The use of precast concrete septic tanks is a sensible technique to make sure that wastewater is properly treated. Carefully consider your project’s needs before selecting the appropriate size of precast septic tank.
Determining How Big a Septic Tank Should Be
The size of the septic tank is an important consideration for anyone building a septic system at their house or company. You’ll need information on the tank’s volume and the number of people who will be using it before you can proceed. It’s possible to find septic tanks in a wide range of sizes and configurations. The optimal tank size is the one that can accommodate the greatest possible number of users. The number of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, the number of people living in the property, the number of people using the building, and the local climate can all have an impact on the size of the septic tank. Thankfully, the volume of a septic tank can be easily calculated to provide an accurate estimate of its size. The dimensions of the tank’s base are divided by its height to arrive at this figure.
In most cases, concrete is used to construct septic tanks. Concrete tanks are long-lasting and resistant to decay, unlike their plastic counterparts. Furthermore, concrete is affordable. Additionally, concrete septic tanks are very user-friendly, making them a great option for the homeowner on a tight budget. On the other hand, the design of the tank may affect how long it lasts.
Multiple Compartment Septic Tanks
Septic tanks typically feature two separate compartments. Intake is the first chamber, and discharge is the second. A chamber of five feet in length and three feet in width is ideal for intake. A four foot long and two foot wide outlet chamber is ideal. A second chamber may be necessary in some designs. The secondary storage area needs to be at least five feet in length and 250 gallons in capacity.
The tank’s height should be at least 6 feet and no more than 8 feet. There needs to be at least a foot of clearance between the bottom of the tank and the water level. What we’re talking about here is the TWL, or the highest possible water level. For waste disposal, a pour-flush cistern can be set up in conjunction with a septic tank. Use a septic tank sizing calculator to figure out how big your septic tank needs to be. The tank’s capacity, in gallons, can be determined by entering the desired volume into the size calculator.
Septic System With Concrete Septic Tanks
When setting up a septic system, it’s necessary to run a pipe for the wastewater to the tank. Ultimately, this line will be permanently installed within the tank itself. The pipe’s inside diameter must be at least 100 mm. The length of the pipe below the inverted top of the inlet pipes should be about 150 mm. If the tank is wider than 1200 mm, two submerged inlets may be a good idea. In this way, the scum at the tank’s bottom won’t be disturbed as waste water is poured into the tank.
The tank’s baffle wall must be positioned so that it is 150 mm below the invert of the inflow pipes and the water’s surface. At least 150 millimeters (mm) of the baffle wall should be above the water’s surface.
Septic Tank Dimensions in Precast Concrete
The design specifications for precast concrete septic tanks are useful for any construction project, whether it’s a new home or an addition to an existing one. Concrete septic tanks can be built to accommodate anything from 500 to 1250 gallons of wastewater. They come in both single- and multi-chamber configurations, depending on the need. Tanks come in two shapes: round and square. The minimum width of the liquid level in a cylindrical tank is 36 inches.
A septic tank’s base must be constructed of high-quality concrete, at least of grade M20. It needs to be robust enough to absorb shock and hydrostatic pressure, and sturdy enough to withstand deterioration. In addition to being watertight, it should slope in the direction of the sludge discharge.
Durability of Concrete Tanks
Septic tank walls should be composed of corrosionand acid-proof materials. You should use plastered concrete that is at least 12 millimeters thick for these. The tank’s port apertures must have risers installed if it is going to be buried deeper than 12 inches. These risers need to be watertight, thus cast iron is the material of choice. Children shouldn’t be able to reach them, hence they should be bolted.
The tank’s inlet and outlet connections, in addition to meeting the minimum height and breadth standards, should be constructed to prevent the leakage of water. The inlet invert needs to be two inches higher than the outlet invert, and the outlet tee or baffle needs to reach at least eight inches below the liquid surface. The length of the tees or baffles at the base of the tank should be equal to between 25 and 40 percent of the total depth of the liquid stored there.
Single-chamber, double-chamber, and multi-chamber septic tanks are all commercially available. Two covers are used on a single-chamber tank, whereas three are used on a double-chamber tank. Watertight vent holes located close to the top of a single-partitioned tank’s partition are required. The septic tank and the nitrification line must be able to connect with a watertight coupling. If your tank has two sections, the first one should be large enough to store at least 50 percent of the total effective volume.
Load Bearing Tanks
A precast concrete septic tank can bear structural and traffic-rated loads. At 28 days, they have a minimum compressive strength of 4,000 psi. Thicker bottom and side slabs are standard on traffic-rated tanks. They cost more than pedestrian-rated tanks because of the extra engineering needed to support the volume of foot traffic.
The design specifications for precast concrete sewage tanks can assist simplify any construction project, whether for a new home, an addition, or a commercial facility. The number of people living in a house and the number of bedrooms both factor into the ideal size for a septic tank.
Concrete Septic Tank Require Regular Maintenance
No matter if your septic tank is composed of concrete or plastic, regular cleaning and maintenance are required. The cost of fixing or replacing it if you don’t is likely to be substantial. You’ll need to empty the tank at regular intervals in addition to giving it a good scrub down.
Septic systems should be inspected once a year, as advised by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. You can do this yourself, or you can hire someone to do it for you. The majority of homeowners would rather hire an expert to check their homes for them. Having a professional evaluate your system is a great way to make sure it stays in good working order and out of the hands of the people who could do more damage.
Drain Field Inspections
Having your drain field inspected is just as important as having your tank checked. Damage to your system can be caused by things like broken pipes and bad soil. In the long run, this could cause costly leaks and clogged pipes. Watching your water consumption is the greatest approach to keeping your septic system in good working order. There may be a problem if you use more water than your system can handle in a short period of time. Shortening one’s shower time is another simple way to save water.
You should consider having a water seal installed between the top of the septic tank and the wall whenever you replace or build a new one. In this way, the tank will be protected from groundwater.
It’s also a good idea to check that the top of your tank can be removed easily. That way you can check the tees and baffles within the tank while you’re pumping it out. Damaged or missing baffles might lead to sewage backing up into your home or business.
Vent Maintenance
Additionally, make sure your vents are always tidy. Clogged vents can cause problems for your entire septic system. Leaks can be avoided in addition to being a nuisance by keeping your vents clean. You should take special care of this if your garbage disposal is located in the sink. The amount of water you use may exceed the capacity of your septic tank if the vents in your home are clogged.
Maintaining a clean tank is the best method to avoid leaks. One might need to empty the tank of a garbage disposal installed in a sink more frequently than once a year. More frequent maintenance may be required of a particularly large tank. Hiring a professional tank cleaner can guarantee that all waste is eliminated and that your tank is in peak operational condition.
The installation of an intercept drain is a further viable option. When you install this drain, you won’t have to worry about any groundwater seeping into your septic system. Surface runoff from your septic system can also be directed to assist prevent groundwater seepage.
Also, check the condition of the tees and baffles and make sure the vents are free of any obstructions. It’s possible that your septic tank will need to be emptied more frequently if you have a disposal unit installed in your sink.