It is possible to reduce the cost of costly repairs by keeping your septic tank clean. The tank is constantly being cleaned by bacteria that breaks down 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 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. First, you should not use more water than you usually do. The more water that is in the tank, it is more difficult for waste to be dissolved. You can reduce water use 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.
When wastewater from your home is discharged into the septic tanks, it separates into three layers. 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. Pumps will be required to remove the sludge once it reaches the bottom.
Depending on the size of your home, you should have a septic tank that will handle the amount of water you use. American adults consume between 80 to 100 gallons of drinking water each day. This amounts to roughly 90 gallons per year of solid waste. The standard performance of a toilet is 50 percent of solids.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. They can actually do more harm than good. Sodium hydroxide, for example, can add more alkalinity to the system, which can cause accelerated clogging and cause a sludge buildup.
Most septic tanks require 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. 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 identify potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are 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 that you pump your tank every three to five year. However, your specific situation may require a more frequent pumping than this. 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.
Before you start building a house, it is a good idea to install a septic tank. This way, contractors won’t be able to drive over the tank site while they’re building the house. This could delay the construction process. If the septic system is located near where supplies are delivered, they will be unable to drive over it. So, you may have to wait until the building process is almost complete before you can get it installed.
It can be difficult to estimate the cost of a septic tank clean. It is best to contact three local companies 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.