Knowing the right size of a septic tank for a 3-bedroom house is crucial for homeowners. A septic tank that is too small can lead to frequent pump-outs, while an oversized tank can be a waste of money.
This comprehensive guide will navigate through the various tank types, and the detailed process of determining the appropriate size.
It’ll also cover the factors that influence this decision, and invaluable maintenance tips to ensure your septic system operates efficiently for years to come.
What Size Septic Tank For 3 Bedroom House?
For a 3-bedroom house, you requires a septic tank with a capacity of 1200 gallons. However, the ideal size of a septic tank depends on the daily water usage of the household. A septic tank that can hold two days’ worth of wastewater is considered ideal.
3 Bedroom House Septic tank Size chart:
| Number of Bedrooms | Minimum Septic Tank Size | Minimum Liquid Surface Area |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | 1000 – 1500 Gallons | 27 Sq. Ft. |
| 3 | 1000-2000 Gallons | 27 Sq. Ft |
| 4 | 1250- 2500 Gallons | 34 Sq. Ft |
| 5 | 1500-3000 Gallons | 40 Sq. Ft |
Different Types of Septic Tanks Suited for a 3-Bedroom House
Concrete Septic Tanks
Advantages:
- Tough and Heavy: Concrete septic tanks are super strong. They stay in place under the soil because they’re heavy.
- Long Life Span: These tanks can last a very long time, sometimes as long as 40 years, which is great for not having to replace them often.
- Low Maintenance: They don’t need a lot of care. Just regular pumping to keep them working well.
Disadvantages:
- Pricey Installation: Setting them up can cost a lot because they’re big and heavy.
- Risk of Cracks: Sometimes, they can get cracks, and fixing them can be hard work.
- Environment Issues: If not made right, they can harm the ground and water around them.
Fiberglass Septic Tanks
Advantages:
- Light and Easy: These tanks are super light, making them easy to install and move around.
- No Rust, No Rot: They don’t rust like metal or rot like wood, which is super cool for lasting a long time.
- Strong Against Roots: Tree roots can’t break them easily, keeping them safe in the ground.
Disadvantages:
- Too Light Can Be Bad: Because they’re so light, they might move out of place in wet soil or water.
- Weak Top: The top part can’t hold much weight, so you must be careful not to put heavy things on it.
- Price Tag: They can be kind of expensive to buy.
Plastic or Polyethylene Septic Tanks
Advantages:
- Super Light: These plastic tanks are very light, so putting them in the ground is easy-peasy.
- Friendly Prices: They’re usually cheaper than other types, which is great for saving money.
- Resistant to Chemicals: They don’t get ruined by chemicals in the soil.
Disadvantages:
- Not So Tough: They’re not as strong as concrete tanks and might get damaged more easily.
- Heat Problems: They can change shape in high heat, which isn’t good for keeping them working right.
- Weight Limits: Heavy things can squish them if placed on top, so you need to pick a safe spot.
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
Advantages:
- Cleaner Water: These systems make the water cleaner before it goes back into the ground.
- Fast Workers: They treat water quickly, so they’re ready for lots of use in a busy house.
- Less Space Needed: They’re good for homes with little yard space because they don’t need much room.
Disadvantages:
- High Upkeep: They need lots of care and check-ups to keep them working super well.
- Electricity Dependent: They need power to work, so no electricity means they can’t do their job.
- Noise and Odor: They can sometimes be a bit noisy and smelly, which might not be nice for a quiet house.
How To Measure For A Septic Tank?
Measuring the appropriate size of a septic tank for a 3 bedroom house involves the following steps:
Determine the number of bedrooms
The size of the septic tank needed is based on the number of bedrooms in the house. In this case, we have a 3 bedroom house.
>> What size septic tank for 5 bedroom home?
Determine the daily wastewater output
The amount of wastewater produced in a day varies based on the number of occupants in the house.
For a 3 bedroom house, it is typically assumed that the daily wastewater output is 450 gallons.
Calculate the required septic tank capacity
Based on the daily wastewater output of 450 gallons, a septic tank with a capacity of at least 1,000 gallons is required for a 3 bedroom house.
Consider other factors
Other factors that may influence the size of the septic tank required include soil type, slope, and groundwater level.
These factors may require a larger septic tank or additional septic systems.
>> What size septic tank is needed?
