contractor at the very least once a month.
There are many ways you can help your septic system stay clean. The first thing you should do is to use less water than usual. The more water in the tank the more difficult it will be for waste to be broken down. You can reduce water consumption by using water efficient toilets, showerheads and washing machines. You can also reduce water consumption by not running the tap while you brush your teeth and wash dishes.
When wastewater from your home is discharged into the septic tanks, it separates into three layers. The solids settle down to the bottom, while the oils & grease rise to its top. The septic tank’s bacteria breaks down some of the waste and distributes it to the leach fields. A pump is required to remove the sludge from the tank’s bottom.
Depending on how big your home is, you will need a septic system that can handle the amount you use. Americans consume between 80 and 100 gallons per day. This is equivalent to 90 gallons worth of solid waste per year. A septic tank’s standard performance is 50 percent less solids.
The use of chemical additives in your septic system will not improve its performance. They could actually cause more harm than good. Sodium hydroxide, for example, can add more alkalinity to the system, which can cause accelerated clogging and cause a sludge buildup.
Most septic tanks require very little maintenance. They do need to be pumped every so often to remove any solid waste which is not allowed into the leach area. Unless there is a significant amount of sludge buildup in the tank, most septic tanks don’t require pumping. It is important to immediately notify your local health department if you suspect a problem.
In addition to pumping your septic tank, septic companies will also do a brief inspection of your tank. These inspections can help you identify any potential problems. An inspection of the septic tank can be performed on a single occasion or when you purchase a new property. These inspections are typically included in the repair costs and cost between $100 and $300.
The size of your tank, as well the number of people who live in your home, will impact how often you need pump your septic tank. The EPA recommends you pump your tank once every three-five years. Your situation may require you to pump your tank more frequently than this. For example, a single person with a 1,000-gallon tank may need it every nine to 12 years, while a family with five people may require pumping every two to three years.
When building a new home, you should install a tank before you lay the foundation. Contractors won’t be able drive over the tank site while building the house. This could slow down the building process. If the septic tank is in an area where supplies are delivered, it will prevent them from driving 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. It is best to contact three local companies 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. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.