Septic tanks are not one size fits all
Septic tanks allow those who aren’t connected to a city sewer system to treat and eliminate their own wastewater.
The first step in the system is a large tank where solids are separated from liquid wastewater through natural processes like time and gravity.
The size of the septic tank you need depends on how many rooms your home has, how many people live there, how much water you use, and even the weather where you live.
Larger septic tanks cost more than smaller ones—though your specific costs will vary depending on what kind of septic system you use.
If you live off the beaten path or want to avoid local utility companies, installing a septic tank is a great way to keep your waste management needs “in-house.” However, there are many different types, shapes, and sizes of septic tanks to choose from. Choosing the correct tank for your property helps save money both in the short-term (installation) and the long-term (water usage). Here is everything you need to know about septic tank sizes to help you make an informed purchase decision.
The best way to gauge how big of a septic tank you actually need is to simply add up the number of bedrooms and bathrooms on your property, along with the number of people who regularly use these facilities.
| Number of Bedrooms | Minimum Capacity in Gallons | Avg. Liquid Surface Area |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (Small apts, lofts) | 750 | 24 square feet |
| 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms | 1,000 | 27 square feet |
| 4 bedrooms | 1,250 | 34 square feet |
| 5 bedrooms | 1,500 | 40 square feet |
| 6 bedrooms | 1,750 | 47 square feet |
For a small loft with one or two people, 750 gallons is adequate, but homes with one or two bedrooms require 1,000 gallons or more. It is estimated that occupants use between 50 and 100 gallons of water per day in a typical U.S. home. We can use that to compare different septic tank sizes.
Septic tank sizes break down into several categories. There are the dimensions of the tank itself, the minimum septic tank capacity in gallons, the shape and size requirements of the distribution box, baffles, and drainfield.
A residential septic tank is around 4.5 feet wide x 8.0 feet long x 6 feet tall, though this is just a jumping-off point, as many tanks exceed this size. The average tank clocks in at 30 to 40 square feet. Most tanks are buried anywhere from 4 inches to 4 feet deep, according to local regulations, site conditions, slope, and related factors.
The minimum septic tank capacity is measured in gallons and represents the least amount of water required for optimal operation. This metric directly correlates to how much wastewater the tank needs to handle on a daily basis. The average here is 1,250 gallons, though many tanks hold 1,750 gallons or more. In decades past, 750-gallon tanks were popular, though these are now considered inadequate for basic residential tasks. Nowadays, the average range is 1,000 gallons to 1,500 gallons, depending on the demands and needs of the homeowners.
The shape of the tank impacts its overall dimensions, as round tanks take up less space than square tanks. There is some serious physics and geometry at play here, but if space is a serious consideration, go with a round tank over a square or rectangular model. Of course, this depends on the layout of your property and its slope. Talk to a local septic tank company to discuss the shape and how that impacts the size requirements for your unique setup.
Septic tanks are manufactured using a wide variety of materials, all of which impact the maximum size, due to construction concerns.
Concrete: This is the most common material used to make septic tanks. Due to the pourable nature of concrete, the size range here is massive. Concrete tanks go up to 5,000 minimum gallons, though larger tanks often require multiple compartments.
Plastic and fiberglass: In most cases, these tanks are prefabricated, placing a strict limit on the maximum size. Plastic and fiberglass septic tanks max out at around 1,500 minimum gallons, so they are not appropriate for large homes with more than three bedrooms.
Steel: Tanks from steel are square or rectangular, due to the nature of the material. With that in mind, they max out at around 2,000 minimum gallons. It is worth noting that steel tanks are not allowed in many areas due to their corrosive nature.
Local temperatures and weather conditions also impact the size dimensions of septic tanks in your area. Colder parts of the country, such as Alaska, require larger-than-average tanks, as these extreme temperatures slow down the process by which the sewage solids are digested. The tank sizes are increased to account for the added time the waste and water sit in the tank before digestion. On the other hand, warm and hot climates get by with smaller septic tanks, due to increased levels of bacterial action.
Just like the weather, local rules and regulations dictate required septic tank sizes. For instance, New York no longer allows tanks with a minimum capacity of 750 gallons, though this smaller size is fine in states like New Mexico. Every area boasts its own unique regulations, so contact local governmental agencies for more information. Additionally, your installation pro likely knows these rules inside and out.
Here are some tips worth considering when shopping for a new septic tank to ensure your size needs are met.
Call a pro with any questions you have about your system, even if they're general questions. The more informed you are about your system, the better it will work and the better that pros can help you with it.
Remember, all of the above metrics and data points are just starting points or average guidelines. Your property is unique, and so are your waste management needs. Start the process by discussing options with an experienced professional from a local septic tank installation company.
If you live in a three-bedroom home with a family of four or five people, there is no need for an extremely large septic tank built to service a six-bedroom home with a family of nine or ten. In fact, doing so can actually backfire: if your septic tank is far too large, it may not work properly. (Plus, septic tank costs vary depending on the size of the system, so you may be spending money you don’t need to.)
Having said that, it is never a bad idea to have a little wiggle room here, just in case your family grows.
It is not just the occupants of your home that determines the required septic tank size, but how much water they use per person. Keep accurate and up-to-date data regarding water usage and have this information ready for your installation expert.
Septic tanks must be pumped regularly to ensure efficient operation and a decent lifespan. Pumping a septic tank costs around $400. The average recommended frequency is every three to five years. Larger tanks with multiple occupants require more frequent pumpings than smaller tanks that service just one or two people.
Quick response to investigate my septic issue and was knowledgeable about my issue. Gave me a fair estimate. Once contract was signed they came and fixed my problem the next day. Very nice and responsive company. Thank you
USA Pipe Repair of Virginia, Inc.They took care of everything from tank removal and clean up. I recommend them highly.
Pollard Environmental, LLCThe installation team was knowledgeable and professional. Stephen & Tyler W.
West Shore Home MechanicsburgI never give this high of a review, because if I am paying them, they should do a good job. The last A/C contractor I had, I would not let them clean the blades of a cooling fan. When dealing with a septic Co. I wound up hiring a lawyer to wake them up.. If professional Contractors would...
Professional Contractor, LLCShaun did an excellent job. We had had numerous leaks being on a well with copper fittings and illegal qwest pipping (2 of which were major). We had our final leak that pushed us over the edge. We called Shaun on a Saturday to see if he could come out and do a temporary fix until we could do...
USA Pipe RepairThe project was top notch. The workers arrived on time. The placement of the tank was in a difficult location, but they finished the project in a timely manner. They were very careful to keep water from the old tank with a hole in it from leaking onto the floor. They were very ...
Star Servco, Inc.Service was thorough and professional. Tony was happy to explain what he was doing as he cleaned our tank and he readily identified things we could do to help our system operate more effectively. I highly recommend this company.
I hired Right Now Plumbing to repair a leaking toilet in my home. I replaced the contents of the tank just a few months ago, however water continued to leak into the bowl once the tank was full. Johno Cain came out and immediately diagnosed my problem, made some minor adjustments to the...
RightNOW PlumbingI do not like sprayed on driveway seal so I searched for one that offered brushed on sealing. I found "Seal This" on Angie's List and used a "contact us" feature on his website. I wanted confirmation that he would seal the drive with a brushed on sealer and if so, I requested a quote for...
Dowdy Well and Septic told us when they were going to arrive and they did just that. The crew got to work and they were done in no time. The whole experience was a throw back to another time when folks really came through on their promises. Wonderful folks and a pleasure to deal with. If you...
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