Maintaining a clean and well-maintained septic system can help to reduce the need for expensive repairs. The tank is constantly being cleaned by bacteria that breaks down 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 to get it checked by a professional contractor at least once a year.
There are many ways you can help your septic system stay 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 reduce water consumption by not running the tap while you brush your teeth and wash dishes.
When wastewater from your house is pumped into a septic tank it splits into three layers: solid (sludge), fluid (scum), as well as oil and grease. 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. A pump is required to remove the sludge from the tank’s bottom.
Depending on the size of your home, you should have a septic tank that will handle the amount of water you use. Most American adults use between 80 and 100 gallons of water a day. This equates to roughly 90 gallons of solid trash per year. The standard performance of a toilet is 50 percent 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.
Most septic tanks require very little maintenance. They must be pumped on a regular basis to remove any solid waste that is not allowed to flow into the leach field. Unless there is significant sludge buildup, most septic tank do not need to be pumped. However, it is best that you get it checked as soon as possible if there is a problem.
Septic companies will not only pump your septic tank but also inspect it. These inspections can alert you to any problems. A septic tank inspection is possible on a one-time or a permanent basis. 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 you pump your tank every three to five year. Your specific situation may require more frequent pumping. 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.
When building a new home, you should install a tank before you lay the foundation. 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. It is possible that you will need to wait until almost all of the building work is completed before you can have it installed.
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.