The Importance of Septic Tank Size

Do you have a large family? Perhaps you work in a large office. If either is true and both locations use septic systems, then the importance of septic tank size comes into play. Let’s look a little deeper at the importance of septic tank size.

What is a Septic Tank?

If you aren’t hooked up to a municipal sewer system, then you are using a private septic system. At the heart of the septic system is the septic tank. Every time you take a shower, wash dishes in the kitchen sink, or use the toilet, wastewater is sent to the septic tank. A septic tank is a large concrete box—or sometimes a plastic or fiberglass tank—where an elaborate biochemical process takes place.

Solids collected in the septic tank sink to the bottom, while lighter substances, like greases and fats, rise to the top of the tank. The wastewater in the middle leaves the septic tank and is filtered out into the drain field that extends through the soil in your yard.

The solids left behind in the septic tank are devoured by bacteria, and then the process starts all over again.

Sizing Up a Septic Tank

You may not think about how big your septic tank is, but you should, especially if you are a family planning to expand or an office planning to hire additional employees. The process that takes place in a septic tank can be delicate, and if the septic tank is too small, that process can become disrupted.

The wastewater in your septic tank will quickly become overwhelmed by new fluids flowing in. This means the solids in your septic tank won’t have a chance to separate and break down and will be pushed into the drain field, causing a massive blockage. You will notice the blockage because wastewater may pool in the yard over your septic tank or back up into your house. Neither is a pleasant prospect.

Conversely, if your septic tank is too big, there may not be enough water to aid in breaking down solids, leading to toxic sludge that will fill up your septic tank and make a backup imminent.

How Do You Decide on What Size Septic Tank You Need?

The Number of People in Your Home or Office

It’s common sense that the number of people routinely using the septic system affects your septic tank size. For most homes and offices, a 300-gallon tank will suffice. If there is a high volume of waste flowing to the septic tank, then a 500-gallon tank would be a better fit.

The Soil Type

If your home or office is on sandy ground, which is common in Central Florida, a smaller septic tank is sufficient because wastewater can flow into the drain field more easily. If you have clay in your soil, also common in Central Florida, a larger tank will be required because the pressure will be higher.

Lakeland Septic is Central Florida’s Septic Tank Expert

If you are planning to build a new home or office that will use a septic system and are unsure of what size tank you need, get in contact with us. We will be happy to discuss all your septic tank needs.