The Anatomy of the Septic System

Septic systems are typically used by households without access to municipal sewers to treat and dispose of their waste. Septic systems require a large monetary investment. A well-designed, installed, and maintained system will deliver years of dependable, affordable service if properly maintained. A failed system can result in property damage, ground and surface water contamination (including contaminated well water for both you and your neighbours), and disease outbreaks. You may need to repair your septic system once it stops working properly, which can cost you thousands of dollars. In addition, your septic system needs to be in good operating order if you plan to sell your house. Consequently, it makes sense to comprehend and maintain your septic system.

If you're like most homeowners, you know that your septic system is responsible for handling all of the wastewater from your house. But what exactly does that involve? What's in a septic system, and what does it do? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the anatomy of a septic system. We'll discuss what each component does, and we'll also talk about how to maintain your system, if you need septic tank cleaners, so that it continues to function properly. So if you're curious about your septic system, keep reading! We have all the information you need right here.

What is a Septic Tank?

Domestic wastewater (sewage) runs through septic tanks, which are subterranean chambers composed of concrete, fibreglass, or plastic. Anaerobic and settling processes reduce sediments and organics, although the degree of treatment effectiveness is relatively moderate. A simple onsite sewage facility is one that uses septic tank systems (OSSF). They can be used in places that are not serviced by a sewerage system, like rural areas.

Commonly, septic drain fields are used to dispose of the treated liquid effluent because they offer additional treatment. Nevertheless, groundwater pollution is a possibility and a potential issue. The anaerobic bacterial environment that forms in the tank and decomposes or mineralizes the waste that is discharged into it is referred to as a "septic" system. Other onsite wastewater treatment technologies, such as biofilters or aerobic systems with artificially forced aeration, can be used in conjunction with septic tanks. Sludge, also known as septage or faecal sludge, accumulates at a pace that is greater than its rate of decomposition. As a result, it is necessary to periodically clear the accumulated faecal sludge, which is often done with a vacuum truck.

Construction of Septic Tanks

A septic tank is made up of one or more tanks made of concrete or plastic that are between 4000 and 7500 litres (1,000 and 2,000 gallons) in capacity. One end of the tank is attached to a wastewater inflow pipe, and the other to a septic drain field. The majority of the time, these pipe connections are done with a T pipe, which allows liquid to enter and exit without disturbing any surface crust. These days, the tank's design often has two chambers that are each supplied with an access opening and cover and divided by a separating wall that has openings that are roughly halfway between the tank's floor and ceiling.

Solids can settle and scum can float as a result of the wastewater entering the tank's first chamber. The volume of solids is decreased by anaerobic digestion of the settling solids. The liquid component enters the second chamber through the dividing wall, where more settlement occurs. The surplus liquid, which is now largely clear, subsequently drains from the outlet into the septic drain field, which may also be known locally as a leach field, drain field, or seepage field. A percolation test must be performed to make sure the soil has enough porosity to function as a drain field.

The excess water is removed through evaporation, percolation into the soil, uptake through plant roots and eventual transpiration, or by entering groundwater or surface water. The residual contaminants are contained and absorbed in the soil. The wastewater is dispersed over the field using a piping network with numerous drainage holes that are frequently installed in a stone-filled trench (see weeping tile). The porosity of the drainage field is inversely related to the size of the drain field, which is proportional to the amount of wastewater.

In cases when topographic factors call for it, a lift pump may also be used to help the complete septic system run by gravity. The volume and speed of the outflow to the drainage field can be increased with the use of syphons or other devices in certain septic tank designs. Avoiding early clogging or bio-clogging, contribute to more equal drainage pipe filling and longer drainage field life. A two-stage septic system called an Imhoff tank has a separate tank for the digestion of sludge. This keeps incoming sewage and digested sludge apart. Aerated effluent from the anaerobic first stage of some septic tank designs also drains into the seepage field in a second stage in some septic tank designs.

The Function of a Septic Tank

The septic tank is a subterranean, watertight container that is often constructed out of concrete, fibreglass, or polythene. Its purpose is to keep the sewage in place for a long enough period of time so that the particles may form sludge and the oil and grease can float to the top as scum. Sludge and scum are removed from the tank on a regular basis by "pumping," which helps to maintain a septic system in peak condition. Septic systems can last for decades or fail in a few years, depending on their design and installation. As long as you know how septic tanks operate, the decision is yours.

It doesn't cost much to maintain healthy septic systems, but you might easily spend tens of thousands of dollars to remove and replace one that has completely collapsed. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the adage goes. Understanding septic tank operation is crucial. Understanding a septic system's operation and potential points of failure is the first step in doing good maintenance. Let's delve under the surface to see what a healthy septic system is meant to accomplish. I'll then demonstrate why things go wrong and offer you some advice for maintaining the health of your system.

Maintaining Your Septic System

It's difficult to generalise how frequently a certain septic tank needs to be pumped because each one is individually sized based on the residence and local codes. However, depending on its size, the number of occupants, and their habits, it is best practise to have septic tank experts evaluate it every three years or sooner and pump it out every five years or fewer. Have a septic system in the house you recently bought checked by a pro as soon as possible.

A septic tank can work smoothly and without problems for at least forty years when it is routinely serviced and maintained. But if you neglect it, ultimately you can encounter sewage backups in your home, either above ground or in groundwater supplies, which are risky and expensive to remedy. The entire septic tank will typically need to be replaced when the hazardous sewage is removed, which can cost upwards of $10,000. There are other septic tank treatment products, like Rid-X, that may be flushed down toilets to aid in the decomposition of the stuff in your septic tank.

Before making a purchase, make sure to read the labels on all products to ensure that you are aware of how they operate and any potential risks from improper use. When in doubt, ask your plumber for advice on the best product to use and how to perform routine maintenance on it. It's crucial to keep in mind that everything flushed down your toilet, shower, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher, and garbage disposal enters your septic tank when you have a septic tank system. Use caution and be mindful of everything you flush down your drains.

Contrary to what many people believe, if you have rental properties or are concerned about solid objects being flushed down your drains or toilet. Since everything is reduced to such a fine slurry by a grinder pump, solids cannot be distinguished from liquids and wind up in the secondary system, so we still do not advise purchasing one (a bad thing). However, if you want specific guidance on your application, make sure to speak with a qualified plumber.

Final Verdict