Septic Tanks
A septic tank collects and treats wastewater before releasing it. The larger the home, the bigger the septic tank required. For a house under 1,500 square feet, a 750 to 1,000-gallon tank is usually needed.
Lifespan and Maintenance
Signs of a full septic tank include slow drains and standing water. Steel tanks last 15-20 years. Driving over a buried concrete tank won’t affect it.
For a household of 4 with a 1,000 gallon tank, pump every 2.6 years. For 1,500 gallons, pump every 4.2 years. For 2,000 gallons, pump every 5 years. Pumping takes 30 minutes for 1,000-1,250 gallons, and 45-60 minutes for 1,500-2,000 gallons.
Holding Tanks
A holding tank needs pumping every 6-8 weeks. It collects household wastewater but doesn’t treat it.
Cost and Frequency
The average cost for pumping a holding tank is $100-$150 per gallon.
Water Tanks and Pumps
Elevating a water tank increases pressure and reduces the need for pumping. To choose a water pump, make sure its lift matches the tank height. Also consider the pump’s flow rate.