To measure the depth of the scum layer, push the stick cheesecloth side down through the scum layer until it just breaks through the layer. Pull the stick up and measure the length on the stick from the bottom of the stick to where on the stick the top of the scum layer was noted.
- In order to measure the sludge layer, slowly insert the stick cheesecloth side down until you reach the bottom of the tank. Once the stick is resting on the bottom move the stick side to side in four directions, making a plus (+) sign going about 2 inches in every direction. This allows the solids to penetrate and adhere to the cheesecloth.
How do you measure a septic tank for solids?
To measure the sludge layer:
- Slowly lower the tube into the septic tank until it touches the bottom of the tank.
- As the device is slowly pulled out of the water, the check valve closes capturing a liquid/solid profile of the septic tank water. The thickness of the sludge layer can be measured.
How do you measure a septic tank?
How to Calculate the Septic Tank Capacity in Gallons. 3.14 x radius squared x depth (all in feet) = cubic capacity. Cubic capacity x 7.5 = gallons capacity.
How many covers does a 1000 gallon septic tank have?
Single Compartment 500 – 1,000 Gallon Septic Tanks: Installed up to approximately 1976, this tank style will have one main lid and two smaller baffle lids on both ends of the tank as shown in the diagram below.
How big are septic tank covers?
Locate The Lid Most septic tanks are rectangular and measure about 5 feet by 8 feet. Probe around the tank to locate its edges and mark the perimeter of the rectangle. A septic tank installed before 1975 will have a single 24-inch concrete lid in the center of the rectangle.
How thick should the solids be in a septic tank?
Septic tanks need to be pumped out when the sludge layer exceeds 24 inches in depth or when the bottom of the scum layer is less than 3 inches above the Page 2 lower end of the submerged outlet. If you cannot locate the submerged outlet, clean the tank if the scum layer is more than 12 inches thick.
How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?
For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield Size
- The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
- For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.
Do septic tanks have concrete lids?
Septic systems are an inexpensive and frequently viable option for sewer systems. The most common tanks, starting in the 1940s, are concrete, with 3 – 500# lids for a 1000 gallon tank or 4 – 500# lids for a 1500 gallon tank.
Do all septic tanks have lids?
Find the Lid. If your septic tank was installed after 1975, it will probably have two polyethylene or fiberglass lids centered at opposite sides of the perimeter. Older tanks will typically have a 24-inch concrete lid right in the center of the tank. Excavate in those locations to reveal the lids.
Why does my septic tank have 2 lids?
Solid, watertight, buried tank made of concrete, plastic, fiberglass or metal. This tank has a way in (inlet), and a way out (outlet). So, most residential tanks should have (2) lids about 5′ away from each other. A septic tank holds all the liquid waste from your home (toilets, sinks, kitchen, bathtubs, floor drains).
Do all septic tanks have filters?
First, not all septic tanks have a filter, especially the older septic tanks. Now many government agencies require or recommend a filter when a septic tank is installed. Cleaning a septic tank filter is different than pumping out a septic tank and cleaning it.
How to Measure Septic Tank Sludge Depth
What is the best way to determine when to pump your septic tank? In a previous piece, you learned that the only way to know for certain when to pump your septic tank is to take an actual measurement of the amount of accumulated sludge and scum in the tank. It is designed such that the septic tank should be pumped when the combined sludge and scum layer displaces 30% of the tank’s total volume. Using the above example, if the liquid depth of the tank is 48″, the tank should be pumped when the combined thickness of the sludge and scum layer measures 14 12″ (48″ X 0.30).
An example of this would be a long hollow plastic tube with a check valve at the bottom of it.
- The scum layer should be pushed through until it is almost broken through by the sludge judge. Mark on the tube in a visibly obvious manner the link between the top of the scum layer and the spot on it. Pulling the tube up and measuring the length of the tube are two options. In many cases, you may see part of the scum layer adhered to the tube to help you locate it
- This is normal.
