Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. The tank is constantly being cleaned by bacteria that breaks 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 things that you can do to help keep your septic tank clean. The first thing you should do is to use less water than usual. The more water that is in the tank, it is more difficult for waste to be dissolved. You can reduce water use by using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. You can also save water by not running the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing your dishes.
When wastewater from your home is discharged into the septic tanks, it separates into three layers. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, while the oils and grease rise to the top. The bacteria in the septic tanks breaks down some of this waste and distributes it to a leach field. 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 is equivalent to 90 gallons worth of solid waste per year. A septic tank should be capable of reducing solids by 50 percent.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. 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.
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. 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.
The septic company will pump your septic tank and also do a short inspection of the tank. These inspections can alert you to any problems. A septic tank inspection is possible on a one-time or a permanent basis. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are rolled into the repair costs.
The size and number of people living in your house will affect how often you pump your septic tanks. The EPA recommends that your tank be pumped 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.
Before you start building a house, it is a good idea to install a septic tank. Contractors won’t be able drive over the tank site while building the house. This could delay the building 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 for you to estimate the cost of a cleaning your septic tank. Three local companies are the best way to estimate the cost. Three companies should be able give you a written breakdown of the cost. This way you won’t have make guesswork about the cost of your project. Although they are essential, they can be costly.