Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. The tank is constantly being cleaned by bacteria that breaks down 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 for it to be checked by a professional contractor once a year.
There are many things you could do to keep your 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. You can reduce water consumption by using water efficient toilets, showerheads and washing machines. You can also reduce water consumption by not running the tap while you brush your teeth and 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 bacteria in the septic tanks breaks down some of this waste and distributes it to a leach field. The tank will need to be pumped when the sludge has reached the bottom.
Depending on how big your home is, you will need a septic system that can handle the amount 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. Generally speaking, the standard performance of a septic tank is 50 percent reduction of solids.
The use of chemical additives in your septic system will not improve its performance. In fact, they could cause more harm than good. For example sodium hydroxide can add more acidity to the system. This can cause accelerated clogging or sludge accumulation.
Septic tanks are very easy to maintain. However, they must be pumped regularly to remove the solid waste that cannot flow into the leach field. Fortunately, most septic tanks don’t need pumping unless there is a significant sludge buildup. It is important to immediately notify your local health department if you suspect a problem.
The septic company will pump your septic tank and also do a short inspection of the 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 usually cost $100 to $300 and are 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 you pump your tank every three to five year. Your specific situation may require more frequent pumping. 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.
If you’re building a new house, you should consider building a septic tank on the site before laying the foundation of the house. Contractors won’t have to drive over the tank site as they build the house. This could slow down 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 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.