A well-maintained septic tank can reduce the need to make costly repairs. The tank is constantly being cleaned by bacteria that breaks down solid waste. It is a good idea for it to be cleaned at least once every three years to ensure it is working properly. It is best that it be checked by a professional contractor every 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 a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. Water-efficient toilets and showerheads can help reduce water consumption. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash dishes.
When wastewater from your home passes into the septic tank, it separates into three layers: solid waste (sludge), liquid waste (scum), and oil and grease. The solids settle down to the bottom, while the oils & grease rise to its 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 the size and needs of your home, you need a tank that can handle the amount water 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. A septic tank should be capable of reducing solids by 50 percent.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. They could actually cause more harm than good. For example, sodium hydroxide can increase the alkalinity of the system, which can accelerate clogging and lead to sludge buildup.
Septic tanks need very little maintenance. However, they must be pumped regularly to remove the solid waste that cannot flow into the leach field. Unless there is significant sludge buildup, most septic tank do not need to be pumped. However, if you notice a problem, it is best to get it checked immediately.
Septic companies will not only pump your septic tank but also inspect it. These inspections can help you identify any potential problems. A septic tank inspection is possible on a one-time or a permanent basis. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are rolled into the repair costs.
The size of your tank as well as the number of people in your home will determine how often you need to pump your septic tank. The EPA recommends pumping your tank once every three to five years. Your situation may require you to pump your tank more frequently 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.
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 be allowed to drive over the tank while they’re building the house. This could cause delays in the construction process. If the septic tank is in an area where supplies are delivered, it will prevent them from driving over it. So, you may have to wait until the building process is almost complete before you can get 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. The companies should be able to give you a detailed cost breakdown in writing. This way, you won’t have to make a decision based on guesswork. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.