Septic Tank Size: What You Need to Know - Septic Tank Dude (2024)

If you’re in the market for a new septic tank or need to replace your existing septic system, one of the most frequently asked questions is “what size of septic tank do I need”. Septic tank sizes can vary widely depending on the size of your home, the number of people living in it, and the amount of waste water you use on a daily basis.

Many states in the US also have regulations that continue to be updated with the minimum size based on number of bedrooms or floor size. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to determine the correct septic tank size, the benefits of choosing the right size, and the consequences of choosing the wrong septic tank sizes.

How to Determine the Correct Septic Tank Size

The minimum size of septic tank required for a home is usually determined by the number of bedrooms. A two-bedroom home, for example, will require a different septic tank size than a four-bedroom home. However, other factors also need to be taken into consideration, such as the number of bathrooms and the amount of water usage in the home. Consulting with a professional is the best way to ensure the right size septic tank is chosen.

A septic tank sizing chart can be helpful in determining the appropriate tank size, but keep in mind that the chart is only a starting point. Other factors such as the size of the lot, soil type, and topography must be considered to determine the appropriate tank size.

Septic tank size chart

The size of your household septic tanks is vital to get right before you install a septic system. Below is a septic tank sizes chart to give you an idea on the septic tank sizes that could be right for your house. It is important to note that each state has it’s own regulations for the sizing of septic tanks so you will need to check with a local installer before committing. While we have laid out the septic tank sizes based on number of bedrooms, there are also other factors you need to take into consideration when using this septic tank size chart.

1. Make sure you are sizing septic tanks for the peak usage
2. Plan for the future, if you think your family size will increase then potentially increase the size of your septic tanks now
3. Will you extend the house in the future?

*please note the above typical residential septic tank size chart will not be applicable to every state or county. Please talk to a local septic installer today to get advice.

Benefits of Choosing the Correct Septic Tank Size

Choosing the correct septic tank size can save you money in the long run. A larger tank means fewer pump-outs and less maintenance, while a smaller tank may require more frequent pump-outs and repairs. A properly sized septic tank can also help prevent septic system problems and backups.

Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Septic Tank Size

Choosing the wrong septic tank size can be costly in the long run. A tank that is too small will require more frequent pump-outs and may lead to septic system failures, while a tank that is too large may be expensive to install and maintain. Additionally, a tank that is too small for the home’s needs can cause inconvenience and unpleasant odors.

Septic Tank Size Calculator

A septic tank size calculator can be a useful tool when determining the appropriate tank size for your home. These calculators take into account the size of your home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the water usage to determine the best tank size for your needs. Keep in mind, however, that these calculators are only a starting point and that consulting with a professional is still the best way to ensure the correct tank size is chosen.

Number of Bedrooms:

#calculate-btn {
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color: white;
border: none;
padding: 10px 20px;
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cursor: pointer;
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#calculate-btn:hover {
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switch (bedrooms) { case 1: septicTankSize = 500; break; case 2: septicTankSize = 750; break; case 3: septicTankSize = 900; break; case 4: septicTankSize = 1150; break; case 5: septicTankSize = 1325; break; default: septicTankSize = 1500 + (bedrooms - 6) * 150; }

return septicTankSize; }

$(document).ready(function () { $('#calculate-btn').on('click', function (event) { event.preventDefault(); const bedrooms = parseInt($('#bedrooms-input').val(), 10); if (bedrooms && bedrooms > 0) { const septicTankSize = calculateSepticTankSize(bedrooms); $('#septic-tank-size-output').html( `The estimated septic tank size for a ${bedrooms}-bedroom house is ${septicTankSize} gallons.` ); } else { $('#septic-tank-size-output').html('Please enter a valid number of bedrooms.'); } }); });

Average Septic Tank Size

The average size of a septic tank is around 1,000 gallons, but septic tanks can range in size from 500 gallons to 2,500 gallons or more. Some properties require two septic tanks if there are multiple dwellings on the property, or there are more than 6 bedrooms. A 1200 gallon septic tank is a popular size for many homes, while smaller septic systems are available for cabins and other small dwellings. In some states a small septic tank for cabin or a small septic tank for one toilet can be a small cesspit or a small septic system.

Septic tank sizes frequently asked questions

What is the standard size for a septic tank?

The standard size for a septic tank is around 1,000 gallons, although tanks can range in size from 500 gallons to 2,500 gallons or more. The size of the tank needed depends on several factors, including the size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the amount of water usage in the home.

Is a 750 gallon septic tank big enough?

Whether a 750 gallon septic tank is big enough depends on the size of your home and your daily water usage. A tank of this size is typically appropriate for a smaller home or cabin with one or two bedrooms and one bathroom. However, if you have a larger home or more bathrooms, a larger tank may be necessary to accommodate your needs.

What size is a 1500 gallon septic tank?

A 1500 gallon septic tank is a larger tank that can accommodate the needs of a larger home with three or four bedrooms and two or three bathrooms. Tanks of this size are also commonly used for commercial buildings or multi-unit residential buildings.

How big is a 750 gallon septic tank?

A 750 gallon septic tank is typically around 9 feet long and 4 feet in diameter. This size tank can be appropriate for a smaller home or cabin with one or two bedrooms and one bathroom.

What size septic tank is required in Florida?

The size of the septic tank required in Florida is set out by the The Florida Department of Health. depends on the number of bedrooms in the home.

• 1 bedroom house, (< 750 sq. ft) – minimum size septic tank size = 900 gallons
• 2 bedroom house, (< 1,200 sq. ft) – minimum size septic tank size = 900 gallons
• 3 bedroom house, (< 2,250 sq. ft) – minimum size septic tank size = 1,050 gallons
• 4 bedroom house, (< 3,300 sq. ft) – minimum size septic tank size = 1,200 gallons

How often should 500 gallon septic tanks be pumped?

The frequency with which a 500 gallon septic tank needs to be pumped depends on the usage of the system. In some states a 500 gallon septic tank is the minimum septic tank capacity or the minimum septic tank size, while in other states this septic tank sizes are not permitted. To extend the frequency of septic tank pumping see this small tablet that will reduce the amount of solid waste in the septic tanks and ensure the right amount of bacteria are present to eat your waste.

How many bedrooms can a 800 gallon septic tank support?

800 gallon septic tanks are typically appropriate for a home with up to two bedrooms and one bathroom. However, this will vary between states, depending on regulations. If the 800 gallon septic tank is for a holiday home, you need to include the peak season of usage to ensure your septic tanks do not overflow with high holiday use.

How do I calculate the size of my septic tank?

The size of septic tanks can be calculated based on the number of bedrooms in the home, as well as the daily water usage. A septic tank sizing chart or calculator can be helpful in determining the appropriate tank size, but it’s also important to consult with a professional to ensure that the correct size is chosen. Factors such as the size of the lot, soil type, and topography must also be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate tank size.

Does the septic tank size change if it’s concrete septic tanks?

Whether it is a concrete septic tanks or fiberglass septic tanks or plastic septic tanks, the size of the septic tank systems are the key factor, the material a septic tank system is made out of does not effect the usage or storage for septic tanks.

To bring it all together

When it comes to septic tank sizes, it’s important to choose the correct septic tank system size one for your home’s needs and the occupants usage. Using a septic tank sizing chart or calculator can be helpful, but the best way to ensure the correct size is chosen is to consult with a septic professional. A properly sized septic tank can save you money, prevent problems and backups, and provide peace of mind for years to come. Choose the right size for your needs and enjoy worry-free living.