The following are the measurements for the sludge layer:
- Slowly lower the tube into the septic tank until it comes into contact with the tank’s bottom
- And With each gradual pull of the gadget out of the water, the check valve shuts, allowing a liquid/solid profile of the septic tank water to be captured. It is possible to determine the thickness of the sludge layer
The collected sludge inside the tube measured around 8″ – 9″ in diameter, and there was no scum layer present in this specimen. The thickness of the scum layer would simply be added to the 8′ – 9″ measurement if there was one. In this particular instance, the scum/sludge layer combined displaces approximately 18 percent of the tank volume (8 12″/48″ in this case). Upon further investigation, it was discovered that this septic tank had last been drained 26 months before. The septic tank should be pumped within 43 months of the last septic tank pump out, based on this date (0.18 / 26 months X 0.30 = 43 months) of the last pump out.
- Even if the cost of $75 for a sludge judge is beyond of reach for you, you may construct your own gadget that will do the same function.
- The length of the stick will vary depending on how deep your septic tank is buried.
- The idea here is to avoid wrapping it too tightly around the stick’s handle.
- Pay close attention to the link between the top of the scum layer and the placement on the sticking stick.
- The scum layer is often adhered to the stick to help you locate it, and this is a good way to identify the location.
- Continue to slide the stick back and forth in a plus (+) pattern for approximately 2″ in each direction to enable the solids to flow through the cheesecloth slowly and softly.
Measure the witness line of solids that are lodged into the cheesecloth to determine the amount of solids present. Measure the distance between the “wet” mark on the upper end of the stick and the bottom of the stick. Calculate the percent capacity in the same way as in the previous example.
How often do septic tanks typically need to be pumped?
The answer to the pumping question is determined by your local codes. When it comes to our region, a fresh new tank will last for 5 years before it has to be pumped out. Every three years, a tank that is not brand new must be pumped. This is a rather regular occurrence. Tank monitoring will be different depending on your system, I would suggest that you consult with your system manufacturer. A septic tank is a very straightforward mechanism. If you have a main tank (also known as a settling tank), it is responsible for settling any particles out of your wastewater and is also where the majority of your breakdown takes place (a well operating system will have natural occurring bacteria that do a good job of breaking down “solid” waste).
- There is usually another tank that is gravity fed into which the “grey water” is sent once it has been treated.
- You should keep an eye out for clogs in the exits to the secondary tank and the drain field in a basic non-pump system.
- Using a stick, poke your way into the manhole as many times as you like to see how deep the water is.
- If you have a system that includes a pump, I strongly advise you to add an alarm if one has not already been installed.
- Performing your own monitoring (checking the water level) as often as is comfortable for you, and having a planned servicing performed every 2-3 years, would be my advise to you.
- Use as little toilet paper as possible, and avoid using quilted toilet paper if at all possible.
- Also, while cleaning your sinks, toilets, and showers, try not to use too many harsh chemicals, and never, ever use draino.
- Make use of them.
The Septic Tank that Saved My Laundry Sanity and Other Thoughts on Keeping a Home
It’s one thing to stand on top of a sewage tank and snap a photo of the scene. It’s another thing entirely to put it on the internet, yet here we are – my husband and me, beaming with pride. As a gift to each other for our tenth wedding anniversary, we purchased this gorgeous, dazzling white poop tank with all of its field lines blasting across our front and back yards. As a result, we decided to forego a 10-year anniversary vacation without children in favor of purchasing this. In hindsight, my husband wishes he had put up a table and candles on the poop tank (before it was utilized, of course).
- It was soon before Christmas that year that we began experiencing septic tank problems, and we were unable to repair it immediately since, hmm, such things aren’t cheap, and our particular scenario was an especially expensive one.
- Another one of those things was, sadly, having to choose between running the dishwasher and running the laundry every day.
- All of my laundry was always washed on the weekends, which was a tradition for me.
- That’s what my mother did while I was growing up, and it’s what I did as well.
- My laundry sanity was rescued, though, when the outdated septic tank forced me to make a lifestyle adjustment.
