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 recommendation for home use is a 1000 gallon septic tank as a starting point. The 1000 gallon size tank is a minimum and *can be suitable for a 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom house. Some recommendations say to add an extra 250 gallons of septic tank capacity for each bedroom over 3 bedrooms.
Most residential septic tanks range in size from 750 gallons to 1,250 gallons. An average 3-bedroom home, less than 2500 square feet, will probably require a 1000-gallon tank.
The capacity of the tank for holding wastewater is usually given in gallons, and it varies depending on the system's age, the manufacturer, and the material of construction. For example, a 1000 gallon septic tank is suitable for a typical family of four to six people.
A three-bedroom house requires a 1,000 - 2,000 gallon tank. A four-bedroom house requires a 1,250 - 2,500 gallon tank. A five- to six-bedroom house requires a 1,500 - 3,500 gallon tank.
Typical septic tank sizes in relation to home size are: 750 gallons: 1-2 bedrooms & 1,500 or fewer square feet. 900 gallons: 3 bedrooms & 1,500-2,500 square feet. 1000 gallons: 4 bedrooms & 2,500-3,500 square feet.
Contact a licensed septic pumper for the appropriate pumping frequency for your system. This chart provides estimates for pumping frequency; for example, if you have a 1,000-gallon tank with 4 people living at your home, you will need to pump your tank approximately once every 2 ½ years.
500 – 1,000 Gallon Septic Tanks: Installed up to approximately 1976, this tank style will have one main lid and two smaller baffle lids on both ends of the tank as shown in the diagram below.
When your tank is too large, there won't be enough liquid to break down waste effectively. This means you'll end up with a build-up of solid waste, which can decrease the overall efficiency of your septic system. On the other hand, if you go for a tank that's too small, you'll have a whole different set of issues.
Plastic Septic Tanks
Polyethylene septic tanks are the cheapest and easiest tanks to install due to their lightweight. However, they may crack or break under pressure and are not allowed in all states. They cost between $2,200 for a 1,000-gallon tank to $3,200 for a 1,500-gallon tank.
A septic system is determined by the number of bedrooms in a home. For example, if your home was originally built as a 3 bedroom, then the septic system was most likely designed to meet the anticipated capacity of the dwelling (6 people; 2 per bedroom).
Even though the average 1000 gallon tank will be filled up in between two to three years, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends emptying between 3 and 5 years of use.
In general, a conventional septic system can typically accommodate 1 to 2 toilets per bedroom in a household. However, it's essential to consult a septic system professional or local authorities to determine the specific capacity and requirements for your property.
The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained! Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have on your system. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.
Septic tanks are designed to accommodate the number of bedrooms in a home and potential in flows. Therefore, an average home with one to three bedrooms is intended to house four or five residents and would have a tank that would accommodate 1000 gallons.
The distance between lids will be different for each sized tank: 1000 gallon tank = 6-6.5 ft.; 1250 gallon = 7-7.5 ft.; 1500 gallon = 8.5-9 ft.. Dig up the outlet chamber access lid.
When you take a look at sewage levels, there are three definitions of what a full tank can mean: Normal Level – Your septic tank will always have a certain amount of liquid, usually about 8” – 12” from the top of the tank. A normal level means the tank is filled up to the amount it was designed to hold.
In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.
Daily and Weekly Load Considerations
On a daily basis, limit your laundry loads to 2-3 per day to ensure a managable flow of water and chemicals into your septic tank. The weekly total can range from 7 to 10 loads, depending on your household size, septic tank capacity, and water efficiency.
But generally a 4 bedroom home needs a 1200 gallon tank, a 5 bedroom home needs a 1500 gallon tank.