Living in a rural area comes with a lot of benefits, like lower property costs and an abundance of land to spread out across, but it also comes with some extra work you have to do as a homeowner. For example, you’ll almost always need a well for your water and a septic tank for your wastewater, since you don’t have a public sewer hookup. But knowing what size septic tank you’ll need for your home can be tricky.(1)
If you choose the wrong size, the septic tank may not serve you as desired and you will have to replace it in the future. Keep reading to learn tips that will help you know what size of septic tank you’ll need on your property.
The Basics of a Septic Tank
A septic tank collects and holds waste and wastewater from your home. Waste from your toilet, sinks, and bathroom all ends up in the septic tank. Inside the septic tank, some bacteria break down the waste, allowing the tank to stay for years without getting full. The septic tank has two main parts: the tank and the drain field.
The tank holds solid waste (sludge) that settles at the bottom. Above the sludge, there is effluent or liquid waste and the topmost layer is called scum, comprising fats, oils, and other lighter waste components. The tank is designed in such a way that when the sewage level reaches a certain level, it flows through perforated pipes into the drain field. Your septic tank can serve you for 3-5 years. Once it is full, you should call a septic tank pumping Chattanooga company to pump it.
Main Type of Septic Tanks
Before you determine what size you will need, you must know that there are different types of septic tanks. Here are the common types;
Glass fiber or fiberglass septic tank – fiberglass or glass fiber septic tanks are lightweight and easy to install in remote areas. The tanks can last for more than 40 years with proper care.
Plastic septic tank – This type of septic tank is also lightweight, durable, and easy to install. The tank is immune to water-based corrosion and less prone to cracking. They are more hygienic than concrete tanks.
Concrete septic tank – Concrete septic tanks are durable and environment-resistant if constructed properly. However, it is more prone to cracking and leaking than glass fiber and plastic septic tanks.
So before you think of size, first choose the type of septic tank you would want in your home. Please note that the cost of installing these tanks varies. Therefore, consider the cost of installation while making your decision.
Why is Septic Tank Size Important?
If you install a septic tank that is too small for your property, it will not be able to handle the waste and wastewater flowing from your home. You will have to call Chattanooga septic tank pumping experts to empty it every few months. And that can be costly in the long term.
On the other hand, if the septic tank is too large, it will not function efficiently if a proper amount of wastewater and waste does not flow into it. There won’t be enough liquid to produce enough bacteria that can break down the solid waste in the tank.
So it is important to pick the right septic tank size for efficiency and even to save money in the long term. With the right size, you only need to hire one of the best
septic tank pumping companies in
Chattanooga area once every 3-5 years to pump it. You will also avoid sewage odors, sewer backflow, pools of sewage in the backyard, and slow drains in your home.
How to Determine the Size of the Septic Tank You’ll Need
Here are a few ways or factors to consider to choose the right septic tank size for your property;
The Number of Bedrooms in Your Home
Typically, the more bedrooms you have in your home, the larger the septic tank you will need. If you have 1 or 2 bedrooms, you will need a 1000 - 1500 gallons (3,800 -5,700 liters) septic tank. If you have a 3 bedroomed home, you will need a 1000 -2000 gallons (3800 – 7,500 liters) septic tank. If you have a home with 5-6 bedrooms, you will need a septic tank size of 1500 – 3000 gallons (5700 - 11,350 liters).
Property Size
You can also consider the size of your property to determine the septic tank size you will need. Typically, the bigger the house, the larger the septic tank you’ll need. For instance, a 1,500-square-foot home or smaller will need a tank of around 3,000 to 3,800 liters. A bigger house of around 2,500 square feet requires a septic tank of approximately 4,000 liters or more.
Water Usage
This is the most accurate way to determine the size of your septic tank. Why? The amount of water you consume, most of it ends up in the septic tank. If you use less than 5000 liters daily, you will need a 7200-liter septic tank. If you use less than 3000 liters per day, you will need a 4,600 liters septic tank. If you use less than 2000 liters daily in your home, you will need a 3500-liter septic tank.
Number of People Living with You
If you have many people living with you on your property, that means more water will be used daily and as a result, you will need a larger septic tank. However, if you have two or three people living in your home, you will need a smaller septic tank.
Please note that the size of the septic tank dtermines the overall efficiency of the entire sewer system. So you must get it right the first time to avoid inconveniences that can come along the way due to a smaller or too-large septic tank. But note that no matter the size of the septic tank you install, you will need to pump it every 3-5 years or when it is full. You will just need to call a reputable
septic tank pumping Chattanooga TN company to pump and clean it. Timely pumping will ensure the tank serves you for decades or even a lifetime.
For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.
About the author
Charles Chandler
Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.
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