When it comes to maintaining your home’s septic system, understanding the water level in your septic tank is essential. Suppose you ask yourself how much water should be in your septic tank. In that case, this guide will explore the factors affecting septic tank water levels, including how much water a septic tank can handle daily and why a high water level in your septic tank might be a cause for concern.
Septic Tank Effluent
To understand how high the water should be in your septic tank, you first need to learn the basic functioning of a septic system. The wastewater generated in your home flows into the septic tank. Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge, while grease and lightweight particles float to the top, creating a scum layer. The remaining liquid wastewater, called effluent, lies between these two layers.
The effluent gradually exits the septic tank and enters the drain field, undergoing further treatment in the soil. The septic tank’s primary role is to retain solids and allow only the effluent, or gray water, to move into the drainfield. If the water level in your septic tank is too high, it can lead to issues inside and in the drain field.
How Much Wastewater Can a Septic Tank Handle Per Day
The needed size and capacity of a septic tank are determined by factors such as the number of bedrooms in your home, the square footage of the available living space, and local regulations. The average residential septic tank can hold around 950 gallons of water. This number provides a rough idea of the tank’s daily processing capability.
According to the OSTDS guidelines, an average person is assumed to use 50 gallons per day, so a family of 4 may produce up to 200 gallons per day. In this scenario, the tank will be full within 7-10 days, which is right in line with ACE’s recommended levels. For a normal operating system, the fluid level should always be only about 8-10 inches below the inlet pipe on the tank.
It’s essential to ensure that the water level in your septic tank stays below a certain point to maintain its effectiveness and prevent problems.
High Wastewater Level in Septic Tank
A high water level in your septic tank can indicate various issues and might be a cause for concern. Here are some of the potential problems associated with a high water level:
- Hydraulic Overload: This occurs when the incoming wastewater exceeds the tank’s capacity to release the effluent into the drain field. As a result, water levels in the tank rise quickly. This condition puts undue stress on the tank and drainfield and can lead to backups in your home’s plumbing.
- Sewage Backups: A high water level can push solids and scum back into the septic tank filter, leading to clogs and backups in the house, which is both unsanitary and unpleasant.
- Reduced Microbial Activity: High water levels can negatively affect the microbial activity inside the septic tank. These microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down solids. When the water level is too high, it can dilute the microbial population, hindering their ability to decompose waste effectively.
Maintaining the Right Wastewater Level
To maintain the appropriate water level in your septic tank, regular inspection and pumping are necessary. Routine maintenance ensures that the tank operates efficiently and helps prevent issues associated with high water levels.
You should consider having your septic tank pumped when the bottom of the scum layer is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet device or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet device. These measurements help maintain the optimal water level in your septic tank.
It’s also essential to avoid excessive water usage, such as running multiple high-water-consuming appliances (like washing machines and dishwashers) simultaneously. Spacing out water usage throughout the day can prevent overloading your septic system during periods of high use.
In addition to wastewater, be mindful of what goes down your drains. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, excessive grease, or chemicals that can harm the septic system. These precautions can help maintain a balanced water level in your tank, which is important for healthy microbial life.
In summary, understanding how high the water should be in your septic tank is an important aspect of preserving the functionality of your septic system. By managing the water level, scheduling regular maintenance, and being mindful of water usage and what enters your system, you can ensure that your septic tank operates effectively, preventing backups and costly repairs.
If you have concerns about your septic tank’s water levels or need professional assistance with septic tank maintenance, pumping, or troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at ACE Septic & Waste. Our experienced team is ready to provide top-notch septic services and guidance tailored to your needs.
