two small tanks vs one larger tank
#1
08-08-04, 06:58 PM
two small tanks vs one larger tank
what's better - two 1000 gallon septic tanks (one connected to another) or one 1500 gallon tank. Not sure which one is better for the leach field
#2
08-12-04, 09:07 PM
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I would suggest one 1500 gallon tank, for the reason of less cost when it comes time to pump them once every 3 years.
#3
10-20-04, 01:11 AM
our builder messed up and put in 1 1000gal tank and we needed 1250 according to our contact. so long story short...
they put in a second 1000 gal tank and we have had it 3-4 years so far.
the first time we had it emptied the comp. said we only needed to do the first tank cause the second had no solids in it.
we just had a second comp. come out and they said the same thing (he even pulled a sample...bbllla)
he went on to say that our field would out last most because solids would never make it out there.
not that this disputes going with 1 tank, I thought I might give an idea from someone who uses 2 tanks.
with 6 people living here I think cleaning it every 2 years might be a good idea
they put in a second 1000 gal tank and we have had it 3-4 years so far.
the first time we had it emptied the comp. said we only needed to do the first tank cause the second had no solids in it.
we just had a second comp. come out and they said the same thing (he even pulled a sample...bbllla)
he went on to say that our field would out last most because solids would never make it out there.
not that this disputes going with 1 tank, I thought I might give an idea from someone who uses 2 tanks.
with 6 people living here I think cleaning it every 2 years might be a good idea
#6
10-22-04, 12:45 AM
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Standard gravity septic systems are comprised of a single tank for trapping sinking (sand, etc.) and floating (grease, etc.) solids.
The tank discharge line should have a baffle that prevents floating solids from going any farther into the system, which normally would be from the tank into the distribution box. (The drainfield lines are connected to the d-box.)
Your Health Department designed your system based on planned usage and soil type, and inspected it prior to it being covered up and put into service. The contractor should have replaced that 1,000-gallon tank then with a 1250-gallon one (or larger) as specified on your permit.
However, I see no problem with having two 1,000-gallon tanks.
What gwarr means is that since your builder installed the tanks in series instead of in tandem, you actually still only have one 1,000-gallon tank trapping solids. The second tank should only be receiving effluent water like the rest of the system (d-box and drainfield). If the first tank doesn't do its job completely, you have a second tank trapping any solids that escape from the first, which should be added protection for your drainfield.
Bottom line...you will just have to pump the first tank more often, and probably should almost never have to pump the second tank unless the first tank fails. Every 3 years should be sufficient. Here in NC, the state experts recommend pumping septic tanks at least every 5 years.
Good Luck!
Mike
The tank discharge line should have a baffle that prevents floating solids from going any farther into the system, which normally would be from the tank into the distribution box. (The drainfield lines are connected to the d-box.)
Your Health Department designed your system based on planned usage and soil type, and inspected it prior to it being covered up and put into service. The contractor should have replaced that 1,000-gallon tank then with a 1250-gallon one (or larger) as specified on your permit.
However, I see no problem with having two 1,000-gallon tanks.
What gwarr means is that since your builder installed the tanks in series instead of in tandem, you actually still only have one 1,000-gallon tank trapping solids. The second tank should only be receiving effluent water like the rest of the system (d-box and drainfield). If the first tank doesn't do its job completely, you have a second tank trapping any solids that escape from the first, which should be added protection for your drainfield.
Bottom line...you will just have to pump the first tank more often, and probably should almost never have to pump the second tank unless the first tank fails. Every 3 years should be sufficient. Here in NC, the state experts recommend pumping septic tanks at least every 5 years.
Good Luck!
Mike
