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patricio_lintz

Apr 4, 2005, 8:06 AM

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Septic tank capacity

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I found some information on-line which causes me to doubt that my arcitect has sized the tank properly.

http://inspect-ny.com/septic/tankpump.htm

The local harware stores sell a Fosaplas tank whose capacity is 1080 liters (280 gallons). The company literature says that this is adequate for a family of five.

The colonos rules state that 5000 liters (1315 gallons) should be the minimum. This is more in line with US standards.

I think that in order not to have a tank truck parked in my driveway continually pumping, I should have at least two of the Fosaplas units.
My experience says to have plenty of margin, even though only two people will be in the house full-time.

Any input from other homebuilders would be appreciated.

Esteban

Apr 4, 2005, 8:50 AM

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Re: [patricio_lintz] Septic tank capacity

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Around 1200 gallons for a normal 3 bedroom home is about right, in the US. However, you have to look at what you put into the sytstem as a guide. The more harsh chemicals that go into the tank, the less anerobic activity you'll have which in turn cause a sludge build-up in the tank. You might also consider how many linear feet of drainfield you'll be using. There are a whole bunch of variables of which will determine sizes of all these things. You should keep in mind that if the plastic tank is empty and you get a big rain, you could conceivably float the tank out of the ground. When we installed plastic tanks for septic systems, years ago, we filled the tanks with water immediately to keep that from happening.

patricio_lintz

Apr 4, 2005, 10:28 AM

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Re: [Esteban] Septic tank capacity

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Thanks for the help.

In this area, builders use seepage tanks instead of drain fields. These are shaped like large jugs, I would guess about 500 gals. The bottoms are open and the walls are a brick lattice design which allows for the seepage. This design may have something to do with the rocky soil.

In a couple of months, I am told the colonos will have a collection ring installed along our street for septic effluent. This goes to a sewer plant in San Nicolas & then some is returned to water the golf course.

If the colonos keeps schedule, the timing will be right for us to connect. Mean while, we have to decide to either install an alternate drainage system or not.