When it comes to constructing, purchasing, or leasing a home, understanding the appropriate septic tank size for the property is crucial.

Choosing an inadequately sized tank can lead to frequent overflows, and in some cases, local regulations may compel you to replace it entirely—a process that could cost thousands of dollars.

To sidestep these issues, it’s vital to select the right septic tank size from the get-go.

Calculating Septic Tank Size Based on Number of Bedrooms

The law often stipulates that the number of bedrooms be used as a factor for determining the required septic tank size. This is a useful yardstick as the number of bedrooms usually indicates the maximum number of people that will be living in the home.

All wastewater from the property first goes to the septic tank, which needs to be spacious enough to hold it for at least 24 hours before moving to the drain field.

By properly sizing the tank, you can ensure sufficient liquid retention for the settling of solids and microbial degradation of organic waste. Failure to do so may result in solids escaping the tank and clogging the drain field.

Water Consumption as a Sizing Factor

While the number of bedrooms is a good starting point, you might also want to consider additional elements like water usage patterns.

Two homes with the same number of bedrooms could have different water consumption rates depending on various factors, such as the use of a garbage disposal unit or high-flow fixtures.

Flow rate charts for commonly used fixtures can further fine-tune your sizing considerations.

Additional Factors Affecting Septic Tank Size

Pumping Chambers

In some areas, the septic tank size is also influenced by the number of pumping chambers it includes.

For instance, if your tank comes with an integrated lift station pumping chamber, you may need an additional 250-gallon capacity.

Climate Conditions

The location’s climate can affect bacterial activity within the tank. In extremely cold environments like Alaska or parts of Northern Canada, slower microbial activity may necessitate a larger tank to increase the retention time.

Regulatory Requirements

Always check local or federal laws and regulations. For example, a jurisdiction might stipulate that even for a 2-bedroom house, the minimum septic tank size must be 1,000 gallons.

Future Home Expansion

If you’re planning to add more bedrooms in the future, consider installing a larger septic tank initially to avoid the cost and hassle of replacement later.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct septic tank size is more than just a box to tick; it’s an essential aspect of long-term property management. Not only does it keep you in compliance with local laws, but it also enhances the efficiency and lifespan of your septic system.

By taking all relevant factors into account, you can save yourself time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.