As cities become more densely populated and the desire for self-sufficient living increases, many homeowners are seeking properties outside urban areas that provide a sense of independence.
One crucial element of such a lifestyle is managing your own wastewater disposal system. For numerous homes in rural and suburban areas, residential septic tanks provide a practical approach.
In this article, we will examine the basics of residential septic tanks, their significance in residential environments, the suitable dimensions for different family sizes and the benefits of choosing plastic septic tanks over their concrete counterparts.
What is a Septic Tank and Why Have One in a Residential Setting?
A residential septic tank serves as an underground wastewater treatment solution, primarily utilized in rural and subrural/suburban locations where centralized sewer systems are unavailable.
Septic tanks handle and dispose of household wastewater, including sewage from toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry appliances. They function by separating solids from liquids and facilitating the natural decomposition of organic matter through the bacteria found in organic waste. Note that anaerobic bacteria mostly live in this sludge layer and help break down the solid waste.
Need a deeper understanding of how a septic system works using a diagram to illustrate? Our septic tank guide covers this topic comprehensively.
Residential Septic Tanks Contribute to Self-Sufficiency
Elevate Your Home: The Premium Perks of a Residential Septic System
For discerning homeowners, a residential septic system isn't just a necessity in unsewered areas – it's a smart choice that aligns with values of independence, environmental responsibility, and long-term property value. Here’s how a septic system elevates your home:
- Enhance Property Value and Desirability: In many markets, particularly in suburban and rural settings, a modern, well-maintained septic system is a selling point. It signals a home equipped for comfortable, independent living and can be particularly attractive to buyers seeking properties with acreage or those prioritizing self-sufficiency.
- Predictable Long-Term Homeownership Costs: Escape fluctuating municipal sewer bills and gain control over your wastewater management expenses. With a residential septic system, your costs are primarily predictable maintenance – occasional pumping and inspections – allowing for better long-term budgeting and financial planning compared to potentially unpredictable city service fees.
- Embrace Environmental Stewardship On Your Property: Modern septic systems, when properly maintained, are environmentally sound solutions, and will help you lower your carbon footprint. They treat wastewater naturally on your property, reducing the strain on centralized treatment plants and minimizing your home's impact on local water resources. This aligns with a growing desire for sustainable and eco-conscious living.
- Cultivate True Home Autonomy and Independence: Break free from reliance on municipal infrastructure and enjoy complete control over your home's essential systems. A residential septic system provides true self-reliance in onsite wastewater management, offering peace of mind and a greater sense of independence in your own home.
Determining the Appropriate Size for a Residential Septic Tank
Your local building permit department can assist you in making sure you choose the correct tank for your location and needs. These are general guidelines:
- Three-bedroom homes should have a minimum 1,000-gallon septic tank.
- Four-bedroom homes should have a septic tank with a capacity of 1,500 gallons or more.
- Five-bedroom homes may require a 2,000-gallon tank.
Septic tank calculators and septic tank size charts offer general recommendations and guidelines. Your local regulator should have the stamp of approval on the ideal septic tank size for your state. That said, some factors may often be ignored when considering the right size for a septic system.
Sizing Factors That Go Beyond the Septic Tank Calculator
Okay, septic tank calculators are a great starting point, sure. Punch in your bedroom count, and bam – a size pops out. But hold on a minute, folks, because choosing the right septic tank is less like picking out a pair of socks and more like, well, planning for your family's future flushing habits (pun intended!). Seriously, going a little bigger on your septic tank can be like buying a little extra peace of mind – and who couldn't use more of that?
Let's dive into the real factors that those basic calculators often miss, the stuff that can make the difference between a system that purrs like a kitten and one that… well, let's just say nobody wants a grumpy septic system.
Lifestyle Deep Dive: Are You a Water-Loving Household?
Think about your life, the real nitty-gritty. Are you the host-with-the-most type, with a revolving door of weekend guests? Do you dream in bubbles in your jacuzzi tub every evening? Got a teenage soccer team living under your roof who shower approximately 17 times a day? These are your "high water usage" flags waving wildly in the wind!
