Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. The bacteria in the tank is constantly working to eliminate solid waste. It is a good idea for it to be cleaned at least once every three years to ensure it is working properly. It is best that it be checked by a professional contractor every year.
There are many things that you can do to help keep your septic tank clean. First, you should not use more water than you usually do. The more water in the tank, the more difficult it is for waste to break down. 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.
The septic tank separates wastewater from your home into three layers: solid waste, liquid waste (scum), oil and grease. The solids settle at the bottom of the tank while the oils and grease rise up to the top. The septic tank’s bacteria breaks down some of the waste and distributes it to the leach fields. The tank will need to be pumped when the sludge has reached 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 equates to roughly 90 gallons of solid trash per 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 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. Most septic tanks do not require pumping unless there are significant amounts of sludge. However, it is best that you get it checked as soon as possible if there is a problem.
In addition to pumping your septic tank, septic companies will also do a brief inspection of your tank. These inspections will alert you to 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 cost about $100 to $300 and are usually 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, your specific situation may require a more frequent pumping than this. A person with a 1,000-gallon tank might need it every nine to 12, whereas a family of five might need it every two or three years.
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 delay the building process. If the septic system is located near where supplies are delivered, they will be unable to drive over it. 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. Three local companies are the best way to estimate the cost. You should receive a detailed cost breakdown from the companies. This way, you won’t have to make a decision on the basis of guesswork. Septic tanks are expensive but necessary.