Tips for Choosing the Right Size Septic Tank
If you’re in the process of installing a septic system on your property, choosing the right size septic tank is crucial.
Although your septic company can help you determine the correct size tank for your needs, we’d like to share a few tips to help you understand why choosing the right size is so important.
Understanding the Basics of How a Septic System Operates
There are two main types of septic systems: conventional and aerobic. At 1 Source Water Well & Septic, for example, we exclusively install aerobic systems.
Aerobic septic systems use mechanical processes to treat and discharge sewage into an absorption area. These systems use bacteria that require oxygen to process the organic material that passes through the system. As such, aerobic systems pump oxygen into the wastewater.
Here’s the process an aerobic septic system uses to treat wastewater from residential septic tanks:
1. The septic system pumps wastewater from your home into the septic tank, which separates solid waste from the sewer water.
2. The sewer water moves into the aeration tank, where an air pump forces oxygen to mix with the wastewater.
3. In some systems, the water then moves into a clarifier tank, which provides additional treatment using UV light or chlorine.
4. Finally, the wastewater discharges into the drainage area or leach field.
The septic system tank is the first location where wastewater travels, and it needs to be the right size for your family’s water usage.
What Determines the Appropriate Septic Tank Size
Choosing the appropriate size septic tank for your property can ensure that your septic system functions efficiently and meets local regulations.
At 1 Source, we consider several factors to determine the appropriate septic tank size for homeowners.
Here are a few variables that can impact the septic tank size you need:
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Water usage: Your septic tank needs to hold about twice the amount of water your family uses daily.
- Property & family size: We can calculate typical daily water usage based on the number of people living in your home. We can also consider your overall property size to determine a septic tank that would fit well in your available space.
- Regulations: Local Texas regulations can sometimes impact the septic tank size you can legally have on your property.
- Ground geology: The soil type on your property can impact your septic tank’s effectiveness. If your soil is not viable, your septic system may take longer to treat your wastewater, necessitating a larger tank.
When you work with a professional septic system company, you can rely on their expertise and experience to choose the right septic tank size for your needs.
The Risks of Getting a Septic Tank that is Too Big or Too Small
Getting a septic tank that is either too big or too small for your home can lead to various risks and issues. Here’s an overview of the potential problems associated with both scenarios:
Installing an Oversized Septic Tank:
- Cost: Installing a larger septic tank than necessary can result in unnecessary expenses. Larger tanks require more materials, labor, and maintenance, leading to higher upfront and ongoing costs. For more info, check out this article on how much a new septic system costs.
- Inefficient Treatment: If the tank is significantly larger than the wastewater volume generated by your home, it may not fill up enough for efficient treatment. Insufficient retention time can hinder the natural biological processes required for effective waste breakdown, potentially resulting in inadequate treatment and higher chances of contamination.
- Pumping Frequency: A larger tank may require less frequent pumping, which seems advantageous at first. However, extended periods between pumping can lead to solids accumulation, reduced tank efficiency, and potential clogging issues.
- Space Constraints: Large septic tanks may occupy excessive space on your property, limiting usable yard area or constraining future construction plans.
Installing an Undersized Septic Tank:
- Overloading and Backup: If the septic tank is too small for the wastewater generated by your household, it can quickly become overloaded. This can lead to sewage backups, slow drainage, foul odors, and potential health hazards.
- Reduced Treatment Capacity: Insufficient tank size reduces the retention time for solids to settle and for bacterial action to break down waste effectively. This can compromise the treatment process, resulting in incomplete treatment and potential contamination of soil and groundwater.
- Frequent Pumping: A small tank requires more frequent pumping to prevent overflows and system malfunctions. This increases maintenance costs and inconvenience.
- System Failure: Continuous strain on an undersized septic tank can lead to system failure, resulting in costly septic system repairs or the need for a complete replacement.
To avoid these risks, it is essential to accurately determine the appropriate septic tank size based on factors such as household size, water usage, and local regulations. Consulting with a septic system professional can help ensure the right tank size and prevent potential problems associated with a septic tank that is either too big or too small for your home.
The Importance of Expert Septic Tank Installation
Choosing the right size septic tank is only half the battle. You also need to ensure that your septic system is professionally installed to function as it should and continue working long-term. Expert septic system installation ensures:
Compliance with Regulations: Local regulations and building codes dictate specific requirements for septic system installations. Professional installers are knowledgeable about these regulations and ensure that your septic system meets all the necessary requirements. This helps you avoid potential legal issues and ensures that your system is compliant with health and environmental standards.
Expertise and Experience: Professional septic system installers have the necessary experience to properly assess your soil conditions, site layout, and septic system design requirements. They consider factors such as water table levels, slope, and drainage patterns to determine the optimal placement and design of the system. Their knowledge helps prevent potential issues such as groundwater contamination, system failure, or environmental hazards.
Proper Sizing and Design: Determining the appropriate size, system design, and septic tank material is crucial for its effective operation. Professionals take into account factors such as household size, water usage, soil characteristics, and local regulations to ensure that the system is properly sized. This helps prevent overloading or underutilization of the system, leading to efficient treatment and longevity.
Quality Assurance: Professional installers have access to high-quality materials and equipment necessary for a reliable and durable septic system. They adhere to industry standards and best practices, ensuring that the system is installed correctly and built to last. This minimizes the risk of premature failures, costly repairs, and potential health or environmental hazards.
Health and Safety: Improperly installed septic systems can pose significant health risks to both individuals and the environment. Professional installation ensures that wastewater is properly treated and disposed of, minimizing the risk of contamination, foul odors, and the spread of waterborne diseases. It safeguards the health and safety of your household and the surrounding community.
Long-term Cost Savings: Investing in professional septic system installation can lead to long-term cost savings. Proper installation reduces the likelihood of system failures, malfunctions, and the need for costly repairs or replacements. It also ensures optimal performance, extending the lifespan of the system and minimizing maintenance expenses.
Overall, professional septic system installation offers peace of mind, compliance with regulations, and a properly functioning system that protects human health and the environment. It is advisable to engage experienced and licensed professionals to ensure a successful and trouble-free installation process.
Ensuring You Get the Right Size Septic Tank & Proper Septic System Installation
Working with our team at 1 Source Water Well & Septic can ensure that you get the right septic tank size for your home’s needs.
With 1 Source, you can count on expert septic system installation services, long-term septic maintenance, and years of high-quality operation and reliability.
Contact our team today at 936-297-8991 to schedule professional septic system services.