A
properly designed septic tank system will have a septic tank with
sufficient volume to accumulate solids for several years. Over time the
solids accumulate and begin to fill up the septic tank. If these solids
are not periodically pumped out, suspended solid particles may begin to
flow into the absorption field. These solids will eventually clog the
absorption field and may require the installation of a new absorption
field. Newer septic tank systems are required to have an effluent filter
located on the outlet of the septic tank. The purpose of this filter is
to protect the absorption field by trapping suspended solids. If the
septic tank is not pumped out periodically, the effluent filter may
become clogged causing wastewater to back up into the house.
Pumping Septic Tank
A specific determination of when it’s time to pump a septic tank can
be made by having the depth of the solids and level of scum buildup
checked periodically. New septic tanks have an access port over the
inlet and outlet tees to facilitate the cleaning of the effluent filter
and pumping of the tank. Two factors primarily affect the pumping
frequency required. The first factor is the holding capacity of the
septic tank. The more people using a system, the faster the solids build
up, and the more frequently the tank will have to be pumped. A larger
capacity system provides better treatment and requires less pumping. The
standard three or four bedroom house has a 1000 gallon septic tank. The
second factor is the amount of solids in the wastewater. If you have a
garbage disposal, you will have to pump out your septic tank more
frequently. The use of a garbage disposal may increase the amount of
solids in a septic tank by as much as 50%. Pouring grease or other
non-biodegradable types of solid waste drown the drain will add to the
accumulation of solids. Homes with garbage disposals are required to
increase the size of their septic tank by 50%.
A three or four bedroom house with a garbage disposal is required to have a 1500 gallon septic tank. The recommended pumping frequency for pumping out septic tanks can be estimated based on assuming a wastewater retention time of 24 hours and assuming that 50% of the solids are digested by bacterial action in the tank.
Pumping Septic Tank
A specific determination of when it’s time to pump a septic tank can
be made by having the depth of the solids and level of scum buildup
checked periodically. New septic tanks have an access port over the
inlet and outlet tees to facilitate the cleaning of the effluent filter
and pumping of the tank. Two factors primarily affect the pumping
frequency required. The first factor is the holding capacity of the
septic tank. The more people using a system, the faster the solids build
up, and the more frequently the tank will have to be pumped. A larger
capacity system provides better treatment and requires less pumping. The
standard three or four bedroom house has a 1000 gallon septic tank. The
second factor is the amount of solids in the wastewater. If you have a
garbage disposal, you will have to pump out your septic tank more
frequently. The use of a garbage disposal may increase the amount of
solids in a septic tank by as much as 50%. Pouring grease or other
non-biodegradable types of solid waste drown the drain will add to the
accumulation of solids. Homes with garbage disposals are required to
increase the size of their septic tank by 50%.A three or four bedroom house with a garbage disposal is required to have a 1500 gallon septic tank. The recommended pumping frequency for pumping out septic tanks can be estimated based on assuming a wastewater retention time of 24 hours and assuming that 50% of the solids are digested by bacterial action in the tank.
