A well-maintained septic tank can reduce the need to make costly repairs. The tank’s bacteria is constantly working to remove 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 have it checked by a professional contractor at the very least once a month.
There are many things you could do to keep your tank clean. First, you should not use more water than you usually do. 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 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.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. Most American adults use between 80 and 100 gallons of water a day. This translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every year. Generally speaking, the standard performance of a septic tank is 50 percent reduction of solids.
The function of your septic tank won’t be improved by adding chemicals. In fact, they could 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. 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. However, if you notice a problem, it is best to get it checked immediately.
Septic companies will inspect your tank after pumping 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 can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, and are often included in the repair cost.
The size and number of people living in your house will affect how often you pump your septic tanks. 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. For example, a single person might need to pump their 1,000-gallon tank once every nine to 12 year, while a five-person family may need to pump it every two to 3 years.
When building a new home, you should install a tank before you lay the foundation. Contractors won’t be able drive over the tank site while building the house. This could delay the construction process. If the septic tank is in an area where supplies are delivered, it will prevent them from driving over it. So, you may have to wait until the building process is almost complete before you can get it installed.
It can be difficult to estimate the cost of a septic tank clean. 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 to make a decision based on guesswork. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.