A well-maintained septic tank can reduce the need to make costly repairs. 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 things you can do to keep your septic tank clean. One of the first things you should do is use less water than you typically would. The more water that is in the tank, it is more difficult for waste to be dissolved. Water-efficient toilets and showerheads can help reduce water consumption. You can also save water by not running your faucet while you brush or wash dishes.
When wastewater from your house is pumped into a septic tank it splits into three layers: solid (sludge), fluid (scum), as well as oil and grease. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, while the oils and grease rise to the 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.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. American adults consume between 80 to 100 gallons of drinking water each day. This translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every year. A septic tank should be capable of reducing solids by 50 percent.
A chemical additive in your septic tank will not improve its function. They could actually cause more harm than 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. Unless there is a significant amount of sludge buildup in the tank, most septic tanks don’t require pumping. However, it is best that you get it checked as soon as possible if there is a problem.
The septic company will pump your septic tank and also do a short inspection of the 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.
How often you should pump your septic tank depends on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your home. The EPA recommends that your tank be pumped every three to five years. However, your specific situation may require a more frequent pumping 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.
When building a new home, you should install a tank before you lay the foundation. This way, contractors won’t be able to drive over the tank site while they’re 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 difficult to estimate the cost of a septic tank clean. 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 make guesswork about the cost of your project. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.