A septic tank is an underground, watertight container that provides primary wastewater treatment. Solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming sludge, and oil and grease floats to the top as scum. Helpful bacteria break down these organic pollutants into liquid wastewater, called effluent.
Liquid effluent travels through a pipe into the drain field (a leach field). It seeps into a soil bed, where it is absorbed and treated by the surrounding soil. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!
A septic tank is a large, underground container of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It’s a watertight, sealed system that holds wastewater from your home’s toilets, showers, sinks, washers, dryers, and garbage disposal. Wastewater flows into the septic tank through a sewer line that slopes down. The liquid waste leaves the tank through a septic vent pipe, which should have a filter to block large particles. The solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, forming sludge. Oils and grease float to the top of the tank, where they form scum. Bacteria in the septic tank break down these materials. The septic tank’s outlet keeps the sludge and scum from leaving the tank with the wastewater. The liquid wastewater (effluent) then goes to a drain field or leach field, where it gets purified more by bacteria and gravel in the soil.
A typical septic system consists of a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil. Wastewater from your home’s toilets, showers, kitchen sinks and dishwasher enters the septic tank through a sewer pipe. The septic tank is a large, watertight container that holds the wastewater until bacteria breaks down the solids. During this time, the waste forms three different layers: scum, sludge and effluent. Scum is the floating, fat-laden waste like cooking oil and grease. Sludge is the heavier, solid waste that sinks to the bottom of the tank. Effluent is the liquid wastewater that remains after the scum and sludge are separated from it.
Eventually, the bacteria decomposes the sludge and scum, and the effluent leaves the tank. It flows through pipes to a drain field or leach field, which is a section of the soil beneath your home’s yard. The soil there filters and purifies the wastewater more, and it helps return the clean water to groundwater.
If you’re thinking about buying a property with a septic tank, we recommend that you have the system inspected before making a purchase. Ask for inspection records and consider submitting an offer contingent on passing the septic inspection. This way, you can be confident that your mortgage will go through if the septic inspection isn’t satisfactory. You can also ask the seller to make any necessary repairs before you move in. Just remember that you should never enter a septic tank; doing so could expose you to toxic gases that can kill within minutes.
How does a septic tank work?
A septic system works by separating solid waste from the liquid wastewater that passes through it. Solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms digest them. Liquids, including oils and grease, rise to the top and form a scum layer. The bacteria in your septic tank keep the scum and slime layers from mixing with the more clean wastewater that flows into the tank.
When it’s full, the wastewater flows through a pipe into an absorption field (also called a drainfield) beneath your home. This is a shallow area of uncovered ground that filters the untreated wastewater with rocks, dirt, and sand to remove impurities before it seeps back into underground aquifers. A septic system can last for 40 years or more with proper maintenance.
The septic tank is a large, watertight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It has two chambers separated by a partial wall. When the wastewater enters the tank, it flows into the larger chamber. The weighty masses of sludge sink to the bottom, where microorganisms further decompose them. Lighter masses of scum float to the top. The cleaner mixture of the effluent then exits the tank through an outlet pipe.
Because the septic tank produces gases during the process of digestion, it must be vented to prevent a buildup that could stop or reverse the flow of wastewater. The vent also eliminates unpleasant odors that can be a nuisance. The gases are released through a pipe in the tank’s lid.
While septic tanks aren’t required for homes with private wells, it’s a good idea to install one to protect the quality of your drinking water. A septic system can contaminate groundwater and well water if it isn’t installed and maintained properly.
A septic tank’s drainage field should be kept clear to prevent surface runoff or sewage seepage into the yard. You shouldn’t plant anything in this area, build a deck or driveway over it, or park a vehicle on it. You should also avoid letting animals or children play on or near the drainfield. These activities can compact the soil and block the flow of wastewater. If you suspect your drainage field is overloaded, call a plumber to schedule a septic tank pumping and inspection.
How do I maintain my septic tank?
A septic tank system can be an asset when you own a home in a rural area. But, like any other system in your house, it requires routine maintenance to work properly. Keeping it clean and functional helps to protect nearby drinking water wells and reduces pollutants that can harm humans, wildlife and plants.
All of the wastewater that enters a septic system goes through the tank, and it can be overwhelming for a system that’s not working well. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your septic system works properly.
First, avoid dumping anything into the drain field that shouldn’t be there. This includes things such as coffee grounds, eggshells, cigarette butts, medications, toilet paper and other items that can clog pipes. If you’re not sure if something is safe to flush, don’t wash it down the drain — call your plumber or the manufacturer for proper disposal instructions.
Another important step is having your septic tank pumped regularly. This helps to prevent the solid wastes from building up in the septic tank and drain field, which can lead to costly problems. Your septic system professional will also inspect the septic tank and drain field for signs of problems, such as leaks or sludge buildup.
It’s also a good idea to map out the location of your septic tank and other system components. This makes it easier to access the septic system for regular maintenance and repairs, and it can help to prevent damaging the absorption field when you’re doing yard work. Finally, keep records of all septic tank maintenance and repairs. This will come in handy if you ever sell your house and need to provide proof of consistent maintenance.
Finally, it’s a good idea to use natural or plant-based cleaning products. These are better for the septic system than bleach, chemical drain cleaners or antibacterial soaps and disinfectants. These products kill the helpful bacteria in the septic tank and can damage the tank itself. If you must use a product that contains harsh chemicals, make sure to dilute it with water to minimize its impact on the septic system.
What are the benefits of a septic tank?
Unlike traditional sewer systems that require costly connections to the municipal water line, a septic tank allows you to stay independent as a homeowner and take responsibility for your own waste treatment. This system cuts pollution by separating solid waste from wastewater, which reduces contamination of groundwater sources.
Septic tanks are cheaper to install and repair than other wastewater systems. They also cut costs by reducing wastewater fees from the local utility company. Additionally, septic tanks are environmentally friendly because they don’t send bacteria and solid waste into the environment.
The liquid wastewater that exits a septic tank is called effluent, and it contains nutrients for plants and wildlife. When the effluent reaches soil, microorganisms in the ground naturally filter and digest contaminants. This process significantly reduces the amount of sewage that enters lakes, rivers, and streams.
Having a septic tank reduces the risk of wastewater backflow into your home and yard, which can be a health hazard for you and your family. It also prevents toxic sludge from entering the groundwater supply.
A septic tank is a concrete or plastic storage tank that holds wastewater from the house’s toilets, baths, and kitchen drains. It is usually buried in the backyard, and it connects to your home’s plumbing through an inlet pipe and the septic drain field through a series of perforated pipes.
When wastewater flows into the septic tank, heavy solids sink to the bottom and form sludge while oils and other lighter materials float to the top and form scum. Bacteria decompose sludge and scum, so that the liquid wastewater can flow out of the tank through the outlet.
If the septic tank is not pumped regularly, solid waste will overflow into the drain field and cause clogs and backups. Regular septic tank pumping prevents this from happening, and it helps the system last longer.
A septic tank should be inspected, maintained, and drained to avoid problems. Generally, you will need to have the septic tank drained and sludge removed every few years. You can keep maintenance costs low by using biological additives that help the bacteria in the tank break down sludge and scum faster.
