A well-maintained septic tank can reduce the need to make costly repairs. The bacteria in the tank is constantly working to eliminate 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 things you can do to keep your septic tank clean. You should use less water than you normally do. The more water in a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. You can reduce water use by using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. You can also save water by not running the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing your 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. A pump is required to remove the sludge from the tank’s bottom.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. Americans consume between 80 and 100 gallons per day. This equates to roughly 90 gallons of solid trash per year. Generally speaking, the standard performance of a septic tank is 50 percent reduction of solids.
A chemical additive in your septic tank will not improve its function. They could actually cause more harm than good. For example, sodium hydroxide could cause more harm than good.
Septic tanks need 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. Fortunately, most septic tanks don’t need pumping unless there is a significant sludge buildup. However, if you notice a problem, it is best to get it checked immediately.
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. A septic inspection can be done once or several times during a property purchase. These inspections can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, and are often included in the repair cost.
The size and number of people living in your house will affect how often you pump your septic tanks. The EPA recommends that your tank be pumped every three to five years. Your situation may require you to pump your tank more frequently than this. For example, a single person might need to pump their 1,000-gallon tank once every nine to 12 year, while a five-person family may need to pump it every two to 3 years.
You should consider putting a septic system on the site prior to laying the foundation for a new house. Contractors won’t be able drive over the tank site while building the house. This could delay the building process. It will stop people from driving over the septic tank if it is located in an area that supplies are delivered. Before you can get it in place, you might have to wait until all the construction is done.
It can be hard to determine how much a septic tank cleaning should cost. The best way to estimate the cost is to call three local companies. The companies should be able to give you a detailed cost breakdown in writing. This way you won’t have make guesswork about the cost of your project. Septic tanks are expensive but necessary.