While septic tanks can be a great help in treating household wastewater and draining it, they can be a little tricky when it comes to filling rates, pumping, and maintenance.
However, failing to maintain septic tanks properly may cost you a lot.
To ensure the longevity of septic systems, you need to figure out how long a septic tank takes to fill up. That way, you can estimate when you should pump your tank to keep it running.
So, how long does it take to fill a septic tank? Keep on reading to find out!
How Long Does It Take to Fill a Septic Tank?
Generally, it can take anywhere between two to five years to fill a 1000-gallon septic tank. However, this estimate may vary depending on variables, like the tank’s size and the household output.
On average, a person can produce between 50 and 70 gallons of wastewater per day and 90 gallons of solid waste annually.
Don’t let that number shock you, though.
Not the total waste output accumulates inside. Septic tanks separate the wastewater into three layers. It traps the solids in the bottom of the tank, the scum layer (grease) floats, and the liquid effluent flows out.
Anaerobic bacteria then start eating away at the sludge (solid waste) layer. By the end, it could drop in volume by around 50-60%.
How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?
Ideally, you should periodically inspect your tank and have it pumped every one to three years to keep everything in tip-top shape.
As a rule of thumb, your pumper will clean your septic tank when the sludge plus the scum layer is around 25-30% of the depth of the tank.
The pumper will also clean your septic system when the bottom of the scum layer is six inches below the outlet pipe, or the surface of the sludge layer is around 12 inches from the outlet.
Delaying the pumps allows the accumulated debris to build up and reach the outlet pipe to exit the tank and go out to your yard.
What Makes a Septic Tank Fill Up Quickly?
Several reasons can make a septic tank fill up quickly, and they don’t often have to be a sign of a clogged outlet pipe or obstruction in the tank itself.
For instance, your fill rate may increase when your family wastes more water or with household leaks. After all, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water daily, and a running toilet could waste a whooping 200 gallons!
Plus, even heavy rain can affect your septic tank and fill it faster.
The tanks discharge the liquid effluent from the outlet pipe into a drain field. Basically, the drain field is a series of pipes with holes in them that sit under the soil. When liquid effluent reaches those pipes, they slowly release it into the ground to biodegrade.
Now, what happens after heavy rain?
The excess water saturates your soil completely, making it harder for the tank to drain, eventually causing flooding. To minimize septic tank flooding during heavy rain, try limiting your water usage, so you don’t overfill your septic tank.
How to Look For Septic System Failure
Usually, you’ll want to look for signs inside your house and in your yard to detect if you have a septic system failure.
Below are some warning signs that’ll help you identify if there’s a problem with your tank:
1. Flooding and Smelly Areas in Your Yard
Flooding water in your yard is probably the most obvious warning sign that you’ve neglected your septic tank.
If you notice squishy areas with a foul odor, that most likely means your tank is clogged, and solid waste is leaking out.
2. Slow Toilet Flushing
If you’re experiencing slow drains in your kitchen or hearing some gurgling when flushing the toilet, that could be a sign of a full septic tank that needs pumping.
Another not-so-pleasant warning sign is when you notice solids coming back up in another drain.
3. Sewage Backup
This one stinks to high heaven—literally. Sewage backup happens when the wastewater doesn’t drain because of septic system failure.
You’ll want to avoid sewer backup at all costs. Not only because it’ll damage your house and bring the property value down, but also because it’s a health risk to your family.
4. Lush Green Grass
If there’s a silver lining to septic system failure, it’ll be the lush, green grass around your septic tank. The wastewater is full of nutrients that fertilize the soil and help your plants grow.
So, if you’re noticing an exceptionally healthy lawn along with the other warning signs, you might want to call your pumper to check if the septic tank is leaking.
Tips to Maintain Your Septic System
The best way to prevent sewage problems is by keeping your septic tank well-maintained.
Since that’s usually easier said than done, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to help you out:
Do:
- Be wise with your water consumption. Saving water can help reduce overfilling your septic tank and prevent a leaky drainage system.
- Direct rain away from the drain field. Try to shift roof drains coming out from your downspouts so that it doesn’t spill onto the tank’s drain field.
- Landscape wisely. You should only plant grass around your septic tank area as roots from large trees can grow into the drainage pipes.
Don’t:
- Drain non-biodegradable solid wastes. Those can build up inside the tank and cause clogging.
- Flush chemical additives down the drain. They’ll disturb the natural organisms that help degrade the sludge layer.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to fill a septic tank?
A typical family of four could fill up their 1,000-gallon tank in about five years, but the more waste there is, the higher this rate will be.
Figuring out your fill-up rate can be a lifesaver when it comes to pumping and maintenance. After all, the last thing you want is to suffer from septic system failure!