A septic tank plays a fundamental role in treating and disposing of wastewater from your home. The choice you make can significantly impact your household's daily life and long-term costs. Here are factors to consider when choosing a septic tank.

Know the Size Requirements

The larger your household and the more water you use, the larger the septic tank you will need. Oversizing your septic tank is often recommended to ensure that it can handle the volume of wastewater generated.

The formula to determine the appropriate size typically involves estimating the number of bedrooms in your home. If you have fewer bedrooms, you will need a smaller-sized septic tank. If you have more bedrooms, you will need a larger sized tank.

Type of Wastewater

Septic tanks are designed to treat and separate wastewater into different layers, with solids settling at the bottom and treated effluent being released into the drain field. To maintain optimal performance, you should consider what enters your septic system.

Households that use a garbage disposal unit frequently should be cautious, as this can increase the solid load in the tank. Moreover, if you use a lot of harsh chemicals or antibacterial products, it can disrupt the natural bacteria that break down waste. In such cases, it might be necessary to opt for a septic tank with additional capacity or additives to maintain the system's efficiency.

Choose a Durable Material

Septic tanks are primarily made from three types of materials: concrete, plastic, and fiberglass. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on factors like your budget and the local environmental conditions.

Concrete

Concrete septic tanks are durable and can last for several decades. They are heavy and may require professional installation. However, they can withstand environmental stressors, such as shifting soil or tree roots, better than some other materials.

Plastic

Plastic septic tanks are lightweight, making them easier to install. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, but they might not be as durable as concrete in the long run. Plastic tanks are suitable for areas with less challenging soil conditions.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass septic tanks are also lightweight and resistant to corrosion. They are often used in areas with high water tables but might not be as strong as concrete or plastic tanks, making them prone to damage from external pressures.

Pick the Correct Pump

Septic systems may require a pump to transport effluent from the tank to the drain field if the drain field is situated at a higher elevation or a considerable distance from the tank. Choosing the correct pump is crucial to ensure the efficient and trouble-free operation of your septic system.

The two primary types of pumps used in septic systems are centrifugal and turbine pumps. Centrifugal pumps are more common and are suitable for various applications. However, if you have a more complex system or need to pump effluent over long distances, a turbine pump might be a better choice due to its increased durability and ability to handle higher pressure.

Consider How Many People Will Live in Your House

The number of people in your household has a direct impact on the size and performance requirements of your septic system. More people generally means more water usage and a higher volume of wastewater generated. This, in turn, affects the frequency of tank pumping and maintenance.

When selecting a septic tank, consider not only the current number of occupants but also potential future changes. If your family is growing or you plan to have more people living in your house, it's essential to choose a septic system that can accommodate this increased load.



Upstate Septic, LLC can help you with septic installation. We also inspect, repair, and maintain septic tanks. Contact us today to get started.