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 if it is not cleaned every three years. This will ensure that it functions properly. It is best that it be checked by a professional contractor every 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. Water-efficient toilets and showerheads can help reduce water consumption. You can also save water if you don’t run the faucet while you brush your teeth or wash your dishes.
The septic tank separates wastewater from your home into three layers: solid waste, liquid waste (scum), oil and grease. The solids settle down to the bottom, while the oils & grease rise to its top. The septic tank is populated with bacteria that breaks down some waste and distributes it in the 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. The average American adult uses between 80-100 gallons of water per day. This translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every year. A septic tank’s standard performance is 50 percent less solids.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. 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. 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.
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 usually cost $100 to $300 and are rolled into the repair costs.
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 you pump your tank once every three-five years. Your specific situation may require more frequent pumping. 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 slow down the building process. It will stop people from driving over the septic tank if it is located in an area that supplies are delivered. 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 for you to estimate the cost of a cleaning your septic tank. Calling three local companies is the best way of estimating the cost. You should receive a detailed cost breakdown from the companies. This will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Septic tanks are necessary but expensive.