What is a septic tank?

A septic tank receives all wastewater from a home and distributes it so that it can be filtered and recycled back into the environment. The wastewater inside the septic tank separates into three layers: scum, wastewater, and sludge. Scum, the top layer in a tank, is residual oils and fats from soap, cooking oils, and other similar products. The middle layer is composed of wastewater that is free from oils that have floated to the scum layer and solids that have settled to the sludge layer. The bottom layer of sludge contains the solids that have settled from the wastewater. Bacteria inside the tank break down these solids, and liquid waste exits the tank to a drainfield. The drainfield contains rows of gravel and soil that the wastewater percolates through to remove bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants before the water reenters groundwater.

How big of a septic tank do I need?

The septic tank your home needs depends on how many people live in your home and how regularly you entertain company for extended periods. The number of bedrooms in your home is a good metric to use when sizing your tank. 1000-gallon tanks are the minimum size of tank that would work with small 2-bedroom homes. A general rule of thumb is to add 250 gallons per bedroom of your home. If you own a 4-bedroom home, for example, you will want at least a 1500-gallon tank. If you entertain guests regularly, you may wish to go over this size estimate.

You can also size a septic tank by measuring the amount of water your household uses in a day. Take the number of gallons per day disposed of by your home and multiply it by 1.5. The product of these two numbers is the minimum size of tank you will need to adequately take care of your household wastewater.

What are the parts of a septic tank?

Septic tanks contain an inlet pipe, effluent filter, and outlet pipe. Both the inlet and outlet are made of a “T”-shaped PVC pipe that is open on the top and bottom. Because the outlet is used to discharge waste from the tank, it is positioned lower than the inlet pipe. The effluent filter is installed directly before the tank’s outlet. It prevents too much solid waste from leaving the tank and clogging both the outlet pipe and the drainfield. If these systems become clogged, the tank can back up, fill up the tank, and leak wastewater into your yard.

What are septic tanks made of?

The Norwesco septic tanks listed above are made of the plastic polyethylene. Polyethylene provides many advantages over concrete septic tanks.

What are the advantages of polyethylene septic tanks?

Polyethylene tanks provide many advantages over concrete and other types of septic tanks.

• Easy Installation: Polyethylene tanks allow for easy installation and protection from tree root damage. Unlike concrete tanks, polyethylene tanks are finished installing once placed into the ground. They do not need a lid installed or mortar to ensure a perfect seal.
• Cheaper Installation Costs: Polyethylene tanks also require a smaller hole to be dug than concrete and steel tanks of the same size, so installation is much less expensive.
• Protection from the Elements: Polyethylene tanks also do not contain pores, so tree roots have a hard time penetrating the tank and causing structural damage. These tanks also provide protection against corrosion from soil chemicals and gases present in sewage.
• Convenient Repair: Polyethylene tanks are much easier to repair than concrete tanks. If a hole presents itself in a plastic tank, patching the opening is much easier than adding concrete to an existing tank.

How much does septic installation cost?

If you are installing a completely new septic system, installation costs typically range from $3000 to $9000, with the national average at just below $6000. The overall cost of installation depends on tank size, where you live, and the type of soil on your property. If the soil is deemed unsuitable for septic installation, the price will increase significantly.

If you are simply replacing your septic tank, the cost will be much smaller if the drainfield operates correctly. If your system is old, the tank installers will also need to ensure that current codes and regulations are met by the system once the new tank is installed.