Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. The tank’s bacteria is constantly working to remove 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 that it be checked by a professional contractor every year.
There are many things you can do to keep your septic tank clean. You should use less water than you normally do. The more water in the tank, the more difficult it is for waste to break down. You can reduce water use by using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. 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 to the bottom of the tank, while the oils and grease 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.
Depending on the size of your home, you should have a septic tank that will handle the amount of water you use. American adults consume between 80 to 100 gallons of drinking water each day. This equates to roughly 90 gallons of solid trash 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. They can actually do more harm than good. For example sodium hydroxide can add more acidity to the system. This can cause accelerated clogging or sludge accumulation.
Most septic tanks require very little maintenance. They must be pumped on a regular basis to remove any solid waste that is not allowed to flow into the leach field. Unless there is significant sludge buildup, most septic tank do not need to be pumped. If you do notice a problem, it’s best to have it checked right away.
Septic companies will not only pump your septic tank but also inspect it. These inspections will alert you to any potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing 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 that you pump your tank every three to five year. However, your specific situation may require a more frequent pumping than this. For example, a single person with a 1,000-gallon tank may need it every nine to 12 years, while a family with five people may require pumping every two to three years.
Before you start building a house, it is a good idea to install a septic tank. Contractors won’t have to drive over the tank site as they build 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. You may need to wait until the construction is complete before you can install it.
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 way, you won’t have to make a decision based on guesswork. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.