How Big of a Septic Tank Do I Need? A Certified Expert Guide

How Big of a Septic Tank Do I Need?

Septic systems provide wastewater drainage for those living in areas without municipal sewer system access. Before you schedule septic tank installation in Jefferson City, MO, you must answer the question, “How big of a septic tank do I need?” Use these tips from the experts at Superior Sewer Solutions to find out.

Why Septic Tank Capacity Matters

Homeowners who rely on a septic system over a city sewer system will have to house all their wastewater on their properties. All plumbing fixtures, from toilets to sink drains, connect to the septic tank, which contains all the wastewater from the house. Some of the tank’s contents will end up in the drain field, and professionals must pump the tank regularly to clear any remaining buildup.

If you don’t have a big enough tank to meet your home’s drainage needs, you risk the tank overflowing and creating a huge mess — and a health hazard. Producing more wastewater than your tank can hold also means scheduling more frequent pumping and maintenance services. Work with professionals to determine how big your tank should be before installation.

Factors That Determine Your Ideal Septic Tank Size

“How big of a septic tank do I need?” you ask. Experts use the following components to fit your home with the right-sized tank.

Regulatory Guidelines From Your Local Government

Different cities and districts may set their own guidelines for septic tank installers. Geographical differences can affect the type of soil a home has, some of which might not be able to support a certain type of septic tank. Officials will often determine key aspects of a septic tank installation project, including the mandated size of a tank.

Expected Water Usage

How much water do you anticipate using? Installing a standard, 1,000-gallon septic tank might accommodate any human waste that you flush down the toilet, but it might not be able to contain all of the wastewater that goes down your sink and shower drains. Depending on your water usage, it might be best to install a separate system to hold all the graywater your home produces.

Household Size

Ask an expert, “How big of a septic tank do I need?” and they’ll tell you that minimum size requirements exist based on the size and layout of your home. Installers usually base their projects on the following numbers:

• 1,000-gallon tanks for homes with one or two bedrooms
• Up to 2,000-gallon tanks for three-bedroom homes
• 1,250 to 2,500-gallon tanks for houses with four bedrooms
• 1,500 to 3,000-gallon tanks for five-bedroom houses

The size of the drain field also increases with the tank size for larger homes.

Soil Percolation Tests

Experts need to test the viability of your property’s soil before they can install a septic system in the yard. This project, called a soil percolation test, pinpoints how well the soil absorbs liquid. The rate at which it drains can affect whether a septic system’s drain field will fill that area.

Installers can perform this test in various areas around the property to find the ideal spot for your septic system equipment. If you have highly absorbent soil in a small area, professionals will need to capitalize on it and adjust your tank’s size accordingly.

How To Prepare for Septic Tank Installation

Now that we’ve answered the question, “How big of a septic tank do I need?” you might be wondering what else you can do to prepare for your new septic system. Having a contingency plan in mind can help you avoid issues with your system down the road. For example, if you live in a four-bedroom house by yourself, you likely won’t produce a ton of wastewater, though any plans you have to let others occupy the house can affect how big of a tank you’ll need.

In addition, you should always work with a certified installation company. Professionals understand all local regulations and will provide you with a tank that operates without issue.

Contact Jefferson City’s Leading Sewer and Septic Company

How big of a septic tank do I need? Why does my bathroom drain smell like sewage? How often do you need septic system maintenance?

The experts at Superior Sewer Solutions can answer these questions and more. We specialize in septic tank installation, repairs, and maintenance. Reach out to our team whenever you need a professional to inspect your system for issues and keep it operating safely.

Submit our online request form or call (573) 301-0141 to schedule a free consultation.