Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. The bacteria in the tank is constantly working to eliminate 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 that it be checked by a professional contractor every year.
There are many ways you can help your septic system stay clean. You should use less water than you normally do. The more water in a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. You can reduce water consumption 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 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. Bacteria in the septic tank break down some of the waste and distribute it to the leach field. When the sludge reaches the bottom of the tank, a pump will be necessary to remove the buildup.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. Americans consume between 80 and 100 gallons per day. This translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every year. Generally speaking, the standard performance of a septic tank is 50 percent reduction of solids.
A chemical additive in your septic tank will not improve its function. They can actually do 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 are very easy to maintain. However, they must be pumped regularly to remove the solid waste that cannot flow into the leach field. Unless there is a significant amount of sludge buildup in the tank, most septic tanks don’t require pumping. If you do notice a problem, it’s best to have it checked right away.
Septic companies will not only pump your septic tank but also inspect it. These inspections can identify potential problems. A septic inspection can be done once or several times during a property purchase. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are 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 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.
If you’re building a new house, you should consider building a septic tank on the site before laying the foundation of the house. 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 tanks are located in an area where supplies are delivered it will prevent them driving 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 difficult to estimate the cost of a septic tank clean. It is best to contact three local companies to estimate the cost. The companies should be able to give you a detailed cost breakdown in writing. This way, you won’t have to make a decision on the basis of guesswork. Although they are essential, they can be costly.