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 to have it cleaned at least every three years to make sure it is functioning properly. It is best for it to be checked by a professional contractor once a 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 a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. You can reduce water usage by using water-efficient toilets. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash dishes.
When wastewater from your home is discharged into the septic tanks, it separates into three layers. The solids settle to bottom of the tank and the oils, grease, and other substances rise 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 of your home, you should have a septic tank that will handle the amount of water you use. The average American adult uses between 80-100 gallons of water per day. This amounts to roughly 90 gallons per year of solid waste. A septic tank should be capable of reducing solids by 50 percent.
The use of chemical additives in your septic system will not improve its performance. In fact, they can cause more harm that good. For example sodium hydroxide can add more acidity to the system. This can cause accelerated clogging or sludge accumulation.
Septic tanks need very little maintenance. However, they need to be pumped frequently to remove solid waste that can’t flow into the leach fields. Unless there is significant sludge buildup, most septic tank do not need to be pumped. 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. A septic tank inspection is possible on a one-time or a permanent basis. 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 you pump your tank every three to five year. However, depending on your particular situation, you may need to pump more often 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.
Before you start building a house, it is a good idea to install a septic tank. Contractors won’t be able drive over the tank site while building the house. This could cause delays in the construction 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 difficult to calculate the cost of septic tank cleaning. Three local companies are the best way to estimate the cost. The companies should be able to give you a detailed cost breakdown in writing. This way, you won’t have to make a decision based on guesswork. Although they are essential, they can be costly.