Maintaining a clean and well-maintained septic system can help to reduce the need for expensive repairs. The tank’s bacteria is constantly working to remove 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 to have it checked by a professional contractor at the very least once a month.
There are many things you could do to keep your 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 consumption by using water efficient toilets, showerheads and washing machines. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash 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. Bacteria in the septic tank break down some of the waste and distribute it to the leach field. The tank will need to be pumped when the sludge has reached the bottom.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. 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’s standard performance is 50 percent less solids.
A chemical additive in your septic tanks will not improve its functionality. They can actually do more harm than good. For example, sodium hydroxide could cause more harm than good.
Septic tanks need very little maintenance. However, they need to be pumped frequently to remove solid waste that can’t flow into the leach fields. Most septic tanks do not require pumping unless there are significant amounts of sludge. However, it is best that you get it checked as soon as possible if there is a problem.
Septic companies will inspect your tank after pumping it. These inspections can help you identify any potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are rolled into the repair costs.
The size of your tank, as well the number of people who live in your home, will impact how often you need pump your septic tank. The EPA recommends pumping your tank once every three to five years. However, your specific situation may require a more frequent pumping 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.
You should consider putting a septic system on the site prior to laying the foundation for a new house. Contractors won’t be able drive over the tank site while building the house. This could delay the construction process. If the septic tank is in an area where supplies are delivered, it will prevent them from driving over it. Before you can get it in place, you might have to wait until all the construction is done.
It can be difficult to calculate the cost of septic tank cleaning. Calling three local companies is the best way of estimating the cost. The companies should be able provide a written breakdown of costs. This way, you won’t have to make a decision on the basis of guesswork. Although they are essential, they can be costly.