Keeping your septic tank clean and well-maintained can help reduce the need for costly repairs. Bacteria in the tank are constantly working to break down 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 to get it checked by a professional contractor at least once a year.
There are many things that you can do to help keep your septic tank 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 will be for waste to be broken down. 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.
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. Pumps will be required to remove the sludge once it reaches 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 translates to approximately 90 gallons of solid waste every year. The standard performance of a toilet is 50 percent of solids.
A chemical additive in your septic tank will not improve its function. 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.
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 a significant amount of sludge buildup in the tank, most septic tanks don’t require pumping. It is important to immediately notify your local health department if you suspect a problem.
In addition to pumping your septic tank, septic companies will also do a brief inspection of your tank. These inspections can help you identify any potential problems. An inspection of the septic tank can be performed on a single occasion or when you purchase a new property. These inspections cost about $100 to $300 and are usually rolled into the repair costs.
The size of your tank, as well the number of people who live in your home, will impact how often you need pump your septic tank. The EPA recommends that your tank be pumped every three to five years. However, depending on your particular situation, you may need to pump more often than this. A person with a 1,000-gallon tank might need it every nine to 12, whereas a family of five might need it every two or three years.
You should consider putting a septic system on the site prior to laying the foundation for a new house. Contractors won’t be allowed to drive over the tank while they’re building the house. This could delay the construction process. It will stop people from driving over the septic tank if it is located in an area that supplies are delivered. You may need to wait until the construction is complete before you can install it.
It can be hard to determine how much a septic tank cleaning should cost. It is best to contact three local companies to estimate 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. Septic tanks are expensive but necessary.