Maintaining a clean and well-maintained septic system can help to reduce the need for expensive repairs. The tank is constantly being cleaned by bacteria that breaks down solid waste. It is a good idea that it be cleaned at the least once every three year to ensure it is in good condition. 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. One of the first things you should do is use less water than you typically would. The more water in the tank, the more difficult it is for waste to break down. 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 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. 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.
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 is equivalent to 90 gallons worth of solid waste per year. The standard performance of a toilet is 50 percent of solids.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. In fact, they can cause more harm that 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. However, they need to be pumped frequently to remove solid waste that can’t flow into the leach fields. Fortunately, most septic tanks don’t need pumping unless there is a significant sludge buildup. 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 identify potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. These inspections can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, and are often included in the repair cost.
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 you pump your tank once every three-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.
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 be able drive over the tank site while building 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. 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 hard to determine how much a septic tank cleaning should cost. It is best to contact three local companies to estimate the cost. The companies should be able provide a written breakdown of costs. This way, you won’t have to make a decision based on guesswork. Septic tanks are necessary but expensive.