Get matched with top septic tank pros in Ashdown, AR

The dimensions of a 500-gallon concrete septic tank can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the tank is large enough to handle the wastewater of a small home with up to one bedroom. Keep in mind that some states have a minimum septic tank size, and this often starts at 750 gallons. A 500-gallon septic tank may be too small to meet local regulations.

Start by finding the septic tank, marked by an access lid near your home. From there, the drain field extends outward in a series of trenches. Look for greener, lusher grass, as drain fields promote plant growth due to moisture and fertilizer. You can also check property records, use a soil probe to detect damp soil, or hire a septic professional with ground-penetrating radar equipment to map the drain field’s location.

Perc rates vary dramatically, and a good perc rate could be anything from 5 minutes per inch of drainage to 60 minutes per inch. The lower the number, the faster your system will drain and the more effective it will be. A 60-minute-per-inch drain rate is the highest number considered to be good, or even allowable, draining.

Saving money on property taxes and having direct control over your waste system are both pros when buying a house with a septic tank. However, it’s easier on the house and the yard if a home can be hooked up to a municipal system, which is why septic tanks are best for homes where that isn’t an option. Expensive repairs, potential odor issues, and regular maintenance are all cons of septic systems.