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 to have it checked by a professional contractor at the very least once a month.
There are many ways you can help your septic system stay clean. The first thing you should do is to use less water than usual. The more water in a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. You can reduce water usage by using water-efficient toilets. You can also save water by not running the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing your dishes.
When wastewater from your home is discharged into the septic tanks, it separates into three layers. The solids settle at the bottom of the tank while the oils and grease rise up to the top. The septic tank’s bacteria breaks down some of the waste and distributes it to the leach fields. 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. American adults consume between 80 to 100 gallons of drinking water each day. This equates to roughly 90 gallons of solid trash per year. Generally speaking, the standard performance of a septic tank is 50 percent reduction of solids.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. In fact, they could 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 are very easy to maintain. 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. However, it is best that you get it checked as soon as possible if there is a problem.
In addition to pumping your septic tank, septic companies will also do a brief inspection of your tank. These inspections will alert you to any potential problems. An inspection of the septic tank can be performed on a single occasion or when you purchase 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 you pump your tank once every three-five years. Your specific situation may require more frequent pumping. A person with a 1,000-gallon tank might need it every nine to 12, whereas a family of five might need it every two or three years.
You should consider putting a septic system on the site prior to laying the foundation for a new house. Contractors won’t have to drive over the tank site as they build the house. This could cause delays in 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 difficult to calculate the cost of septic tank cleaning. It is best to contact three local companies to estimate the cost. 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. Septic tanks are necessary but expensive.