How Do I Choose the Best Septic Tank for My Household?

Almost 20% of American homes are not on sewer lines, most of them using septic tanks to manage and filter household wastewater. For people shopping for the best septic tank for their home and family, there are a lot of factors to consider. 

Choosing from the different types of septic tanks is simpler than you might think, even though there are a lot more options than there used to be. With a few key factors in mind, you can take charge of your residential plumbing and avoid the pitfalls of a faulty septic system. Keep reading to find out what those factors are.

Know Your Size Requirements

The first step for any smart homeowner to choose the right septic tank is to know what size tank you’ll need. Before you consider brands, pump types, or systems, it’s a good idea to take stock of how much water you use in a day, and use that to narrow down your choices.

There are a few ways to determine your water usage. You can base it off of general estimated water usage per resident in your home, or take a direct measurement of the water your family uses daily and average it out.

Some municipalities have minimum or maximum size limits for residential septic tanks, so check those as well.

In general, you should buy a septic tank that holds twice as much wastewater as the residents in your home produce daily.

The Best Septic Tank for Your Soil

When you know the size of the septic tank you’ll need, the second consideration is tank design. But don’t make your decision based on brand. Instead, consider the type of soil that your home is on. Professional plumbing technicians can tell you that the type of soil makes a big difference in the performance of your septic system.

If your septic tank will go into coarse or gravel-rich soil, consider a pressure-type septic system as opposed to a gravity system. Gravity systems allow streams of untreated sewage to seep down into the ground below the tank, which is good for dense soil but can cause issues with looser soils.

Get The Right Pump

The final major component of your home septic system is the pump, so deciding on the right pump type for your needs is important. You can consult with professionals like the experts at patrickesperseptic.com to get input on what would be easiest for your situation, but there are two basic pump styles to choose from. 

Turbine pumps are the most efficient of the two options. They’re designed to be more durable and to last through hundreds of thousands of cycles. The downside is that they’re often more expensive to install.

Centrifugal pumps are not as convenient or as reliable in the long term, but they tend to cost less, making them a good option if you’re willing to replace the pump sooner. 

Both pump types come in a variety of sizes, so ultimately the question is whether you want to pay more now or later.

Avoid Septic Tank Stress By Buying Right From The Beginning

Buying the best septic tank for your family and household needs will eliminate a lot of the stresses that come with homeownership. In addition, the right septic tank will keep you from trouble with septic tank inspection if you ever decide to sell your home. 

By knowing what to look for and how to make your choice, you can be confident that your septic system will be a source of comfort, not trouble.