Septic Tank Guide: Size, Cost, Maintenance, and More

Septic tanks are an integral part of waste management for many homes and businesses in areas without access to a centralized sewage system. These systems efficiently process and treat wastewater, ensuring the safety of our environment and public health. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into various aspects of septic tanks, from understanding their purpose to determining the right size, exploring pricing factors, discussing maintenance requirements, examining design considerations, and even delving into the intriguing world of septic tank bacteria and their connection to soak pits.

Understanding Septic Tanks

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a wastewater treatment system that serves as an on-site sewage facility. It is typically used in areas where homes or businesses are not connected to municipal sewage lines. The primary function of a septic tank is to separate solids from wastewater, allowing the treated liquid effluent to be safely absorbed into the ground.

                   

What is the Purpose of a Septic Tank?

The purpose of a septic tank is to safely treat and dispose of household or commercial wastewater. It ensures that contaminants are removed or rendered harmless before the treated effluent is released into the environment. Septic tanks contribute to public health by preventing the contamination of groundwater and nearby water bodies.

Septic Tank Size

The kind of septic tank you choose will depend on a few things. The soil’s quality, government regulations, and whether the tank will be used for commercial or personal purposes are a few of these variables. 

With a professional’s assistance, you can determine the soil’s quality. These experts conduct various tests, such as a percolation test, to determine how well the soil can handle the effluent. 

The anticipated volume of the wastewater would be the additional factor. This will aid in figuring out how big the tank and drain field should be. A tank with a capacity of 4,000 to 8,000 liters and a drain field measuring 1,000 to 3,000 square feet are required if your home has two to three bedrooms. You would require a tank with a capacity of between 9000 and 12000 liters and a drain field measuring roughly 1500–4000 square feet if you have four to six bedrooms. 

Ideal Septic Tank Size for 5 Users

For a household with five users, a typical recommendation is a septic tank with a capacity of 1,000 to 1,200 gallons. However, it’s essential to consult with a professional to assess your specific needs accurately.

Installation Process and Considerations

• The tank’s design must be straightforward, with pipes laid in a straight line. Where bends are necessary, they must have a long radius and a cleaning area.
• The flow from a branch connection shouldn’t be angled more than 45′ away from the main pipe at pipe junctions in manholes.
• The tank must be positioned clear of any potential flooding and far from the building’s exterior walls.
• For every peak flow rate of 10 liters per minute at a temperature of 25%, the required surface area of the tank will be O-92 ms.
• The depth of the sediment must be between 250 and 300 mm.
• The daily maximum amount of suspended solids that can be added to the tank by each individual is 70 g.
• The dimensions of a septic tank must be at least 750 mm wide, 1 m deep below sea level, and 1000 liters deep.
• For septic tanks, it is necessary to design the inlets so that the surface scum or settled sludge is disturbed as little as possible while the raw sewage is introduced. For tanks no wider than 1200 mm, T-shaped dip pipes with nominal bores no smaller than the incoming drain’s nominal size may be offered. The pipe needs to be set up permanently inside the tank, with the bottom branching out roughly 300 mm below the top water level and the top branch rising above the scum level.
• Tanks with a final outlet smaller than 1200 mm wide should have a 100 mm nominal bore dip-pipe fixed inside the tank, with the bottom limb extending to roughly l/3 of the liquid depth below the top water level and the top limb rising above scum level. The outlet pipe must have an invert that is 50 mm lower than the invert of the inlet pipe.
• To provide sufficient strength and water tightness, the walls should be thick enough.
• A septic tank should be cleaned out annually or semi-annually. Small domestic tanks may be cleaned at least twice every two years for financial reasons, provided the tank is not overloaded from the use by more people than it was intended for.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Septic systems installed incorrectly may malfunction or result in fines or legal troubles. This indicates that it’s critical to ensure that the tank is installed correctly and without a hitch. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• You must obtain all required permits from the authorities prior to installing the septic tank; if you don’t, the installation is unlawful and may result in legal issues.
• Failure to conduct soil tests could result in serious issues down the road. Any leaks or contamination of the groundwater may result in fines from the appropriate government agencies.
• The tank needs to be cleaned using the correct procedures. For instance, a portion of sludge with a minimum depth of 25 mm should be left in the tank bottom as it serves as the seeding material for new deposits. The excavation site needs to have enough room for the tank to be cleaned properly.

Septic Tank Maintenance

Regular Pumping and Cleaning

A household tank system typically needs to be cleaned once or twice a year, along with routine inspections. It is important to check the additional parts that were installed with the tank more frequently. If you observe any indications of tank malfunctions or interruptions in operation, you should contact your service provider right away.

Frequency of Septic Tank Maintenance

A well-maintained tank would require minimal maintenance requirements. However, you should regularly inspect the tank and drain it once or twice a year. 

Signs of Septic Tank Problems

The following are typical indications of septic tank failures:

1. Overflowing toilets and waterlogging inside the house are both problems. 
2. Plumbing system sounds and disturbances.
3. There are wet areas near the tank and the drainage field. 
4. High concentrations of coliform bacteria or nitrates in water wells. 
5. Bad smells or stenches near the drain field, septic tank, or toilets.

Inform a professional if you see any of these symptoms to avoid health problems, water leaks, and groundwater contamination. 

Proper Disposal of House Hold Waste

Never put any grease, fat, garbage, or similar items down the sink or toilet drain. It may cause breakdowns or disruptions in the operation of the waste treatment system and disturb the ecosystem inside the tank. 

