Many if not most homes constructed today are hooked up to a city sewage system that filters and treats waste coming from a home's drains and toilets. However, some homes may need an alternative sewage system, usually a septic tank. This tank holds solid matter, while liquid waste is filtered and disposed of into a drain field. The solid matter is then emptied from the tank on a regular basis. When you're ready to choose an alternative sewage system, note a few important factors to first consider.

1. Size of the tank

You need a tank that is big enough to hold the waste generated by your family, typically about 750 gallons for the first two people in the home and then an additional 250 for each person after that. Getting a tank that is much smaller will mean needing to have it emptied far more often than you should, and can also mean putting stress on the filters so that they begin to break down much sooner than they should. Getting a larger tank may mean that you are simply wasting space on your property and it may require more time to have it cleaned and emptied, raising this cost, so choose something adequate but don't assume that the largest tank is necessarily going to be the best.

2. Emptying

The tank will be emptied according to its size and according to how many people are in the home, as it's going to fill up quicker in a busier household. It's good to have it emptied about every four years for the first 2 people in the home and for a 750 gallon tank. For four people and the same size tank, have it cleaned every year and a half.

If it becomes too difficult to figure your schedule for emptying and cleaning your tank, have a septic system contractor give you a good estimate as to what would work for your home. They can note the condition of the tank, its size, your household size, and strength of the filters you choose, and other such factors, and tell you how often your tank in particular should be cleaned and emptied.

3. Drainage system

Note the type of drainage system you would need. If your property is not sloped or graded, you will need a pump to keep the liquid waste flowing out of the tank. Without a pump, this can mean clogging of the system. You might also plant native vegetation in the area of the drainage so that it more readily absorbs the moisture that drains into the drain field, making it less likely to simply flood or have an excess of moisture buildup.

For more informaiton on sewage systems, talk to a professional.