If you plan on building a house in an area that isn't connected to the municipal sewage treatment plant, then installing a septic tank as part of your overall septic system is inevitable.

The tank will hold all the grey water and black water exiting your house from separate units long enough for friendly bacteria to break down the solid waste, forming sludge at the bottom of the tank. The lighter-than-water waste, such as oil, fat, and grease float to the top as scum, while the liquids that leave the tank to be discharged into the drain field are called the effluent.

There are a number of critical factors to take into consideration when it is time to install a septic tank on your residential property. Here are a few things you should think about beforehand.

Household Size

How many people live in your home? The size of your household is the first thing to consider. The higher the number of people living in your home, the bigger your tank should be, generally speaking. 

When considering your household size, it is important that you look beyond your family's current situation. For example, a younger family is more likely to increase in size compared to a family with adult children. 

A septic tank installation specialist can help you determine which tank size is right for you and your family.

Tank Construction Material 

Septic tanks can be made using a range of materials including concrete, polyethylene and fibreglass. All these material options are sturdy in nature, a necessity since septic tanks are installed underground. However, they vary in their strength to weight ratios. 

For example, most modern polyethylene septic tanks are fabricated to offer the strength and durability of traditional concrete tanks, while being lighter in weight. This quality lends itself to quicker and easier installation but guaranteed longevity. 

Tank Location

Installing a septic system means finding the best spot for your tank as well as the drain pipes and leach field. A certified septic tank installer can check your landscape to determine the proper layout for your tank and septic system. 

For the most part, the warranty on your septic tank will be rendered invalid unless the tank installation job has been done by a professional. 

Note that septic tanks and other components of a septic system require proper maintenance to keep working at their best. Ready to get started with your tank installation job? Reach out to a company like Rivatec Environmental to get started.