How Does Water Consumption Effect Your Septic System?

Those of us who work for New Jersey Septic Cleaning Companies are exposed to many common misconceptions regarding septic systems and the problems homeowners experience – not to mention some details we will not share here.  Most comments, however, are the result of really not knowing or understanding the dynamics of septic systems and in particular, water use.  It is amazing how many times we hear “I pumped the tank 2 years ago.  It’s probably not full yet”.  As consumers, we use a tremendous amount of water, not just weekly, monthly or yearly, but every day. 

Average Water Use per Activity:
(courtesy of: www.fi.edu/guide/schutte/howmuch.html)

• Shower                        -   7  gals. per minute
• Bath                             -   28-36 gals. for a full tub
• Running faucet             -   3 gals. per minute
• Washing machine        -   40-55 gals. per load
• Dishwasher                 -   15 gals. per load
• Lawn Watering            -   3-10 gals. per minute
• Toilet                          -   6 gals. per flush
• Brushing teeth             -   3 gals. per minute
• Washing hands            -   3 gals. per minute

As you can see, the gallons add up quickly, and all of it goes into the septic tank.  On average, it takes only 1-2 weeks to fill a 1000 gal. tank - a very short amount of time when considering the average amount of time between septic system maintenance in NJ.  Suggestions to reduce the amount of water entering your system range from installing water saving fixtures in shorter showers, limiting laundry and dish washing cycles to only full loads, checking for leaks in toilet and faucets and, the easiest one of all, turning off the water when not in use.  The system is designed to take all sewage from the house, hold the solids and let the water out through the outgoing line.  Regular septic maintenance in NJ is performed, basically, to remove the solids.  Keep in mind, the drainage area in your septic system is only as good as the amount of water it has to absorb.

An experienced, professional septic system company in NJ, like Central Jersey Septic, can help YOU become a knowledgeable septic system owner which can really pay off.