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Tiny Home Septic Tanks: 4 Options To Consider Before Installation

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Living in a tiny house comes with many sacrifices, and one of them is often the bathroom. Composting toilets or portable septic tanks can only hold so much waste before it needs to be drained. If your tiny house is situated in a more permanent location, then you can have a septic tank installed that improves the use of running waters and toilets in the home. But before having a septic tank installed, there are many options to consider. Choosing from the following four options will help you make the best selections for your tiny home and have a septic tank that properly fits your needs.

Tank Material

A tiny house typically has a smaller lot and less space to work with for a septic tank installation. Instead of installing bulkier tanks made of concrete, you can choose a lightweight tank that is easier to transport and install on your land lot. One of your options for the tank is fiberglass. The material on a fiberglass tank is durable and will last for numerous years. The material can help prevent roots from pressing into the tank, and it's easy to transport and install on a small lot of land.

A similar tank option is a plastic tank. Not only are plastic tanks easy to transport and install in small areas, but they can often be purchased for a lot cheaper than other septic tank materials. A ribbed design on a plastic tank helps keep them strong and durable from roots and general pressure from the ground. This helps prevent any cracks or odor leaks in your tank.

Tank Size & Capacity

If you're living in a tiny home, then you will likely only need a tiny septic tank. One of the smallest tank sizes you can purchase is 750 to 900 gallons. These sizes are recommended for homes with two rooms or less, giving you plenty of space to properly flush and dispose of waste. Regulations vary by region, so it's important to ask septic tank installation specialists for the smallest size possible. Not only will you have less toilet use in a tiny home, but the water consumption will probably be lower.

Tank Location

The location of your tank installation is important when considering a tiny home. Many tiny homes may be held up on wheels or a trailer. The support of this trailer depends on the ground below it. If the septic tank is located too close to the tiny house, the ground can become soft and impact the even level of the home. A septic tank installation should be located well away from the home's property. Heavy rains and groundwater can also impact these tanks, so it's a good idea to keep them completely away from the area of the home. A septic tank professional can run lines that lead from the tiny house's plumbing and directly into the tank.

Vent Pipe Installation

To help prevent septic odors from entering your tiny home, you need to consider the installation of a vent pipe. A septic tank specialist can install a vent pipe that helps eliminate odors and ensures that toilets flush correctly. Tiny homes that formerly used compost toilets or portable septic tanks may not have these vents installed. With such small space in a tiny house, it's important to install the vent pipe in a location that doesn't take up a lot of space. In some cases the vent pipe may lead outside the home and up the side to properly vent out. This can make a huge difference on the operation and success of your vent pipe.

When contacting a septic tank company, such as Rob's Septic Tanks Inc, it's important to express the size of your home and septic tank needs. This can help them prepare estimates and the best methods for installation.


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