Septic tanks play a critical role in keeping homes without access to public sewage clean and safe, and there are many different options based on the individual or family’s needs. While the type of septic tank can be chosen based on preference, it’s important that the appropriate size be determined carefully so that it can efficiently break down waste. Homeowners can select between a few different methods to help them calculate the septic tank size that works best for their home.

Bedroom and Square Footage Calculation

One of the easiest ways for homeowners to determine the best septic tank size for their home is to choose based on the number of occupied bedrooms in the house and its square footage.

• One to two bedrooms and less than 1,500 square feet: 750-gallon tank
• Three bedrooms and less than 2,500 square feet: 1,000-gallon tank
• Four bedrooms and less than 3,500 square feet: 1,200-gallon tank to 1,250-gallon tank
• Five to six bedrooms and under 5,500 square feet: 1,500-gallon tank

Water Usage Calculation

Septic professionals consider selecting septic tank size based on daily water usage to be the most accurate method. The average person uses about 75 gallons of water per day, but appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines should be taken into account, as well. Homeowners can check their utility bills for usage specifics.

• 500 gallons or less: 900-gallon tank
• 500 to 700 gallons: 1,200-gallon tank
• 700 to 900 gallons: 1,500-gallon tank
• 900 to 1,240 gallons: 1,900-gallon tank

Budget-Based Calculation

Those who fall between two different tank sizes based on different calculations may want to consider additional expenses before making a decision. Higher-capacity tanks will cost more upfront, and every type and size of tank will require pumping every three to five years. In these instances, budget may be the deciding factor.

If you need a septic tank, trust the experts at Emerald Coast Wastewater Solutions. We’ve been providing the Destin, FL area with reliable septic tank services for over two decades. Contact us today at (850) 842-4486 for your free septic tank installation estimate.

Septic tanks play a critical role in the safe treatment and disposal of waste; these underground chambers are common in older homes and rural areas that aren’t served by public sewer lines. However, certain kinds of toilet paper can cause clogs that require extensive septic system service. While there are many types of toilet paper on the market that are safe for a septic tank, these popular choices make it easy to stay clog-free without sacrificing comfort.

Angel Soft 

A smart choice for both septic tanks and budgets, Angel Soft® 2-ply toilet paper provides strength and softness while preventing septic clogs. It’s completely biodegradable and fits in standard toilet paper holders for added convenience. These sheets are ideal for those with home septic systems, and the Angel Soft Professional Series is available in bulk for businesses.

Quilted Northern Ultra Plush

With excellent customer reviews, Quilted Northern Ultra Plush® is one of the top choices among septic tank and public sewage users alike. Advertisements boast that this biodegradable, 3-ply toilet paper is gentle on the skin; it also dissolves quickly in water, which makes this toilet paper septic-safe. However, as a precaution, it’s best to use toilet paper no thicker than 2-ply to ensure that all of the material dissolves properly once flushed.

Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare

Known for its ripple design, the selling point of Cottonelle® is the superior clean feeling it provides. Ultra ComfortCare is Cottonelle’s softest line, offering strong, absorbent performance and a gentle, fresh finish. This 2-ply option is septic-friendly, and rolls are available in many sizes, including big, double, family, and mega.

There are many other toilet paper options that are safe for septic systems, including those that are ideal for use in RVs and marine equipment. However, clogs and other septic tank trouble can still occur, and it’s important to contact a qualified septic specialist to diagnose and repair your septic problems. At Emerald Coast Wastewater Solutions, our experienced team can provide efficient solutions for your septic tank issues whenever you need us. Call our Destin, FL office today at (850) 842-4486 for a free estimate.

Why Is a Septic Tank Important?

The septic tank is an often-forgotten device that plays a role in the household’s day-to-day routine. Its job is to separate sewage from the waste that enters it from the house drains. Both solid and liquid waste enter the tank; solid waste falls as sludge to the bottom, while light waste becomes oil and rests on top as a scum layer. The pipes in the center remove the light waste and push it out of the tank. The solid waste, however, remains inside because of the harmful bacteria it contains.

Keeping up With Inspections

It is common for homeowners to overlook the care and maintenance septic systems need due to their concealed location underground. Inspection is key to minimizing or eliminating costly issues that can stem from neglected systems. Failure to be proactive about getting the proper inspections can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs, and in some cases total system failure. Although a septic system inspection is required at the time a home is being sold, it is just as important to maintain during the time the homeowner resides in the home.

Timing Is Everything

As a general rule, the homeowner should have the septic tank checked every three to five years as the tank can only contain a certain amount of sewage. However, it really depends on how many people are living in the home. Larger households may need to be checked more frequently than smaller ones, sometimes as often as every two years. If a septic tank goes unchecked and not cleaned for a long time period, it will begin backing up into the house drains. Common signs of septic tank backups are clogging toilets, slow drainage, leaks, gurgling noises in the pipes, and undesirable, pungent smells.

Emerald Coast Wastewater Solutions offers a team of experienced septic and sewer technicians to remedy various septic system issues in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. For more information or questions regarding inspecting your septic system or other septic system services, please contact us today to make an appointment and get a free quote.

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