Septic Tank Dimension Information Page

Se   Septic tank dimensions for residential septic systems can range from 500 gallons to 2000 or more. Commercial septic tanks often have a capacity of 5,000 gallons or more. Nowadays the minimum legal size for new septic systems is 1000 in most places. The size of your septic tank is generally based on the number of bedrooms in your house. For example, for every extra bedroom you have, you would require an extra 250 gallons. Here is a typical requirements chart: Bedrooms Gallons 3 or less 1,000 4 1,250 5 1,500 6 1,750       The dimensions of your septic tank, along with the number of people in your house, are very important when it comes to calculating your septic maintenance schedule.  Septic tank dimensions refer to the tank itself, not the leach field. However, since some people use the terms septic system and septic tank interchangeably, we are also providing some information on leach field dimensions. There are two main factors which determine the size of your leach field.  1. The first is the "loading rate" which is simply the amount of wastewater or effluent which goes out to the leach field on a daily basis; 2. The soil percolation rate. This is the rate, in minutes per inch, at which liquids pass through the soil.  In some cases you may be required to or want to set aside some extra space for a replacement leach field, in case your regular one fails. Some septic systems, called alternating bed systems, alternate between 2 leach fields to guard against leach field failure. Below is a table indicating leach field requirements. The requirements in your area may be different, but this should give you a rough idea of your leach field size requirements.  No of bedrooms No of baths Total capacity (gallons) Size for excellent soil (coarse sand/gravel) Size for good soil type (sand) Size for fair soil type (sandy loam) 3 or fewer 1.5 or fewer 1500 800 sq. feet 1000 sq. feet 1500 sq. feet 3 or fewer 2 or 3 1800 1000 sq. feet 1200 sq. feet 1800 sq. feet 4 2 or fewer 2000 1000 sq. feet 1200 sq. feet 1800 sq. feet 4 over 2 2400 1200 sq. feet 1600 sq. feet 2200 sq. feet 5 3 2700 1500 sq. feet 1800 sq. feet 2500 sq. feet  As you may already know, failing septic systems are a major financial burden for many home owners. For more information on how to properly maintain a septic tank, you can go to http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_system_maintenance.htm       For a complete list of our septic system articles, you can go to http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_system_library.htm.