Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. Bacteria in the tank are constantly working to break 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 that you can do to help keep your septic tank clean. The first thing you should do is to use less water than usual. 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 to bottom of the tank and the oils, grease, and other substances rise to the top. The bacteria in the septic tanks breaks down some of this waste and distributes it to a leach field. Pumps will be required to remove the sludge once it reaches the bottom.
Depending on how big your home is, you will need a septic system that can handle the amount 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 function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. In fact, they could cause 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 must be pumped on a regular basis to remove any solid waste that is not allowed to 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 identify potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. 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 your tank be pumped every three to five years. Your situation may require you to pump your tank more frequently 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.
When building a new home, you should install a tank before you lay the foundation. Contractors won’t be allowed to drive over the tank 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 for you to estimate the cost of a cleaning your septic tank. Calling three local companies is the best way of estimating the cost. Three companies should be able give you a written breakdown of the cost. This will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Septic tanks are expensive but necessary.