While calculators often assume "average" water use, average might not be you. Large families cranking out laundry loads daily, folks who love long showers, or anyone with water-guzzling habits can push a septic system to its limits. A slightly larger tank gives you that buffer, that wiggle room when life gets, well, watery. It’s like having a little extra storage in your online cloud – you might not always need it, but when you do, you're sure glad it's there.
Future-Proofing Your Flush: Thinking Ahead
Life changes, right? That cozy two-bedroom starter home? Maybe someday it'll be buzzing with kiddos, or you'll finally build that guest house you've been dreaming about. Home septic systems are not something you want to upgrade like your phone every few years. They're in the ground, literally!
Thinking about future expansion now when sizing your tank is seriously smart. Even if you're not planning a major addition tomorrow, consider the possibility. A slightly larger tank installed today can save you a world of headaches (and a whole lot of digging) down the road if your household grows or your property evolves. It's a bit like planting a tree – you think about its mature size, not just how it looks as a sapling.
Appliance Intel: Your Home's Plumbing Personality
Believe it or not, your appliances play a role in your septic destiny! That vintage washing machine from the '80s? It might be a water hog compared to today's high-efficiency models. Older, standard toilets? Water guzzlers too.
While swapping out appliances can reduce your wastewater load, it's another factor to consider. If you have older, less water-conscious appliances, or if you're planning on upgrading to super water-saving models in the future, this can subtly influence your tank size needs. It's not the biggest factor, but it's another layer to peel back when you're aiming for septic system zen.
The "Peace of Mind" Buffer
Let's be honest, septic system issues are a homeowner's nightmare. That frantic call to the plumber at 2 AM? Nobody wants that. A slightly larger tank acts as a buffer, reducing the risk of backups and system stress, especially during peak usage times or unexpected events. Think of it as a little insurance policy for your plumbing sanity.
Property Value Perk
While not the sexiest selling point, a well-maintained, adequately sized septic system is a sign of a well-cared-for home. Down the line, when you decide to sell, a robust septic system can be a quiet plus in the eyes of potential buyers, suggesting fewer potential headaches and a system built to last.
The Benefits of Plastic Over Concrete Residential Septic Tanks
Residential septic tanks are manufactured from different materials like concrete, fiberglass and plastic. Of these, plastic septic tanks provide a number of advantages over concrete.
Plastic septic tanks are typically more affordable than concrete alternatives. The price advantage is primarily due to the lighter weight, which results in lower shipping and installation costs. Moreover, plastic tanks are easier to handle and install and often require less manpower and machinery during the installation process.
Septic tanks are highly resistant to corrosion and rust to ensure that they maintain their structural integrity over an extended period. In contrast, concrete tanks are prone to cracking and leaking due to changes in the surrounding soil or groundwater conditions.
Plastic tanks necessitate less maintenance compared to concrete tanks. Their smooth internal surface prevents the buildup of solid waste materials and reduces the frequency of tank cleaning and pumping.
As far as durability, with the right use, both septic tank options (plastic and concrete) will last 20-30+ years.
Tank Depot’s Plastic Septic Tanks: One or Two Compartments?
Tank Depot provides a variety of plastic septic tanks to accommodate different residential needs with both one and two-compartment options available — but what determines whether you require a one or two-compartment tank?
The N-43522 is a low-profile one-compartment septic tank made of rotationally molded polyethylene resin with a seamless construction. Its design makes it highly durable and resistant to cracks. The tank is intended for the storage of wastewater and is low-profile and molded in one piece to reduce installation time and effort.
A two-compartment septic tank consists of two separate chambers. The first chamber performs the same function as a one-compartment tank by allowing solids to settle and other matter such as oils and grease to float while partially treating the wastewater. This allows for bacteria to work its magic and start decomposing the solid waste (anaerobic bacteria, which can survive without oxygen). The compartments are divided by a baffle (as shown on the picture bellow) with a small opening.
