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 can do to keep your septic tank 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 use 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.
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. 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. American adults consume between 80 to 100 gallons of drinking water each day. This equates to roughly 90 gallons of solid trash per year. The standard performance of a toilet is 50 percent of solids.
A chemical additive in your septic tank will not improve its function. 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 don’t require much maintenance. They must be pumped on a regular basis to remove any solid waste that is not allowed to flow into the leach field. Unless there is significant sludge buildup, most septic tank do not need to be pumped. If you do notice a problem, it’s best to have it checked right away.
Septic companies will inspect your tank after pumping it. These inspections will alert you to 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 and number of people living in your house will affect how often you pump your septic tanks. 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. 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. This way, contractors won’t be able to drive over the tank site while they’re building the house. This could slow down the building 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 estimate the cost of a septic tank clean. Three local companies are the best way to estimate the cost. The companies should be able provide a written breakdown of costs. This way you won’t have make guesswork about the cost of your project. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.