It is possible to reduce the cost of costly repairs by keeping your septic tank clean. 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 that it be checked by a professional contractor every year.
There are many things you can do to keep your septic tank clean. First, you should not use more water than you usually do. The more water that is in the tank, it is more difficult for waste to be dissolved. 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.
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. 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.
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 is equivalent to 90 gallons worth of solid waste per year. A septic tank’s standard performance is 50 percent less solids.
The use of chemical additives in your septic system will not improve its performance. In fact, they could cause more harm than good. For example sodium hydroxide can add more acidity to the system. This can cause accelerated clogging or sludge accumulation.
Septic tanks need 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. Most septic tanks do not require pumping unless there are significant amounts of sludge. It is important to immediately notify your local health department if you suspect a problem.
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 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 that you pump your tank every three to five year. However, depending on your particular situation, you may need to pump more often than this. 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.
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 have to drive over the tank site as they build the house. This could cause delays in the construction process. If the septic tanks are located in an area where supplies are delivered it will prevent them driving over it. You may need to wait until the construction is complete before you can install it.
It can be difficult to estimate the cost of a septic tank clean. 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 on the basis of guesswork. Septic tanks are necessary but expensive.