A well-maintained septic tank can reduce the need to make costly repairs. Bacteria in the tank are constantly working to break 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 that you can do to help keep your septic tank clean. One of the first things you should do is use less water than you typically would. The more water in the tank the more difficult it will be for waste to be broken down. You can reduce water use by using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. You can also save water if you don’t run the faucet while you brush your teeth or wash your dishes.
The septic tank separates wastewater from your home into three layers: solid waste, liquid waste (scum), oil and grease. 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. A pump is required to remove the sludge from the tank’s bottom.
Depending on how big your home is, you will need a septic system that can handle the amount you use. Americans consume between 80 and 100 gallons 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 function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. In fact, they can cause more harm that 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. However, they need to be pumped frequently to remove solid waste that can’t flow into the leach fields. Fortunately, most septic tanks don’t need pumping unless there is a significant sludge buildup. However, if you notice a problem, it is best to get it checked immediately.
The septic company will pump your septic tank and also do a short inspection of the 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 pumping your tank once every three to five years. However, your specific situation may require a more frequent pumping than this. 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.
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 building process. If the septic tank is in an area where supplies are delivered, it will prevent them from driving over it. You may need to wait until the construction is complete before you can install it.
It can be hard to determine how much a septic tank cleaning should cost. The best way to estimate the cost is to call three local companies. You should receive a detailed cost breakdown from the companies. This will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.