Yes, and the reason a second tank and drainfield is necessary usually has nothing to do with providing additional gallons of tank capacity. Plumbing drains work by gravity, and the drain pipes need a minimum of 1/8” to 1/4” per foot of downward slope for the effluent to drain from the house to the tank. Too much slope and the solids get left behind, not enough slope and they don’t move along.

    So this requirement puts a limit on how far away the septic tank can be without it ending up too deep in the ground for the drainfield to function properly. We see homes with two septic tanks most often at the long, narrow ranch style homes of the mid-20th century–with one system located near each end. Houses are rarely built like that today. Also, it is now possible to install a buried holding tank and electric  pump, called a “grinder pump,” to extend the range of the drain line as an alternative to a second tank. To learn more about them, see our blog post What is a grinder pump?

 
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  To learn more about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS, see these other blog posts:

• What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida?

• What can I add to my septic tank to help it work better? 

• Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal?

• How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?

• How can I locate my septic tank?

• Does a septic tank have to be re-certified if a house has been vacant for a while? 

• How often should I pump out the septic tank?

• Should I call a plumber or septic tank contractor when my septic tank backs up into the house? 

• Do I have to get a larger septic tank when I build a home addition?

• Where is the septic tank? Are you going to inspect it? 

• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code? 

• Is it alright to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and divert it to the ground in the yard?

    Visit our SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.