I also started doing smaller loads every other day. Smaller, more frequent loads appeared to be more doable to me. However, I am grateful for the change in my attitude toward this required duty that occurred as a result of my experience with the poop tank scenario.
Mothers are Doers
Isn’t that the most accurate remark anyone has ever made? Isn’t it true that we constantly feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything? I believe that even if we were given the gift of extra time, we would still feel that it is not enough to accomplish our goals. Instead of a shortage of time, I believe it is more due to our motherly inclination to do an impossibly large number of duties in the duration of a 24-hour period (minus, of course, the limited amount of sleep we get each night).
The only thing we do is get things done.
My husband saw the layers of dust on top of our dresser only seconds before I sat down to write this and said, jokingly, “So when are you going to get around to taking care of this?” “Listen, I’ve already scheduled family game night, spent the day up at school, attended a volunteer training on my day off, scrubbed both bathrooms, did laundry, and cooked my grandmother’s meatloaf with handmade mashed potatoes,” I said.
He was already aware of everything I had done, which is why he was able to joke with me about the dust on the dresser without receiving a sarcastic response in return.
I am more of an expert in the field of “it appears I have put too much pressure on myself again.” In any case, I juggle a lot, just like every other mother on the face of the earth, and I’d want to share some of the strategies I use to make it all work in my family.
Time Management Tips for Moms
The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home. In the kitchen, there is so much more going on than just cooking. Make a point of checking that high-traffic area of your house is clean before you retire for the night before you sleep. On a daily basis, you require a fresh start. A tidy kitchen is a practical method to show yourself how much you care. You can begin each morning with the chores for the day ahead, rather than the work from the previous day. When you get up in the morning, you don’t want to feel behind schedule before you’ve even poured your first cup of coffee.
Wake up before the kids.
Please understand that I am not speaking to you, sleep-deprived Momma. Take a look at this small nugget of information and save it somewhere safe for later. Wake up earlier in the morning after your children are a little older and have begun to wake up around the same time each morning. What I will say is that I will not tell you how much sooner. It’s possible that it will take 10 minutes. It might take up to an hour. Make a decision based on what works for you. Even though I’m a morning person now, that wasn’t always the case when I had my first child.
- Not only do I enjoy it, but I also know how much I rely on it.
- My morning routine includes exercising, taking a shower, making a cup of coffee, and reading my Bible.
- I find it simpler to combat the urge of having to be alone in the middle of turmoil when I’ve had quality time to start my day earlier in the day.
- If your child wakes up in the middle of your morning me-time and disrupts your routine, maintain the attitude that it will not destroy your day.
They are not a disruption to your daily routine. To include them in your activities, either stop what you’re doing and invite them to watch an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse together.
Designate tidy and untidy areas.
Allow yourself to come to the conclusion that there are certain areas of your home that do not need to be tidied up or cleaned on a consistent basis. Every evening, the kitchen, living room, and children’s playroom are cleaned in our household. But what about the bedrooms? My general rule of thumb is to make sure you have a safe way to escape in the event of a fire. Make a route and put the toys away for another day if you can. That is not to say that my children’s bedrooms are never clean; it is simply that they are not tidied up on a regular basis.
The playroom would normally be a shambles, but it now serves as a gym for me in the mornings, which is convenient.
Setting up designated zones in our home helps my children understand their daily responsibilities and saves us time in the evenings.
Do first things first.
Look, I get that it’s more entertaining to idly surf through social media or search Amazon for the best-rated yoga leggings, but that load of wet laundry in the washing really needs to be transferred to the dryer. Separate must-do things from those that can be done later. Every day, there are things that must be completed that cannot be postponed until the next day. Make them your primary emphasis before you go shopping for yoga pants.
Treat yo’self.
Look, I get that it’s more entertaining to idly surf through social media or search Amazon for the best-rated yoga leggings, but that load of damp laundry in the washing really needs to be transferred to the dryer. Distinguish between tasks that must be completed and those that can be completed later. The list of things that must be completed every day is long and includes tasks that cannot wait until tomorrow. Make these your primary priority before going shopping for yoga pants.
