A septic tank is an underground wastewater management system that effectively allows property owners to treat their wastewater on-site, without the need to be connected to the main plumbing system. Having a septic tank installed on your property offers a number of benefits including the potential to save money on utility bills, and reduce environmental harm. There is a wide range of septic tanks available on the market and they come in all shapes and size. With this in mind, it is important to choose the right septic tank for your property, so you can get the most out of your system. To help you choose the right septic tank, we’ve put together a useful guide on everything you should consider before you make a purchase.
Size of your property
The first thing you should consider is the size available on your property. If you are space-restricted, you will need to find a septic tank that can be installed comfortably and safely on your property. Whereas, if you have plenty of space, you have the option to choose a larger tank. Considering the size of your house and the number of bedrooms, is usually a good indicator of what size tank you will need. Generally, the larger your property, the larger septic tank you will need.
Population of your property
The amount of people living at your property will usually determine how much wastewater you produce. The general rule is that the higher the occupancy of your property, the bigger your septic tank should be. For example, a household of only two people will nearly always require a smaller septic tank than a household of four or five. When establishing how much waste your property produces, you should also take other factors into account like - whether your property has two kitchens, and if you have any efficient low-flow appliances.
Size of the tank
Septic tanks come in all shapes and sizes. Once you have established what size tank your property can accommodate, and how much wastewater your household produces, you can then determine the right tank size for your needs. It is important to remember that if you choose a tank that is too small for your requirements, then your system will not be able to effectively manage the volume of wastewater you produce. This can lead to a number of unpleasant problems such as blockages, leaks, and foul odours. However, a septic tank that is too big can also lead to problems, as the system will not be able to work effectively without the right volume of wastewater running through it. It is therefore important to choose the right tank size for your requirements.
Positioning of the tank
Where you plan on positioning your tank, will also affect the size of tank you need. It is important to make sure that your septic tank is positioned somewhere that is clean and safe. It is always best to get advice from septic tank professionals when deciding on the best place to install your tank. Make sure that you consider the following:
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Tree root damage - Tree roots have been known to grow through the walls of septic tanks, leading to leaks and costly repairs. Make sure that you position your septic tank as far away from trees and other plants as possible.
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Vehicle damage - Heavy vehicles driving over the area where your septic tank is installed can lead to high levels of pressure and cause damage to the tank. You should therefore position your tank away from any traffic routes such as driveways.
- Soil quality - Make sure you test the soil quality in the area you are planning on installing your tank. Ideally, you want the soil to be highly absorbent, so it can effectively filter the effluent that emerges from the septic tank. The best type of soil is sandy, undisturbed soil. Make sure you avoid areas of dense clay, as this can stop water flow. Also avoid coarse, gravelly soils that may drain too quickly.
Get in touch for more advice!
Whether you are looking to install a new septic system on your property, or wanting to replace an existing system, there are a few ways you can determine which tank will best suit your needs. You should always consider factors like household size, size of your property, and where your tank will be positioned before you make a purchase. If you want any further advice on choosing the correct tank for your property, then get in touch with our friendly team today.
