06/16/2019

Last week’s blog we discussed how much water your septic system can hold, before it starts causing problems. The size of the tank itself is based on the size of the home, or number of bedrooms. Generally, residential septic tanks hold 750 to 1,250 gallons.

How much water are you using on a daily basis?

“The average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is nearly 70 gallons per individual, per day. All of the water a household sends down its pipes winds up in its septic system. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of failure,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The dishwasher uses about 6 gallons of water per cycle. 

Bathroom sinks use around 2 gallons per minute

Depending on the type of washing machine, 20 to 45 gallons of water per load.

The shower uses about 2 gallons per minute or 17 gallons per shower

Depending on how old your toilets are, older toilets use about 7 gallons, while newer efficient toilets only use just over a gallon. 

The kitchen sinks use about 2 to 5 gallons per minute. 

There are other factors that play a role. The EPA ‘Think at the Sink’ warns;

Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Whether you are at the kitchen sink, bathtub, or utility sink:

Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake.

Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain.

Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. Even latex paint waste should be minimized.

Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. This will significantly reduce the amount of fats, grease, and so

With regular septic maintenance and careful planning, your septic system should last for decades without any problems. Contact Orlando Septic Service for all your septic needs.