- Leaky faucets should be repaired. A single leaky faucet can use up to 4,000 gallons of unneeded water every month.
- If looking for a new shower head, toilet, washing machine, or dishwasher, seek models that conserve water usage.
- Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when there are FULL loads.
- A toilet displacement device, like a weighted water jug, can save up to 7 gallons of water every flush.
- When shaving or brushing your teeth, turn the water off if you’re not currently using it.
- Instead of continually running the faucet to wash fruits and veggies, clean them in a large bowl of water. This could save up to 15 gallons of water!
- Install water aerators to reduce water up to 60% while still maintaining a strong flow.
Tag Archives: holding tank
Septic System vs. Holding Tank- Part 1
This is one of the first steps to understanding the septic service world: understanding the difference between a septic system and a holding tank. It’s especially helpful if you’re looking to buy a home away from city sewer for the first time. Each system type has its own unique maintenance requirements, so it’s smart to know these differences ahead of time.
In this post, we’ll discuss what a holding tank is…
Holding Tanks: A system with a holding tank is fairly simple. The home’s plumbing runs into a tank, or perhaps two connected tanks, that are buried out in the yard. The covers to the tanks will generally be in the front yard because of strict guidelines allowing for close access for the pumpers. When those tanks’ levels hit a certain point, an alarm is triggered to alert you that your holding tank is full. The alarm can be silenced and then reset once the tanks are pumped. When that alarm sounds, it’s time to call your pumper and get on their schedule. They will come and empty the tanks, and you’ll be all set until next time the alarm goes off.
The biggest thing to be aware of with holding tanks is household water usage. Keep in mind that your sinks, toilets, tubs, laundry, etc. all go into the holding tanks. So a family is often surprised by how quickly those tanks can fill up. We suggest learning how to conserve on water as much as possible: shorter showers, full loads of laundry, full dishwasher loads, fixing all leaking or dripping faucets, etc. This can help you stretch out that time between pumpings a little more.
Holding tanks are very common and are less expensive to install. The homeowner will want to keep in mind, though, that this type of system will require regular pumpings.
In our next post, we will explain how holding tanks are different from septic systems.
Renting a Home With a Septic System
Less traffic, more privacy, peace and quiet… and extra costs???
If you are looking to rent a home in the country — that is, away from city water — you are probably looking forward to a little more privacy and peace. However, please keep in mind that a home away from town needs to have its own septic system or holding tank. Be aware of this and ask your potential landlord what the arrangements will be when it comes to maintaining the system.
If the home has a septic system (conventional, mound, etc.), it will have to be pumped every few years. Who will pay for this service? You or the landlord? If problems arise and the system needs to be jetted or even replaced, how much of that cost are you responsible for?
Or if the home has a holding tank (a tank that “holds” the solid waste and water from the house) it will need to be emptied rather frequently, perhaps monthly depending on the household’s use. Again, does the landlord expect the renter to pay for this service?
Ask your landlord ahead of time! Don’t go into a renting agreement without knowing this information! It may mean extra cost that perhaps you now need to consider. At the very least, when it is time to be pumped, your local pumper will appreciate knowing when you call from whom they will be receiving payment.
And ask them to show you in the yard where the covers are for the tanks! This is good basic information to know.
