Yes, in regards to septic sewer systems, size does matter! Although septic tanks are manufactured in a variety of sizes, it must be able to adequately process the wastewater capacity of your home or business. Commercial septic tanks can hold up to 5,000 gallons or more; whereas, residential tanks are usually 1,000 to 2,000 gallons in capacity and are generally based on the number of bedrooms in a home. Likewise, the size and capacity of the drain field into which all the liquid waste is pumped must accommodate the size of the tank. Furthermore, the size of the drain field can vary, depending on the type of soil at the site.
It should be noted that, for residential homes, local building codes or public health ordinances may determine the size of the septic tank, regardless of the number of bedrooms. Most regions seem to have a minimum tank capacity of at least 1,000 gallons, even if you just have a one bedroom home. With that exception in mind, you can easily count the desired septic tank size for your home simply by counting the bedrooms. One or two bedroom houses typically need a 750 gallon septic tank. Next, add 250 gallons to the tank for each additional bedroom. When in doubt, choose the larger capacity. A septic system that is too small will require more frequent septic tank pumping and is more likely to fail prematurely.
You may want to have your local septic sewer service professional inspect your septic system to ensure that it is functioning properly and that it is the right size for your home. Furthermore, if you are considering building onto your home an additional bedroom, installing a larger septic system may be necessary; check with local public ordinances and health codes to ensure you remain in compliance.
