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20, Oct 2024

Septic Tank: Size Matters

Septic systems are simple systems that play a crucial role in wastewater processing. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that this system has a fixed size and type that many homeowners use when, in fact, there are so many different types and sizes tailored to each home. So, we have prepared this guide to help you understand more about septic systems, their types, and their sizes. If you want to learn more about septic tank installation, call Septic Blue today.

What Is A Septic Tank and How Does it Work?

Septic tanks are underground units designed to hold wastewater. This system is usually present in rural areas where the house is far from the municipal sewer system. Installing an independent sewer system and connecting it to the main line is very expensive compared to installing a septic system. The mechanism of this system is very simple. The wastewater flows from the bathroom to the tank. The solids settle on the bottom, and other liquids float to the top. When the level of wastewater reaches a certain point, the fluid leaves the tank and enters a drain field, which allows wastewater to be absorbed into the ground.

Types of Septic Tanks

There are four common types of septic tanks that you may see in a house.

  • Concrete: Concrete tanks are durable and can last for decades. This is a very commonly used type of tank in many different areas. However, they can be cracked in certain conditions, causing you to get septic tank repair in the future.
  • Steel: Although steel is known for its durable properties, steel septic tanks only last around twenty-five years. They are also heavier than other types of tanks and can easily be corroded. In modern times, other types of septic tanks are considered before a steel tank.
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass isn’t the typical glass that you may think can easily break. It is highly durable and light and is used in tanks. However, the disadvantage is that it can easily shift the tank when the soil is saturated.
  • Plastic: Plastic tanks are also common. They are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. However, they may be prone to damage during installation.

What Size Should My Septic Tank Be?

Knowing what size the septic tank in your house should be is very important. If it is too small, the wastewater may overflow and cause backups or other damage to the systems in your house. If it is too large, you may have to invest more in the installation of the tank, and you may not even use one hundred percent of its capacity. There is a common capacity table septic companies suggest to homeowners when installing their septic tank. The measurement goes like this:

  • If a house has less than three bedrooms and a drain field size of less than two thousand five hundred square feet, a septic tank between one thousand and one thousand five hundred gallons will be enough.
  • If a house has fewer than five bedrooms and a drain field size of less than three thousand two hundred square feet, a septic tank between one thousand two hundred and two thousand five hundred gallons will be enough.
  • If the number of bedrooms in a house is less than 7 with a drain field size of less than three thousand eight hundred square feet, getting a septic tank between one thousand seven hundred to three thousand five hundred gallons will be enough.

These measurements may be different depending on how much you use the septic system or the number of people living in a house. Call a septic company today to learn more.

Septic Blue

At Septic Blue, we offer trusted septic services. With our experienced technicians and affordable price plans, septic tank cleaning has never been easier. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get estimates for your next septic tank pumping right away.

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