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 if it is not cleaned every three years. This will ensure that it functions properly. It is best for it to be checked by a professional contractor once a year.
There are many things you can do to keep your septic tank clean. The first thing you should do is to use less water than usual. The more water in a tank, the more difficult it becomes for wastes to be reduced. Water-efficient toilets and showerheads can help reduce water consumption. 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 bottom of the tank and the oils, grease, and other substances rise to the 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.
You should have a septic tank to handle the water you use, depending on the size of the home. Americans consume between 80 and 100 gallons per day. This amounts to roughly 90 gallons per year of solid waste. Generally speaking, the standard performance of a septic tank is 50 percent reduction of solids.
A chemical additive in your septic tanks will not improve its functionality. 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 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.
The septic company will pump your septic tank and also do a short inspection of the tank. These inspections can identify potential problems. A septic tank inspection can be done on a one-time basis or when purchasing a new property. These inspections usually cost $100 to $300 and are 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 pumping your tank once 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 able drive over the tank site while 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. 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 will ensure that you don’t make any guesswork and can make an informed decision. Although they are necessary, they are also very expensive.