A septic system is a must-have feature for many homes. If you’re upgrading or installing one on a new property, it’s essential to select the right size. Various factors influence which is best for your home. Use the following guide to ensure you purchase a product that will handle the workload for years to come.

Septic Tank Basics

A septic tank is the last stop in your home’s waste removal system. Anything that’s flushed down a drain or fixture ends up there. Once inside, watery waste—called “effluent”—forms. A sludge layer collects on the bottom, and a scum layer collects on the top.

Positive bacteria can then treat effluent, and the water can be safely ejected into your drain field. It then flows through gravel and is further treated by bacteria before seeping down to groundwater. This septic system process is ongoing, and eventually, you’ll need to schedule pumping services to remove the sludge and scum.

The Importance of Size

Septic system tank size impacts how efficiently waste is treated and how much is stored. The total treatment process ranges from 6 to 24 hours. When estimating the tank size, it’s best to assume that it takes 24 hours.

This ensures water levels don’t get too high in the tank and that the length allows sludge and scum to separate quickly. A 3:1 length-to-width ratio is preferred to help this process. There should also be at least 36 inches above the outlet so that waste separation won’t slow down, create clogs, or require more frequent pumpings.

How to Choose

The International Code Council recommends that one- and two-bedroom homes require at least a 750-gallon tank. Three-bedroom houses require a 1000-gallon tank, four-bedroom homes require a 1200-gallon tank, and five-bedroom houses require a 1425-gallon tank.

These recommendations assume a high water use per home residents. However, if you have four people living in a two-bedroom home, you’ll want to consider a larger tank since you’re producing a similar waste amount to a four-bedroom home.

If you need guidance on your next septic tank purchase, the professionals at Dugger’s Septic Tank Cleaning can assist. This Corbin, KY, septic system care service is backed by 56 years of experience. They provide comprehensive tank assistance, including cleaning and general maintenance. Call (606) 528-3893 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about the company.