Did you know that more than 21 million citizens in the United States use septic tanks to treat their wastewater from toilets? However, the type of septic tank you choose determines how well you manage your wastewater from your household. A single compartment septic tank may be suitable for small families, but a double chamber tank helps in better water treatment.

The blog will further guide you to choose the most suitable septic tank for you and your family.

So, without further delay, let’s start the discussion.

What Are Septic Tank Chambers?

It is the chamber/s of a tank that stores water from your house toilet. A septic tank that has a single opening can be referred to as a single chamber septic tank. On the other hand, a tank with dual hollow spaces (connected with a hole) is referred to as a double tank chamber.

The septic tanks mainly work by the settlement method. Wastewater deposits in the tank, and the solid waste settles at the bottom. While the liquid waste remains on the surface. In a single septic water tank, the settlement and separation of solid waste may not be that efficient, as some solid waste remains on the surface level.

Here comes the double septic tank. The wastewater with solid waste fills the first tank, the solid waste settles, and the liquid waste goes into the second chamber. The second one is often smaller, where, through further settlement, remaining solid wastes are separated.

Upon completion of the water treatment, the remaining liquid waste gets released to the drainage system. 

Key Differences Between Single and Double Chamber Septic Tanks

FeaturesSingle ChamberDouble Chamber
Number of Chambers12
Solid Separation QualityStandardHigher
MaintenanceNeeds more maintenance and clearanceLess frequent clearance and maintenance
Installation CostLower in the beginningHigher at the time of installation
Best Suited forSmall family with 1-2 family membersLarge families with 3-5 members
Water Treatment EfficiencySome solid waste may remain with the liquidTreated water has less solid waste
Space requirementComparatively small spaceNeeds more space for installation

Before you install a septic tank on your property, consider the above parameters carefully. You may have 3-4 family members in your household, but most of them do not stay out of CA for jobs, then you may go for a single compartment septic tank.

However, when you are installing the tank, look for Clovis septic tank pumping services nearby. You might need to clean it frequently.

When to Choose a Single Chamber Tank

If you have a limited budget, or a small property, or maybe you are installing the tank for your farmhouse, you may go with a single chamber septic tank. But remember, this variant comes with a small capacity to hold water; using it too frequently will require more frequent cleaning. 

We suggest you search for ‘septic tank pumping near me’ at the time you install the tank. You might need the service very soon.

Is a Single Chamber Right for You?

Family members less than 3 
Do not have much space for a double-compartment septic tank
Budget constraint

When a Double Chamber Tank Is the Better Choice

If you have a large family and require space to install a double-chamber septic tank, you should go with it. The chamber is also environmentally friendly because it filters out most of the solid waste from the liquid.

Besides, you are safe from the risk of overflowing the septic tank. When the first chamber gets filled up, the water goes to the second chamber. Moreover, it helps to treat the wastewater better and filters out most solid waste. Lastly, if you do not want to look for Clovis septic tank pumping service frequently, go with this variant.

Go for a Double Chamber If You…

You have a large family
Do not want to 
Not willing to pump frequently
You value environmental safety and security

Installation & Maintenance Considerations

When you install a double or single chamber septic tank, you need to keep in mind some important things. For example, you may conduct a soil percolation test before installation. It will tell you the lower ground and help direct the liquid that way.

You should also ensure that maintenance trucks or pumping trucks can access the septic tank easily.

Final Verdict

A single chamber septic tank is suitable for families with a few members, while double chamber septic tanks are most suitable for families with more members. However, if you have budget constraints, then you can go with a single chamber septic tank, as it costs less.

Summary of pros and cons.

Conclusion

As you have come to understand by now that a single chamber septic tank is more suitable for small families. But a double chamber septic tank is suitable for large families. You may also need to spend less money on septic tank pumping with double chamber tanks.

So choose carefully when you go for a septic tank for your house.

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