Septic systems have three components: drain pipes that carry waste from the building; a septic tank that holds waste until it is ready to be released and a series of pipes running into a drain field. A properly sized septic tank is a key component of the system, allowing bacteria to render the waste safe before it is released to the drain field. Overfilled tanks can result in unprocessed waste that backs up into the building or flows into the drain field. An oversized septic tank can help prevent overflows and save you money through less frequent maintenance.
Maintenance Frequency
Oversized septic tanks reduce maintenance frequency because they can hold more of the solids that must be periodically pumped from the tank. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends having your septic tank pumped every three to five years; however, because it takes longer for solids to build up in oversized tanks, this maintenance can be delayed, saving you money. However, you should still have your septic tank inspected every three years to ensure it is working properly and to measure the layers of scum and solids to determine if they need to be removed.
Hydraulic Overloading
According to the University of Wyoming, hydraulic overloading of a septic tank causes wastewater to back into the building through the drain pipes or to push unprocessed effluent into the drain field. Hydraulic overloading occurs when the septic tank receives too much liquid in a short period of time, effectively flooding the system.
One benefit of an oversized septic tank is the reduced possibility of hydraulic overload because the tank can handle more liquids before spilling them into the drain field. Additional steps that help prevent overloading include spacing your laundry loads out over several days, spacing showers and baths out over several hours, and oversizing your drain field to accommodate additional liquids.
Excess Solids
Septic systems contain anaerobic bacteria that work to break down waste in environments that lack oxygen. According to the Washington State Department of Health, bacteria digest the solids in septic tanks to create liquids and gasses that can flow into the drain field and break them into smaller particles that form sludge at the bottom of the tank. Solids include human waste, kitchen waste, toilet tissue and any other inorganic materials flushed into the septic system.
Too much solid matter entering the septic tank can slow down the digestion process or kill the bacteria. Excess solids build up in the tank and can spill into the drain field, blocking pipes and clogging the soil. Another benefit of an oversized septic tank is that it can hold more solids, allowing sufficient room for these solids to settle without disturbing the bacteria or the flow of liquids into the drain field. To further reduce the possibility of organic overload, limit the amount of food waste and inorganic material you put into your septic system.
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