It is possible to reduce the cost of costly repairs by keeping your septic tank clean. The bacteria in the tank is constantly working to eliminate solid waste. It is a good idea for it to be cleaned at least once every three years to ensure it is working properly. It is best to get it checked by a professional contractor at least once a 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 use by using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. 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 to bottom of the tank and the oils, grease, and other substances rise to the top. The bacteria in the septic tanks breaks down some of this waste and distributes it to a 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 is equivalent to 90 gallons worth of solid waste per year. A septic tank should be capable of reducing solids by 50 percent.
A chemical additive in your septic tanks will not improve its functionality. In fact, they can cause more harm that 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. 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, if you notice a problem, it is best to get it checked immediately.
In addition to pumping your septic tank, septic companies will also do a brief inspection of your tank. These inspections can help you identify any potential problems. A septic inspection can be done once or several times during a property purchase. These inspections can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, and are often included in the repair cost.
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. Your specific situation may require more frequent pumping. 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.
Before you start building a house, it is a good idea to install a septic tank. Contractors won’t be allowed to drive over the tank while they’re building the house. This could delay the building process. If the septic tank is in an area where supplies are delivered, it will prevent them from 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 calculate the cost of septic tank cleaning. 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 will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.