It is possible to reduce the cost of costly repairs by keeping your septic tank clean. 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 for it to be checked by a professional contractor once a year.
There are many things you could do to keep your tank clean. One of the first things you should do is use less water than you typically would. The more water in a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. Water-efficient toilets and showerheads can help reduce water consumption. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash dishes.
When wastewater from your home passes into the septic tank, it separates into three layers: solid waste (sludge), liquid waste (scum), and oil and grease. The solids settle down to the bottom, while the oils & grease rise to its top. The septic tank is populated with bacteria that breaks down some waste and distributes it in the leach field. The tank will need to be pumped when the sludge has reached the bottom.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. The average American adult uses between 80-100 gallons of water per day. This translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every 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 don’t require much maintenance. They must be pumped on a regular basis to remove any solid waste that is not allowed to flow into the leach field. Unless there is significant sludge buildup, most septic tank do not need to be pumped. 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 identify potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. These inspections are typically included in the repair costs and cost between $100 and $300.
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. 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 be allowed to drive over the tank while they’re building the house. This could cause delays in the construction process. If the septic tanks are located in an area where supplies are delivered it will prevent them driving over it. It is possible that you will need to wait until almost all of the building work is completed before you can have it installed.
It can be difficult for you to estimate the cost of a cleaning your septic tank. It is best to contact three local companies to estimate the cost. The companies should be able provide a written breakdown of costs. This will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Although they are essential, they can be costly.