What Size Septic System Do I Need?
What Size Septic System Do I Need?
In order to run efficiently and avoid issues, septic tanks must be properly sized. This ensures that the wastewater effluent stays in the tank long enough to allow solid waste to settle before it flows out into the drain field. This retention period allows bacteria in the tank to break down solid waste. It also helps prevent clogging that can lead to system failure.
Number Of Bedrooms
The number of bedrooms a home has is one of the most important factors in determining what size septic system it needs. Typically, the larger the septic tank the more sewage it can hold and handle. As a result, it is common for homes with more bedrooms to be designed with more capacity than those with fewer bedrooms. However, that is not always the case. New homeowners often add rooms, whether for their own use or to improve resale value. They may also convert rooms that were once used for other purposes to become bedrooms. Over time, these conversions can mean that the septic system is not able to handle higher flows. This is especially true when there are kids or other people moving in and filling up the additional rooms.
Water Consumption
If your home has a septic system, you need to know how much water your home uses in order to properly size the tank. The average household uses 75 gallons of water per person daily. You can also manage your home’s water use by adjusting the settings on your appliances and fixtures to minimize the volume of waste entering the septic system. This will help keep your septic tank from being hydraulically loaded and reduce the need for professional tank cleaning.
High Volume Fixtures
A home with high volume fixtures such as a garburator, hot tub or whirlpool will likely need to be sized for the water flow of these devices. It’s also a good idea to check your local regulations. The best way to estimate the flow rates of your fixtures is to measure the time it takes for each to reach full capacity. For example, if you have a one-gallon bucket under the sink that barely overflows after a minute, you can use this measurement to approximate your fixture’s maximum water flow rate.
Local Government Regulations
In many counties, local government regulations affect the size of a home’s septic system. These rules can be based on the size of your home, how much plumbing you have and other factors. New septic systems must be inspected by city officials to ensure they comply with local ordinances. This is a great opportunity to learn about your septic system and ensure it is operating properly and meets all health codes!
Categorised in: Septic Systems