The septic tank collects waste from the house and holds it as it decomposes. The tank's volume determines how much waste it can hold at any time. Your septic tank's volume should be proportional to the waste volume your house generates. Below are some reasons to increase your septic tank's capacity and how to go about it.

Reasons for Increased Tank Capacity

You need a bigger septic tank anytime your house's wastes exceed the current tank's capacity. Below are some specific reasons to increase the tank capacity.

Growing Family

The septic contractor who designs and installs your septic system will base it on the number of people in your household. The number of people in your household determines the volume of waste you generate. For example, a six-member household generates more waste than a three-member household. Thus, you need a bigger septic tank if your household grows.

You Are Renting Out Some Rooms

More and more people are letting out their rooms to earn extra income. You might need a bigger septic tank if you have ventured into the business unless you installed the original septic tank with the venture in mind.

The Building Code Requires It

Local building codes determine septic system capacity depending on building size and occupation. For example, your area's building code may demand bigger systems for four-bedroom houses compared to two-bedroom houses. In such a case, you need a bigger septic tank if you remodel your home by adding a bedroom or two.

Options for Increased Capacity

You have two viable paths to a bigger septic tank. Below is an overview of these options.

Replace the Tank With a Bigger Capacity

The most obvious option is to remove the existing tank and replace it with a bigger one. The replacement requires a professional contractor; working on septic systems is dangerous for non-professionals. As part of the installation, the contractor may also have to enlarge the existing hole to accommodate the bigger capacity tank.

Add Another Tank To The System

Another option is to install another septic tank without removing the existing one. In this case, the contractor can install the new tank between the old one and the septic drain field. That way, waste from the original septic tank will flow into the new tank once the old one fills, effectively increasing the overall tank capacity.

Septic systems are critical utilities that require professional handling. The risk of environmental damage and adverse health effects makes DIY septic service inadvisable. Contact a septic contractor to evaluate your system and undertake the relevant septic system installations and upgrades.