Before installing a septic tank, it’s important that you understand how it works. The tank’s size, in particular, will make a significant difference in its functionality, and the wrong size can surely hurt your pocket when it comes to maintenance.
So, if you want to install a large septic tank and are wondering, “What are the dimensions of a 1,500-gallon septic tank?” You’ve come to the right place!
Dimensions of a 1500 Gallon Septic Tank
The dimensions of a 1,500-gallon septic tank vary slightly depending on the material that’s used to manufacture it.
Here are the measurements of concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and steel septic tanks:
- Concrete: 145″ L x 78″ W x 61″ H
- Plastic/Fiberglass: 191″ L x 60″ W x 51″ H
- Steel: 58″ L x 58″ W x 144″ H
How Does a Septic Tank Function?
Septic tanks are underground chambers that are usually 50 meters away from houses. They’re most commonly found in rural areas that aren’t connected to the main sewage network or near homes with poor drainage.
Septic tanks work on treating domestic wastewater produced from kitchen drains, bathrooms, and laundry. They’re made of concrete, plastic, polyethylene, or fiberglass.
The design of a septic tank is quite simple, as it’s either rectangular or round. A typical septic system contains a drain field or soil absorption field, and of course, a septic tank.
A septic system is considered a simple onsite sewage facility, meaning this system treats water in a basic form by combining nature and technology.
To give you a better understanding of how it works, I’ll explain its phases in three simple steps.
1. Transporting Wastewater From the House
First of all, the septic tank is linked by two pipelines known as the inlet and outlet. The inlet pipe helps in the transportation of wastewater from the house to the tank.
2. Separation of Wastewater
After the wastewater is collected in the tank and allowed to settle for a period, it will separate into three layers. The layer at the top, known as scum, is made up of grease and oils.
The second layer consists of wastewater as well as small waste particles. Finally, the bottom layer is made up of heavier waste particles that combine to form sludge.
The bacteria inside the tank is the hidden soldier that helps in the breakdown of solid waste to facilitate the drainage of wastewater.
3. Drainage of Water
The final stage involves discharging the septic tank’s processed wastewater. The outlet pipe helps in the drainage of water from the tank and into the soil.
Then, after a specific amount of time, depending on the size of the tank, you need to contact maintenance. That is to remove the collected sludge at the tank’s bottom.
What Septic Tank Size Should I Get?
A septic tank’s size is measured in gallons and is based on the amount of wastewater it can hold. The most common sizes are 1,000, 1,250, and 1,500-gallon tanks.
The number of residents, bedrooms, bathrooms, and fixtures that you’ll use the septic system for will decide the size of the tank you’ll need for your home.
For example, a one- to three-bedroom household’s minimum tank capacity is 1,000 gallons, whereas a five-bedroom home will require a 1,500-gallon tank.
After an expert considers all of these factors, they’ll decide the proper size and calculate the appropriate dimensions for the septic tank that your household needs.
Keep in mind that the sizing guidelines are constantly changing, and they tend to differ from one location to another.
So, once you’ve determined the size of the tank, you’ll need to take your calculations to the local permit office. That’s to ensure that the calculations don’t violate any current regulations.
What Happens If Your Septic Tank Is the Wrong Size?
If you have a septic tank that is too large for your home, it will not function properly. The reason for this is that the rate of bacteria growth will slow down because the tank will take longer to fill.
As mentioned earlier, bacteria play an important role in wastewater processing. If the bacteria don’t break down waste particles properly, you’ll need to call maintenance every so often.
Several implications will come with a septic tank that’s too small as well, including:
- Clogging will occur from time to time.
- Because the tank will quickly fill up, you’ll need to pump it much more frequently than usual.
- If the tank isn’t pumped regularly, you’ll have sewage backing up or overflowing.
- The soil around the tank will have a stinky smell.
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?
Pumping, in a nutshell, is the process of removing sludge from the tank’s bottom before it piles up and clogs the outlet pipe.
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), you should inspect your septic tank every 2-3 years. However, the tank will typically need to be pumped every 3-5 years.
Sometimes, mechanical pumping is required if the volume of effluent increases.
The following factors can help you determine how often you should pump your tank:
- The size of the household and the number of people who live there
- The septic tank’s capacity
- The volume of wastewater generated
- The number of solid particles present in wastewater
Signs That Your Septic Tank Is Full
Here are some signs that you should contact a septic specialist to have your tank pumped:
- A foul odor coming from the area surrounding the septic tank and the drain field.
- Spongy grass, that’s caused by water overflow.
- Wastewater backs up into the drains, which is why drains take so long to clear.
- If you hear a constant burbling of water.
Final Words
Now that you know the dimensions of a 1,500-gallon septic tank, you should now be able to determine whether or not it meets your needs.
Remember, the dimensions of a 1,500-gallon tank will differ depending on the material from which it’s made.
Be sure to hire professionals when it comes to installation, as installing a septic tank is quite complicated and there are certain guidelines that need to be followed strictly.