How Much Work Are Septic Tanks?
Posted on: 27 September 2017
You are probably building your home off the beaten path and the time has come for you to install a sewer system. In this article, we will show you what it takes to have a septic tank, right from pre-installation to maintenance.
A septic tank is a sewer system for processing waste if your home is not connected to a municipal sewer line. It is made of different material ranging from concrete and fiberglass to plastic.
Types of Septic Tanks
You'll need to choose between the simple anaerobic septic tank and an aerobic one. Anaerobic septic tanks function without oxygen.
Aerobic septic tanks on the other hand need oxygen to function, so they are installed with a pump to bring in the oxygen. They are therefore more expensive than anaerobic tanks.
Preparing to Install
Before you begin to install your septic tank, make sure you have obtained all required permits. You also need to consider your soil type and the size of tank you want to install. All these will affect the nature of work required and the cost.
Installing a Septic Tank
Installing a septic tank involves some amount of excavation. This will interfere with your landscaping, leaving you with some mess and a mound of earth to dispose of.
The depth and width of the excavation will depend on the dimensions of the septic tank. You will also need to excavate the path leading to the drain field.
You are advised to leave the site free of anything because you'll be using it to inspect and drain the tank, and also to avoid damaging the tank.
Maintenance
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Do not place anything on the septic tank, or park the car on the site above it.
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Observe the soil around the tank for leaks.
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Examine the drain field to see if saturated or sunken.
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Check for bent or cracked pipes.
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Do not pour chemicals down your drain as these can interfere with bacterial activity in the septic tank.
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You'll need to have septic tanks pumped every few years depending on the number of people in your household.
Installing a septic tank takes some amount of work, specialized equipment and expertise. A poorly installed septic tank will leave you without basic living facilities. You are therefore advised to plan in advance and get the services of a qualified professional for septic services. At the time of installation, they will advise you on when follow up pumping or treatment is needed.
For more information, visit a website such as http://www.sosseptic.net.
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