Using Septic Tank Additives Effectively

You won’t require any additives if you keep your tank in good condition and perform routine inspections. These additives, which can aid in the digestion of the waste inside the tank, are bacteria or enzymes. However, your tank can function without additional additives if you use water sparingly and dispose of waste properly. 

Protecting the Drain Field

Here’s how you can maintain the drain field of your sewage system:

1. Follow regular inspections and maintenance norms.
2. Remove excess sludge once or twice a year.
3. Never dump grease, fats, oil, or other substances that can clog the tank and the drain field.
4. Ensure that vehicles and cars are away from the drain-field infrastructure.

Septic Tank Design

Key Components of a Septic Tank System

A typical septic tank system consists of not only the tank itself but also inlet and outlet pipes, a distribution box, and a drain field (or soak pit). Proper design and installation of these components are essential for the system’s effectiveness.

In addition to the septic tank itself, another crucial component of a septic system is the soak pit, also known as a leach field or drain field. The soak pit is responsible for the final stage of wastewater treatment, where the liquid effluent from the septic tank undergoes natural purification before being absorbed into the surrounding soil.

The Role of Soak Pits:

After the wastewater is processed and separated in the septic tank, the liquid effluent flows into the soak pit through outlet pipes. The soak pit consists of a series of perforated pipes or chambers buried in trenches filled with gravel or other aggregate material. These perforations allow the effluent to slowly seep into the soil, where it undergoes further filtration and treatment.

Importance of Soak Pits:

Soak pits play a vital role in preventing environmental contamination by safely dispersing treated wastewater into the soil. Through natural processes, harmful pathogens and contaminants are further removed as the effluent percolates through the soil layers, ultimately reducing the risk of groundwater pollution.

Design Considerations:

Proper design and installation of soak pits are essential to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. Factors such as soil permeability, groundwater levels, and local regulations must be taken into account during the planning and construction process.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

Regular maintenance of soak pits, including periodic inspection and cleaning, is necessary to prevent clogging and ensure optimal performance. Signs of soak pit problems, such as standing water or odors in the area, should be promptly addressed to avoid potential system failures.

By incorporating a soak pit into your septic system design, you can enhance its efficiency and environmental sustainability, ensuring effective wastewater treatment for years to come.

Troubleshooting common Septic Tank problems

Septic Tank Backups and Clogs

Obstructions in any pipe system can cause clogs and slow drains. The blockage could be due to grease or any object thrown down the drain. In such cases, you can try using hot water or baking soda to unclog the pipes. 

Odor Problems and Their Causes

Strong odors may be produced by sewage backups, leaks, overloaded systems, or broken pipes near the tank systems. The best course of action in these circumstances is to contact a professional for repairs.  

Drain Field Issues and Solutions

You can sometimes notice clogs or standing water in the drain field. This is a symptom of a failing septic system. Regular pump outs and upkeep of the tank and drain field can stop it from happening. 

Repairing or Replacing Damaged Components

Some of the septic tank repairs are easy and can be done at home. However, if you have to replace or repair any component of the septic tank, it is advised to call a professional for help. 

Septic Tank Regulations & Compliance

Each nation or state may have unique rules governing the use of septic tanks. The following rules are the most typical ones:

• Obtaining all licenses. 
• Conducting soil tests and site evaluation.
• Cleaning the tanks at least once a year.
• Obeying the regulations outlined in the government authorities’ regulatory standards. 

Septic Tank Cost & Life Span

A septic tank’s lifespan can range from 20 to 30 years, depending on the tank’s quality, construction, and maintenance. While the cost of the septic tank will vary from company to company, in India, you can expect to pay anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 80,000.

The installation of a septic tank is important for proper human waste disposal. You can contact Re-leaf for quality bio septic tanks that are sturdy and environment-friendly. Re-leaf also provides customized bio tanks, filtration systems, and recycling modules. 

Conclusion

Septic tanks are vital components of waste management systems in areas without access to centralized sewage systems. By understanding their purpose, selecting the right size, and maintaining them properly, you can ensure that your septic system operates efficiently and contributes to environmental preservation. Moreover, appreciating the role of septic tank bacteria and the importance of a well-designed system, including a soak pit, can lead to a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment.

This comprehensive guide has covered a wide range of topics related to septic tanks, offering valuable insights into their functioning, maintenance, and significance. Whether you’re a homeowner considering a septic tank installation or simply curious about how these systems work, this article provides a comprehensive overview of septic tanks and their vital role in waste management.

FAQ’s

What is the function of a septic tank?

A septic tank is an underground container used to treat wastewater from properties not connected to a public sewer system. Its main function is to separate solid waste from liquid wastewater. Regular maintenance is important to prevent clogs & backups.

What is called a septic tank?

septic tank is a large, water-weight container made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic that is buried underground. It is used to treat and dispose of wastewater from homes & businesses that are not connected to a municipal sewer system. The tank provides an essential function in the treatment of wastewater for these properties.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Signs that your septic tank may be full include slow draining or backups, foul odors, lush green grass over the tank or drain field, and gurgling sounds from the plumbing. If you notice these signs, it’s important to have your septic tank inspected and pumped by a professional to prevent further damage.

Is it good to have a septic tank in the house?

Having a septic tank in the house can be a good option for properties that are not connected to a public sewer system. It provides an effective & affordable way to treat & dispose of wastewater. However, regular maintenance & proper usage are important to prevent issues & ensure the proper functioning of the system.

Which type of septic tank is best?

The best type of septic tank varies based on factors like soil conditions, regulations, and property size. However, aerobic septic tanks, utilizing oxygen for faster decomposition, and concrete septic tanks, known for durability, are often recommended. Consulting a professional helps determine the right tank for your needs.