Ditch the cord.
Get a stick vacuum that is cordless. It is not necessary to get the most costly model. The fact that it is cordless and lightweight is critical. I recently purchased one, and my floors are in complete disarray as a result of all of the vacuuming that is taking place. My children can also do it, which is something I couldn’t have expected them to be able to accomplish in our house because of the difficult cord and stairs. It’s like something out of a dramatic informational commercial. A cordless stick vacuum has made the duty enjoyable and quick, and it can be shared, allowing me to devote my time and energy to other activities.
Whatev Bev
What about when it’s time to eat? This could easily be a separate post in and of itself. To summarize, do what makes dinner time easy and pleasurable for your family and don’t worry about what others are doing to feed their families, I believe is the greatest advise I can provide. I’m not even going to attempt to provide any cooking advice or recipes because I believe there is a more fundamental mindset we need to adopt when it comes to feeding our families. It’s not so much about the food as it is about the company.
Meal time is ultimately about spending quality time with family and friends, even if that time has been spent in the car after ball practice three times in one week.
By the end of the week, I’m completely exhausted.
“Whatev Bev” evenings are exactly what they sound like: anything you can get your hands on becomes your dinner.
Allow yourself some leeway when it comes to your conception of what dinner time should look like, and simply remember that it is the time spent with family that is most important. and that your children will remember.
When you have 10 minutes.
Check out these ten-minute projects that can be completed between the time that you shout, “Everyone get in the vehicle!” and when everyone really gets into the car:
- Here are several chores you can complete in ten minutes, popularly known as the period of time between saying “Everyone get in the vehicle!” and everyone actually getting into the car.
I believe you have grasped the concept! Preferably, use the tiny pockets of time you have throughout the day before the little things accumulate into a large item that you can’t find the time to do. Make a list of tasks that you can complete in a short period of time. Always have your list in sight, and if you find a few minutes here and there, check one or two items off your list.
The Five Finger Rule
I wish I could remember who offered me this piece of advise since it has proven to be really beneficial when deciding how to allocate my time and how much I have on my plate. Each finger indicates a certain function that I perform in my daily life. Due to the fact that I am married with children, hold a full-time job, and write for BMC, four of my digits are reserved. In this season of my life, there is only one other position I can commit to: becoming a mother. What responsibilities do you have?
- Do you educate your children at home?
- Do you have a side business?
- Are you planning to return to school to earn another degree?
- Consider how many responsibilities you have and try to keep it to five or less at a time.
- A role is simply that: a role.
- It is quite OK to refuse more items.
It’s Nap Time Somewhere
When it comes to sleep, I am a firm believer in the phrase “sleep when the baby sleeps.” I adhered to my guns with all of my children. The problem is that babies grow up and naps become a distant memory. Rather than napping, the kids are now playing The Mandalorian outside with their nerf weapons or assembling puzzles to the accompaniment of Alexa’s rendition of “The Fart Song.” But you know what? I’ll tell you something. It’s naptime someplace, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to lie down on the sofa and nap.
According to research, taking a cat nap in the afternoon can provide a significant cognitive boost, which may be precisely what you need to finish the duties of the evening.
Be Confident
Every family is unique in its own way. Our personalities, family dynamics, ages, difficulties, needs, seasons and other characteristics are unique to each of us, and it is critical to identify what works for your family in order to save time and sanity. Maybe you’ve gone through this entire piece and concluded that none of it will work for your family, and that’s just OK. My own home is the only one that I am responsible for. You make your own decisions! If nothing else, this should have at the very least assisted you in identifying methods to save some time, allow yourself some grace, and feel secure in the decisions you’ve taken to protect your home from sinking.
Momma, you are the only one who can do it. I’m heading to clean the layers of dust that have accumulated on my bedroom furnishings. Alternatively, you may take a sleep. There’s a baby asleep somewhere in this planet right now.
