Every day, wastewater flows into your septic tank. Heavy solid waste sinks to the bottom (forming a sludge layer), while lighter greases and oils float to the top (forming a scum layer).
The liquid portion of wastewater is then pumped into your drain field. Here, soil bacteria treat the effluent, reducing disease-causing germs and nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants before they reach groundwater. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!
A septic tank is an underground storage tank for sewage waste from homes that don’t have access to city sewer systems. It holds wastewater from toilets, kitchen and washing machines. It also treats fecal matter that would otherwise pollute the soil and freshwater bodies. These tanks are most commonly found in rural areas where people live away from the hustle and bustle of large cities. They are often built from concrete, cement, fiberglass or high-density polyethylene.
When wastewater enters a septic tank, bacteria in the tank start to break down some of it. The heavy solids settle at the bottom of the tank and form a layer known as sludge. Oils and grease float to the top of the tank and form another layer called scum. The liquid that remains is known as effluent. The septic tank should have an inlet baffle and outlet baffles to keep the sludge and scum from flowing out of the tank. If these materials were to flow out, they could clog the drain field and prevent it from functioning properly.
The inlet and outlet tees in your septic tank should be buried at least two feet below the surface of the ground. This will ensure that water from your house won’t re-enter the system and overload it. The inlet tee should also have a screen to block out large debris. The septic tank should have a lid and riser that allow you to access it for pumping and maintenance.
A septic system requires regular pumping to remove the waste and keep it from contaminating nearby water sources. If not maintained, the contaminated wastewater can seep into freshwater bodies and cause disease in humans and animals. It can also pollute drinking water wells and increase nitrogen and phosphorus levels in lakes, rivers and streams. This can lead to excessive algal blooms that use up oxygen in the water and harm fish and other aquatic life.
A septic tank is an essential part of any home that isn’t connected to a public sewer system. A well-maintained septic tank can provide many years of reliable service, but it is important to have your septic tank inspected periodically by a licensed professional and to have it pumped when needed.
How does a septic tank work?
When wastewater flows out of your home, it passes through a single main drainage pipe that leads underground to your septic tank. The septic tank is designed to hold this sewage long enough for solid waste to separate from it via a process called natural bacterial decomposition. Those solids that are heavier than water sink to the bottom and form sludge. The lighter substances, such as oils and greases, float to the top and form a layer of scum.
After a while, the microorganisms in your septic tank break down these substances into water and sludge. The liquid wastewater is then pumped out of your septic tank and into the drain field.
Septic tanks typically have baffle walls that divide the tank into multiple compartments. The number of compartments determines how much waste the septic system can handle at any given time. Those walls prevent the sludge and scum layers from leaving the tank and traveling into the absorption field area, where they could clog the pipes and reduce the efficiency of your septic system.
Once the septic tank is empty, bacteria in the soil then work to purify the effluent before it enters the groundwater supply. This is the primary function of septic systems. It is why septic tanks must be pumped periodically and why people should never throw solid waste, such as fats, rinds, and other garbage down the drains.
The septic tank pump also removes large debris from the septic tank, including things like tree roots. The smaller particles are then deposited into the drain field to help with its purification.
A septic tank’s drain field is a series of perforated pipes that are spread out across the soil. The bacteria in the drain field continue to filter out forms of nitrogen and phosphorous from the effluent that is unable to be broken down in the tank. This is why it is important to install septic tanks in soil that is not too sandy or clay, as these types of soil have poor bacterial activity. The drain field is often buried in a bed of washed gravel or crushed stone into which the perforated pipes are set.
What are the benefits of a septic tank?
The biggest benefit of a septic tank is that it saves money compared to paying fees to a sewer company. Also, a septic system can last a lifetime, especially when it is properly maintained and cared for.
A septic tank is a large, underground storage unit that holds the waste and wastewater from a household. It is usually made from concrete or fiberglass, and it is placed at the back or side of a property. When you flush a toilet or use a sink, the wastewater is directed through pipes into the septic tank. The wastewater is separated into several layers in the tank, with oil and grease floating to the top and solids sinking to the bottom. The septic tank contains bacteria that decompose the waste and clean the water before it is released into the environment.
Once the septic tank is full, it is pumped out. The liquid waste, called effluent, leaves the septic tank and flows into a drain field or leach field. The drainage field is a section of the soil where the bacteria continue to decompose the wastewater. It also helps filter the water that enters the groundwater supply.
Another benefit of a septic tank is the fact that it prevents sewage from polluting groundwater and surface water. However, if the septic tank is not properly maintained or cleaned, it can lead to contamination of groundwater and surface water. Also, the septic tank should not be located near the home, as this can cause problems with the plumbing and foundation.
Septic tanks should be inspected and pumped regularly. This is done to ensure that the septic system is working properly and to prevent the septic tank from becoming too full. Getting the septic tank pumped regularly can help prevent slow drains and clogs. When you hire a professional to pump out your septic tank, they will have the tools and equipment needed to empty it quickly and safely.
Lastly, septic tanks can increase the value of a property. Potential buyers may be more willing to purchase a house with a septic tank if it is well-maintained and if the homeowner has regular septic tank cleaning services performed. This can be a great way to increase the value of a home without having to spend a lot of money on renovations.
What are the disadvantages of a septic tank?
A septic system is an expensive alternative to the municipal sewage treatment, and it requires regular maintenance. It can also be more environmentally hazardous if it is improperly maintained or located in an unsuitable location. However, if properly maintained, septic tanks are a safe and affordable way to manage household wastewater.
Septic tank systems can be made from concrete or steel and are buried underground. They are designed to hold between 1,000 and 1,500 gallons of water. Wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines enters the septic tank through pipes. Inside the septic tank, the wastewater separates into three layers: solid waste at the bottom, scum on top, and liquid in the middle. The bacteria that live inside the septic tank break down these materials so that they can be absorbed into the soil.
The liquid waste, called effluent, leaves the septic tank through a pipe to the drain field or leach field. The wastewater flows into the soil, where it is absorbed into the groundwater and naturally treated by bacteria. The septic tank and the drain field act as a natural filter, cutting pollution and providing freshwater for local plants and wildlife.
Although septic tanks are durable, they do need to be pumped and cleaned periodically to prevent clogs. This can be very expensive, especially if there are multiple septic tanks in the same home. If a septic tank is not pumped on time, it can overflow and leak sewage into the environment or home.
It is important to only flush items that are septic-safe, such as toilet paper and biodegradable cleaning products. Items that are not septic-safe, such as tampons, sanitary products, paint, grease, oil, and hair can cause clogs and blockages in the septic tank, septic lines, and leach field. These clogs can lead to toxic and unpleasant odors, as well as sewage seeping back into the home through toilets and drains.
When shopping for a home with a septic tank, buyers should be sure to request that the septic tank and leach field be inspected before making an offer. A septic inspection is usually part of a general home inspection, and it can help protect the homebuyer from costly repairs down the road. A septic tank inspection will reveal the condition of the septic tank and the leach field, as well as any other problems with the wastewater system. Having this information will allow the homebuyer to negotiate with the seller on price and other terms.
