Who has a septic tank?

Not everyone may have a septic tank, so let’s go over who does have, and how do we know that they don’t have a septic tank. Usually, people that live in the country or in houses that are not on the town sewer will have a septic tank. So, if you do not get a monthly sewage bill, you then have a septic tank. If you receive a bill, then you are on the town sewer system and therefore do not have a septic tank.

What is a septic tank?

Septic tanks are available in various sizes and shapes, ranging from 800 to 3000 imperial gallons. The size of the tank will depend on either the size of your property, or the number of bathrooms and bedrooms in your house. Older septic tanks usually only have one chamber, whereas modern septic tanks have two chambers. The modern septic tank has two lids that provide access to the tank — one over the outlet and one over the inlet. Both of these lids should be exposed when getting your septic tank pumped.

How is a septic tank found?

To locate your septic tank; we need to find the black pipe in your basement going through your foundation. Your septic tank is usually buried five to eight feet from the basement wall where the black pipe exists. All of this will depend on the layout of the land and where your well is located on your property. Our teams are experts at locating the septic tank, and when you call us to service, repair, or pump your septic tank, we will have no trouble locating it for you.

Do septic tanks have bacteria inside of them?

Yes, there is always bacteria inside of all septic tanks. The bacteria in the tank helps to break down all of the solid waste and turn it into liquid, during this process natural gases like nitrogen and phosphorus are produced. As time goes on the liquid in the tank gets thicker, and we call this sludge, and it then should be removed. It is also important to remember not to use an excessive amount of disinfectant as this kills off the bacteria and over time your septic tank will not function properly.

When should a septic tank be pumped?

How often a septic tank gets pumped will depend on two things, first how many people are living in the house and then the size of your tank. So, for instance; a household of four people, with a tank size of a 1000-gallon tank would need to get pumped every three years. We at Clarington Septic Repairs recommend that you get your tank pumped at least every three to five years, to ensure that sludge does not reach the leaching bed, as this can diminish the life span of your leaching bed, and end up costing you a lot of money and inconvenience. Getting your septic tank every few years is called preventative maintenance.

Helpful Videos

Septic Basics 101

Essential Septic System Maintenance

How to Clean Your Septic Filter

Installing a Septic Tank