Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. Bacteria in the tank are constantly working to break down 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 for it to be checked by a professional contractor once a year.
There are many ways you can help your septic system stay clean. First, you should not use more water than you usually do. The more water in the tank the more difficult it will be for waste to be broken down. You can reduce water usage by using water-efficient toilets. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash 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 septic tank’s bacteria breaks down some of the waste and distributes it to the leach fields. 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. Most American adults use between 80 and 100 gallons of water a day. This is equivalent to 90 gallons worth of solid waste 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. In fact, they could cause more harm than good. Sodium hydroxide, for example, can add more alkalinity to the system, which can cause accelerated clogging and cause a sludge buildup.
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. 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 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 are typically included in the repair costs and cost between $100 and $300.
The size of your tank as well as the number of people in your home will determine how often you need to pump your septic tank. 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 single person may only need to pump their 1,000-gallon tank every nine to twelve years, while a family of five may need to pump every two to three.
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 delay the construction process. It will stop people from driving over the septic tank if it is located in an area that supplies are delivered. Before you can get it in place, you might have to wait until all the construction is done.
It can be difficult for you to estimate the cost of a cleaning your septic tank. It is best to contact three local companies to estimate the cost. You should receive a detailed cost breakdown from the companies. This way you won’t have make guesswork about the cost of your project. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.