The N-43521 IAPMO-certified, two-compartment septic tank offers efficient wastewater management in a compact, low-profile design. Pre-plumbed with PVC tees and adapters, this 750-gallon tank is ready for quick installation. Its durable, one-piece, rotationally molded construction eliminates leaks and requires no special backfill. Ideal for homes, cabins, and homesteads requiring smaller capacity, two-compartment tanks.
This pre-plumbed, 1000-gallon, low-profile septic tank offers a convenient and reliable solution for onsite wastewater treatment. The two-compartment design, complete with installed PVC fittings and two 20" watertight domed lids that are stronger than other lid designs, simplifies installation. Its rugged, one-piece construction guarantees long-lasting, leak-proof performance. Ideal for many US states requiring 1000-gallon capacity.
Maximize your wastewater treatment capacity with this durable, 1250-gallon, low-profile septic tank. Featuring a robust, one-piece, rotationally molded design, this two-compartment tank ensures leak-proof performance and easy installation (loose plumbing fittings included). Suitable for residential or commercial use, this tank requires no special backfill.
The Norwesco 1,500-gallon low-profile septic tanks are easy to install because they come molded in one piece and no additional assembly is required. They are durable and seamless which eliminates any chances of leakage. Also, there is no need for any special backfill or water filling during installation. The tanks can be pumped dry during pump-outs and can have a cover of anywhere between 6 to 36 inches. They are versatile and can be used as a septic tank, pump tank, or for storing non-potable water.
What Size Residential Septic Tank do I Need?
The pumping frequency for a septic tank is typically every 3-5 years, but this can vary depending on the septic tank gallon capacity and the amount of wastewater generated. It's important to choose a septic tank that is large enough to handle your household's daily wastewater consumption. For residential properties, the average person generates about 50-70 gallons of wastewater per day.
A common rule of thumb is to estimate 150-250 gallons per bedroom per day. Ideally, your septic tank should be 2-3 times larger than your daily wastewater consumption to ensure proper treatment and reduce the frequency of pumping. Our septic tank size charts guides you into everything you need to know about sizing your septic system.
Residential Septic System Installation
Installing a residential septic tank is a complex process that should ideally be handled by a qualified professional. However, understanding the basic steps involved can be beneficial. Here's a brief overview:
- Site Evaluation and Permitting: The first step is to have a site evaluation conducted by a licensed professional. They will evaluate the soil type and permeability, and determine the suitability of your property for a septic system. The specialist also helps to determine the appropriate size and location for the tank and drain field. Obtaining the necessary permits from your local authorities is crucial before any installation work begins.
- Tank Placement: The residential septic tank is typically buried underground. The location must adhere to local regulations regarding setbacks from property lines, wells, and other structures. The excavation should be carefully sized to accommodate the tank.
- Installation: The tank is placed in the excavated hole, ensuring it is level and properly bedded. Connections are made to the inlet from the house and the outlet pipe leading to the drain field.
- Drain Field Construction: The drain field, also known as the leach field, is a crucial component of the system. It's where the treated wastewater is dispersed into the ground. Constructing the drain field involves digging trenches and laying leaching chambers (and end caps) or perforated pipes.
- Backfilling and Testing: Once the tank and drain field are in place, the excavated areas are backfilled. The system should then be tested to ensure it's functioning correctly.
It's highly recommended to consult with and hire experienced septic system installers for this process. Improper installation can lead to system failures, environmental contamination, and costly repairs.
Invest in a Durable and Cost-Effective Residential Septic System from Tank Depot
Tank Depot offers plastic septic tanks made by the top manufacturers in the industry. Our company has been providing high-quality tanks at the lowest prices since 1998, along with expert customer service.
Our septic specialists direct line are:
- 844-POO-TANK
- Septic - Tank Depot = 866-902-6205
Contact us today for additional details or to locate a store in your area!