What Factors Influence The Size Of Septic Systems?
The following are some of the factors that determine septic tank sizes;
How Much Water You Use
Calculating regular water consumption is crucial for determining the appropriate size of a septic tank.
Tank size depends on the amount of water it can store before draining into the soil absorption area.
A septic tank must be properly sized to avoid costly repairs and maintain system health.
The Dimensions Of Your House
The square footage of your home is another issue that should be taken into consideration when deciding the size of the septic tank that is most suitable for your property.
Tanks with capacities ranging from 750 to 1,000 gallons are typically necessary for homes with floor plans that are smaller than 1,500 square feet.
A house that is larger than 1,000 square feet but less than 2,500 square feet will need a tank that has a capacity of at least 1,000 gallons but no less than 1,500.
The Total Number Of Bedrooms
The number of bedrooms in your house is another factor that should be taken into consideration because it will have an effect on the capacity of your septic tank.
The number of bedrooms in your residence will influence the size septic tank required for your property.
The number of bedrooms dictates the size of the septic tank that should be installed, as shown in the accompanying chart.
When calculating the capacity of your home’s septic tank, another factor to take into account is the number of sleeping quarters it contains.
The more bedrooms your home has, the bigger the septic tank you’ll need to accommodate them all.
The Total Number Of People In The Space
The larger the number of people that live in your house, the more space your septic tank will need to accommodate all of its waste.
If there are just two people living in the house, then you will need a relatively small septic tank.
If your home has more than five occupants, you will need a larger septic tank in order to manage your wastewater in a way that is both more effective and hygienic.
The size of your septic tank is what determines the overall efficiency of your septic system whenever you are shopping for a new septic tank.
It is essential to investigate the various sizes of septic tanks available for your property in order to circumvent these challenges.
Several Aspects Of Your Home
When choosing the size of a septic tank for your household, it’s important to consider various aspects of your home.
If you have multiple dishwashers, two kitchens, or appliances with low water consumption rates, these can affect the tank size needed.
Luxuries such as indoor spas, hot tubs, and saunas can also increase the required tank size.
While these enhancements may be necessary or desirable, they should be considered when determining the appropriate tank size for your home.
Why are Septic Tank Sizes Important?
Septic tank sizes are important for several reasons. Here are some things to consider:
Proper wastewater treatment
The size of the septic tank determines how much wastewater it can hold at one time.
If the tank is too small for the amount of water being used, it can cause problems with the treatment of wastewater, leading to issues like clogs, backups, and system failure.
Health and safety
If a septic tank is not large enough to handle the wastewater from a household, it can pose health and safety risks to the people living in the home and to the surrounding environment.
This can include contamination of water sources and exposure to harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
Legal requirements
There are legal requirements for septic tank sizes based on the number of bedrooms in a home or the estimated water usage of the household.
Failing to comply with these requirements can result in fines or other penalties.
Cost-effectiveness
Choosing a septic tank size that is appropriate for your household can help you avoid unnecessary expenses related to repairs, maintenance, and replacement.
A tank that is too small may need to be pumped more frequently, while a tank that is too large may be more expensive to install and maintain.
FAQs about what size Septic Tank For 3 Bedroom House
What Is The Typical Septic Tank Size?
The length of the septic tank (L) is 9 feet 9 inches or 9.75 feet. The width of the septic tank (B) is 6 feet 3 inches or 6.25 feet.
The Septic tank’s standard height (D) for a septic tank is 5 feet 9 inches, or 5.75 feet.
What Occurs When A Septic Tank Is Too Small?
It is not recommended to use a smaller septic tank for a 3 bedroom house, as it may not provide enough storage capacity for the amount of wastewater produced by the occupants.
This could lead to frequent pumping and potential septic system failure.
How often should the septic tank be pumped for a 3 bedroom house?
The septic tank should be pumped every 3-5 years for a 3 bedroom house, depending on the number of occupants and usage.
Regular maintenance and pumping can prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of the septic system.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the answer to the question of what size septic tank is for 3 bedroom house.
Selecting the appropriate septic tank size will save you a great deal of trouble in the long run.
You will not be in violation of any legal requirements in effect in your nation as a starting point.
By creating the appropriate septic tank for your property, you can ensure that your septic system will function correctly and without interruptions throughout the year.
