Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. The tank’s bacteria is constantly working to remove 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 you could do to keep your tank 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 usage by using water-efficient toilets. You can also save water if you don’t run the faucet while you brush your teeth or wash your dishes.
When wastewater from your house is pumped into a septic tank it splits into three layers: solid (sludge), fluid (scum), as well as oil and grease. The solids settle at the bottom of the tank while the oils and grease rise up to the top. Bacteria in the septic tank break down some of the waste and distribute it to the leach field. When the sludge reaches the bottom of the tank, a pump will be necessary to remove the buildup.
Depending on the size and needs of your home, you need a tank that can handle the amount water you use. Americans consume between 80 and 100 gallons per day. This translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every year. 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. They can actually do more harm than good. For example, sodium hydroxide can increase the alkalinity of the system, which can accelerate clogging and lead to sludge buildup.
Most septic tanks require very little 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.
Septic companies will not only pump your septic tank but also inspect it. These inspections can alert you to any problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. These inspections cost about $100 to $300 and are usually rolled into the repair costs.
The size and number of people living in your house will affect how often you pump your septic tanks. The EPA recommends pumping your tank once every three to five years. Your specific situation may require more frequent pumping. 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.
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 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. So, you may have to wait until the building process is almost complete before you can get it installed.
It can be difficult to calculate the cost of septic tank cleaning. Calling three local companies is the best way of estimating the cost. The companies should be able to give you a detailed cost breakdown in writing. This will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Septic tanks are necessary but expensive.