Families
who plan to purchase an existing home often have a list of criteria,
such as whether a home has a septic system and what its condition is.
However, septic system capacity is often ignored. If you are a
prospective homebuyer who would like to learn more about septic
system capacity and the reason why it is important, this information
can help.
Septic
Tank Size
Septic
tank capacity is typically measurable in gallons, with many areas of
the United States now mandating a minimum residential septic tank
size of 1000
gallons for a home with up to three bedrooms.
Homebuyers should note that these minimum requirements may not apply
to an older home built prior to when the regulations were imposed.
In
addition, homebuyers must consider other factors when concerned about
the size and capacity of a home's septic system for their family size
and the average amount of water they expect their household to use
each day. Generally, septic tank size recommendations typically rise
by 250 gallons for each additional bedroom in the home.
Remember
that some homes may have had renovations and enlargements to add
additional bedrooms without also making corresponding updates in the
septic system, leaving those homes less able to handle the demands of
a large family.
Septic
Drainfield Size
Only
about 45 percent of
the sewage treatment process for a residential setting actually
occurs inside the septic tank. The reminder of this critical function
occurs in the drainfield, after the effluent arrives from the septic
tank. The ability of the septic drainfield to safely process the
effluent and render it harmless requires it be equipped with
sufficiently sized lateral lines and encased by soil with a proper
percolation rate.
Septic
system designers must determine the input flow rate in gallons and
then use that number, plus the number of bedrooms in the home, to
determine the length and number of the lateral lines in the drain
field.
Additionally,
many factors beyond the number of bedrooms can affect the input flow
rate, including whether or not the home has toilets and faucets with
water-saving features and the actual usage habits of the occupants.
Undersized
Septic System
Homebuyers
who later determine that the home they have purchased is equipped
with an undersized septic system may need to plan to install a larger
tank, drainfield, or both. However, homeowners can take some actions
to help the current system remain functional if they need to postpone
replacement.
The
first action should be to examine how the occupants of the home use
water and make changes to reduce that usage, wherever possible.
Recommendations for this include:
- Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets
- Running laundry and dishwashing appliances only with full loads
- Repairing leaky faucets
In
addition, curtailing activities such as taking long showers or
leaving faucets on while handwashing dishes or brushing and flossing
teeth can help cut down on overall water usage.
Another
strategy to reduce stress on an undersized septic system is to pump
the septic tank on a more frequent basis. An adequately sized septic
system may only need pumping every two to five years on average. If
the septic tank is too small or the drain field is in danger of
overloading, homeowners may consider pumping the tank once or twice
per year until they can renovate and enlarge the system.
Homebuyers,
as well as homeowners, who find themselves with problems or questions
about septic tank capacity, options, maintenance, inspections, or
repairs can always rely on our staff of experts for the answers and
assistance they need. At Pete's
Outflow Technicians, we are always prepared to help
homeowners take great care of their home's septic systems. Call
today.
