If you’re looking into a new septic tank or a wastewater tank for your business, it might be the first time you’ve done so. Choosing a wastewater tank is, in general, pretty far from our minds most days, even though water is consistently exiting our homes and buildings. Out of sight, out of mind just won’t cut it when it comes time to decide where it will go. Here are six tips to help you get the best of the selection.
- Choose the right size – When you’re choosing a septic tank, it’s generally advised that you choose one of at least 1,000 gallons. That said, if your home is very small, and only has one bedroom, you might get away with 750 gallons. For large homes with five bedrooms or more, choose a tank that will accommodate approximately 1,300 gallons.
- Choose the right material – What your tank should be made of depends on its purpose. Wastewater tanks used at plants and for industrial purposes are often comprised of silica glass and steel. Septic tanks for the home may be made of fiberglass, concrete, or even plastic. If you’re looking for a tank that catches rainfall, plastic will work here as well. Companies like Devan Plastics carry a range to choose from.
- Don’t get stuck on shape – Large industrial water storage tanks are often wide and cylindrical in shape. With home septic tanks, you’ll usually find that the plastic and fiberglass varieties are round or capsule-shaped. Heavy concrete tanks are usually square or rectangular. Despite what you may hear during a sales pitch, this doesn’t matter much.
- Ask about warranties and guarantees – Have you ever endured a septic tank leak or backup? Needless to say, it’s one of every homeowner’s least pleasant experiences. Never buy a wastewater system that doesn’t offer some kind of assurance of quality and performance. Not every tank comes with a 20-year warranty, but the company might be present at installation to ensure it’s done right. Some others will give you a guarantee that the tank is watertight.
- Look into requirements – It will take all of a few minutes to call a clerk’s office in your municipality and see what, if any, regulations are in place, and if you need a permit to replace or install your new system.
- Plan for maintenance – Your out of sight, out of mind attitude toward wastewater has real consequences. After installing your new tank, note the year, as well as the number of people living in your home. For instance, a 1,000 gallon tank supporting a family of four will have to be pumped every two and a half years. You should also think about having the filter at the outlet cleaned, as this can reduce your chances of suffering that dreaded backup.
Don’t put off choosing and replacing your new wastewater treatment system. Figure out what capacity you need, what material sounds best for you, and which company is offering the most agreeable guarantees. A clean, healthy space begins with proper waste treatment, and it’s all going in the tank, so choose accordingly. If you’re buying a home, that needs a new septic system, keep these five tips in mind for your first home purchase.
