Probably not. Most people don’t need one, unless they’re living in a rural area that isn’t fed by a city sewer system. In those cases you’re required to have your own septic system and maintain it yourself. There are a few things you need to know.

By definition, septic tanks are commonly used to collect and dispose of waste. Getting the waste from your house to the tank is a job for the sewer inlet line. If you’re buying a new tank, be sure to check for the warranty (usually 3 to 5 years) and that it’s been approved by state and local health departments for your area. Most septic tanks are constructed of concrete or fiberglass, but brick and clay have also been used. Baffles are then placed within the tank to improve solids settling and prevent the scum layer of lightweight solids, fats and greases from floating out of the tank with the effluent. Sometimes homeowners in older homes may discover that a steel tank was used instead.

Generally septic tanks are not damaged by floodwaters since they are below ground and completely covered. However, sometimes the septic tank and pump chambers become filled with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned.

You may wonder why not just have city utilities? It’s always a factor of money. If the houses in your area are far apart, individual septic tanks are much less expensive than sewer lines for dealing with human waste. And as municipalities limit sewer extensions to save money and limit growth, more subdivisions are being built with septic tanks.

To keep your septic system running well it’s advised that you maintain yours by having it pumped every three to five years. If you’re doing regular cleaning and maintenance in between pumpings be sure to get enough enzymatic cleaner to match the size of your tank. If you don’t get enough then it won’t be at all effective at cleaning out your tank.

For more information on possible septic tank problems and septic tank cleaning please see our website.