For homes without access to municipal sewage systems, septic tanks play a crucial role in treating wastewater, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health.
At JoJo, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient septic tank solutions. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality septic tanks designed to meet the needs of different households.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of understanding septic tank sizing, so you can choose the right capacity for your family.
The Basics of Septic Tanks
A septic tank is a buried, watertight container that treats wastewater from your home. It’s a key part of the sanitation system for homes that aren’t connected to municipal sewers. Here’s how it works:
- Wastewater Collection: All the wastewater from your house flows into the septic tank.
- Wastewater Breakdown: Inside the tank, natural processes and bacteria get to work, breaking down solid waste and separating it from liquids.
- Liquid Release: The partially treated liquid, called effluent, flows out of the tank into a drain field (also known as a French drain), where it slowly soaks into the soil.
The Essential Components:
- Tank: The heart of the system, where the magic of waste breakdown happens.
- Pipes: These carry wastewater to the tank and effluent to the drain field.
- Drain Field: This underground area allows the effluent to filter through the soil, further treating it before it reaches groundwater.
What Size Septic Tank Do I Need?
An undersized tank can quickly fill up, leading to backups and overflows. An oversized tank, on the other hand, might not allow enough solids to accumulate for effective treatment. By understanding the factors that influence sizing, you can ensure your septic system works effectively for many years to come.
Factors to Consider When Sizing a Septic Tank
Several factors come into play, each influencing how much wastewater your household will generate and how your system should be designed:
1. Household Size
The more people living in your home, the more wastewater you’ll produce. As a general guideline, each person generates roughly 150-200 litres of wastewater per day. However, this can vary depending on individual habits and water usage patterns.
2. Soil Permeability
The type of soil on your property plays a significant role in how your septic system functions. Soil permeability refers to how easily water can pass through the ground. For efficient drainage, a septic system needs soil that allows for gradual absorption of the treated effluent. Sandy soils are ideal, while clay soils can pose challenges due to their low permeability.
3. Avoiding Obstructions
Where you place your septic tank is important! Choose a location with as few obstructions as possible. Tree roots, in particular, can wreak havoc on a septic system.
Additional Considerations:
While these are the main factors, there are a few more things to keep in mind:
- Future Plans: If you anticipate your household size increasing, it’s wise to choose a slightly larger septic tank to accommodate future needs.
- Local Regulations: Before selecting a septic tank, check with your local municipality about their specific regulations regarding septic systems, and whether you are allowed to install one. Some areas may have restrictions on the types of systems allowed, while others may have requirements for the minimum size of a septic tank, placement, and maintenance. Confirming compliance with these regulations is essential before proceeding with any installation.
Calculating the Ideal Septic Tank Size
Choosing the right septic tank size requires a bit of calculation, but we’ll help you navigate it:
General Guidelines:
To get started, consider the number of people in your household. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate each person produces about 150-200 litres of wastewater per day. It’s also important to check local regulations, as your municipality may have specific requirements for minimum residential septic tank size.
JoJo Septic Tank Sizes and Recommendations:
To make things easier, we offer a range of septic tanks designed to cater to different household sizes:
- JoJo 1250L Septic Tank: This is our smallest option, perfect for smaller families with 1-2 bedrooms and 2-4 people. It’s durable, easy to install, and a great choice for first-time septic tank owners.
- JoJo 1750L Septic Tank: This model is ideal for medium-sized families with 3-4 bedrooms and 4-6 people. With increased capacity, it offers efficient waste management while maintaining a compact footprint.
- JoJo 2000L Septic Tank: For larger families with 5 or more bedrooms and 4 to 7 people, our 2000L septic tank is a reliable solution. When sized and installed correctly, this septic tank ensures hassle-free operation with minimal maintenance required.
Don’t see the size you’re looking for? No problem! We have a variety of other septic tank sizes to suit your unique needs. Explore our full range here.
About JoJo Septic Tanks
Manufactured using a rotational moulding process, each of our septic tanks is a seamless, one-piece unit, guaranteeing a watertight seal and resistance to corrosion. We use recycled LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) for strength and durability, while also promoting sustainability.
Our tanks are designed to be easy to handle and install, with extra-thick polymer walls for added support underground. And to give you even more peace of mind, all JoJo septic tanks are backed by a 10-year warranty.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Septic Tank Size
Choosing the right septic tank size is an investment in the health of your home and the environment. Here’s why it matters:
- Efficient Waste Management: A correctly sized septic tank ensures that wastewater is treated effectively, preventing backups, overflows, and potential health hazards.
- Cost Savings: An appropriately sized tank operates efficiently, reducing the frequency of pumping and costly repairs.
- Environmental Protection: A well-functioning septic system protects groundwater and surrounding ecosystems from contamination, preserving the natural environment.
In Closing
Selecting the right septic tank size for your family is essential for reliable wastewater management, cost savings, and environmental protection. By understanding the factors involved and considering your household’s needs, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
At JoJo Tanks, we offer a range of high-quality septic tanks designed to meet the needs of different households. With our durable construction, easy installation, and commitment to sustainability, you can trust JoJo to provide the perfect septic tank solution for your home.
Explore our full range of septic tanks, or reach out for expert advice.
