A septic tank is a crucial component of any home’s plumbing system. It allows you to dispose of waste in an environmentally safe way, and it can help extend the life of your pipes. Here we’ll tell you everything you need to know about septic systems: what they are, how big they should be and what size septic tank you need. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions like; How often should you empty your septic tank?
What is a septic tank?
So, what is a septic tank? A septic system consists of a large tank and a drain field. The tank is buried underground and has a perforated pipe attached to it that leads to the ground outside of your home. The drain field sits below grade level and captures wastewater from your pipes before it gets into the soil.
A septic system uses natural processes to break down organic matter in wastewater, which then drains through an effluent filter before reaching the soil above where it was placed. This process keeps toxic particles from entering local waterways or groundwater supplies.
How big is a septic tank?
The size of your septic tank will depend on its purpose, as well as the size of your home. Septic tanks are usually 3-5 feet deep and can be made of concrete, fiberglass or plastic. They can also be round or rectangular in shape. If you have a small household with few people living in it, then the septic tank will be smaller than one associated with a larger family home with more frequent use.
The dimensions are determined by calculating how much wastewater needs to be stored at once—which is based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms within the home—and dividing that number by 1/7th of an inch per gallon. So if your toilet flushes three times per day on average (52 times per week), then each tank would need to hold about 6,500 gallons – which means that each bedroom should have a minimum capacity of 15 gallons.
What size septic tank do I need?
The size of the septic tank you need depends on several factors. The most important factor is the number of people living in your home and the amount of water they use. A family of four will consume more water than a single occupant, so if you have children in your household (or any other person who regularly uses a lot of water), it may be beneficial to get a larger tank. The size of your septic tank should also take into account how much wastewater comes out with showers, baths and dishwasher usage.
How does a septic tank work?
A septic tank is a buried container that holds sewage. It has a valve that allows sewage to enter the drain field, which flows through the drain field into the soil. Sewage is broken down by bacteria in the soil. This process can take several days to several months, depending on how long your system runs and how much waste it receives each time.
What is the life expectancy of a concrete septic tank?
Concrete septic tanks have a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years. Concrete is a good material for septic tanks because it is durable, easy to clean and resistant to freezing. If you want your concrete tank to last longer, there are some simple things you can do:
- Keep leaves out of the tank
- Flush only small amounts of toilet paper down the toilet at one time
- Add a little vinegar when doing laundry or cleaning dishes in your home
How often should you empty your septic tank?
The answer to this question depends on several factors:
- the size of the tank
- how many people live in your home
- how much water you use, and what kinds (such as outdoor watering vs. indoor washing machine)
- the size of your home, as well as its construction materials
A septic system is an environmentally safe and sustainable way to dispose of waste. It’s a good way to dispose of your waste, but it should be done properly so that you don’t damage your yard or the environment around you. If you have any questions about how a septic system works, feel free to ask us at Rotor-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup.