What is the minimum size requirement for a septic tank for a four-bedroom home in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the minimum size requirement for a septic tank serving a four-bedroom home is 1,000 gallons. This is based on state regulations that prescribe septic tank capacities to ensure adequate treatment of wastewater generated by the household. The 1,000-gallon capacity is intended to accommodate the typical daily water usage from a home of this size, which typically consists of an average of 120-150 gallons per bedroom per day.

Septic tanks must be sized appropriately not only to handle the volume of wastewater but also to provide sufficient settling time for solids before the effluent is discharged into the drain field. A tank that is too small may lead to issues such as system overload, premature tank pumping requirements, increased risk of backflow or flooding, and ultimately system failure. Therefore, a 1,000-gallon septic tank is the standard for maintaining effective system operation and protecting public health and the environment.