Septic tanks hold wastewater from household plumbing connections for a settling process. Heavy solids sink to the bottom, where bacteria digest them into sludge. Lighter masses, such as fats, rise to the surface as a layer of scum.
Effluent leaves the septic tank through inlet and outlet tees. From there, it flows into a drainfield. Visit https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
A septic tank is an underground container made of concrete or heavy plastic that holds the wastewater that comes from your house’s toilets, tubs and sinks. The septic tank is watertight, and its bottom is buried in a bed of gravel several feet away from the house. From the septic tank, a series of pipes with perforated irrigation holes extend into a septic drain field in the ground beneath your home.
The septic tank works through a process known as digestion, in which bacteria break down the solid waste in your home’s sewage. The waste in your septic tank is separated into three layers. The heavier masses, such as grease, oils and lipids, sink to the lowest point of your tank’s contents to form a layer called sludge. The lighter masses, including the wastewater, rise to the top of your septic tank to create a scum layer. The septic tank’s lid contains a vent to release gases, including hydrogen sulfide (that stinky rotten egg smell), generated by the bacteria breaking down the wastewater.
Each time you flush your toilets, hydraulic pressure forces the wastewater through inlet tees and into the absorption field. Those same inlet and outlet tees keep the scum layer and sludge layer separate from your wastewater so that the solids do not find their way into your absorption field, where they could clog the pipes and cause sewage to back up into your home’s toilets and sinks.
When your septic tank is full, you’ll need to have it pumped out to prevent overflow. The best time to have your septic tank pumped is in the fall, before winter weather sets in.
A good rule of thumb is to have your septic tank emptied every three years, but this depends on how much you use your septic system and the size of the septic tank. If you have a large family or use your septic system more frequently, it may need to be pumped more often. If your septic tank isn’t emptied when needed, it can overflow into the surrounding ground and waterways, which could lead to toxic sewage infiltrating the environment and endangering drinking water supplies.
Sewage Treatment
Sewage treatment is a series of steps that break down organic waste and eliminate pathogens in wastewater. The process is usually divided into three stages: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary sewage treatment removes large solids and other contaminants from wastewater. Solids are broken down by mechanical means (by-pass grinders and pumps) or biologically by aerobic bacteria that require oxygen to decompose them. The resulting sludge and liquid effluent are separated from each other in a septic tank or a septic system septic field.
As sewage enters the septic tank, weighty masses like clay and sediment sink to the bottom of the tank. Lighter materials, such as grease and oils, rise to the top of the tank and form a layer of scum. A healthy population of anaerobic bacteria digest these substances in the septic tank, creating methane biogas and removing many harmful contaminants.
The liquid wastewater called effluent exits the septic tank through an outlet pipe. A baffle blocks sludge and scum from entering the drainfield and clogging the perforated pipes there. The inlet and outlet tees extend through the scum layer into the water to cause hydraulic pressure to force wastewater out of your home each time you flush a toilet or run a water faucet.
Once your septic tank discharges effluent into the drainfield, it is naturally filtered through rocks, dirt and sand. The natural environment further removes contaminants and pathogens from the wastewater.
If you want to reduce the stress on your septic system, avoid pouring household chemicals and toxic cleaners down your drain. Instead, use non-toxic laundry and dishwashing detergents, and take shorter showers to prevent overflow.
If your septic system does not work properly, bacteria from the effluent can seep into groundwater and surface waterways. The best way to keep bacteria from entering these areas is to ensure your septic system is inspected annually, and that it gets pumped as recommended. You can also help protect your septic system by keeping heavy loads of garbage and debris away from the tank, minimizing the need to transport it for disposal.
Pumping
In conventional septic systems, the septic tank is located underground. The wastewater flows from all household plumbing into the septic tank and is processed by bacteria. The solid waste from the septic tank that is not broken down by bacteria forms two layers in the septic tank: the top layer of oils and grease, commonly known as scum; and the bottom layer, called sludge. The septic tank also contains baffles which prevent the sludge and scum from exiting the tank into the absorption field or drain field area of your home. When the septic tank becomes full of sludge and scum, it is time to have it pumped.
The septic tank service provider will first measure the levels of sludge and scum in your septic tank to determine how much of each needs to be pumped out. A vacuum truck will then pump out the sludge and scum, leaving your septic tank empty. The septic tank service provider will then inspect the septic tank for any cracks or other damage that may need to be repaired.
Regular septic tank pumping will help extend the life of your septic system. It will also help prevent clogs and wastewater backups into your home. If your septic tank is not pumped when needed, the excess solid waste can enter your septic system, and overflow into the soil absorption field or leach field.
If the solid waste carries into the absorption field, it will eventually form a biomat which restricts the flow of wastewater to the soil. This can lead to a clogged or waterlogged drain field, which in turn will require expensive repair or replacement.
Getting your septic tank pumped will also eliminate odors from the house and yard. It will make the property more attractive and increase its value if you ever decide to sell.
In addition to having your septic tank pumped regularly, you can minimize the stress on your septic system by spreading out laundry loads and other tasks over several days rather than trying to do everything in one day. It is also important to use efficient showerheads and faucets in your home to limit the amount of water entering your septic system.
Maintenance
The bacteria in a septic tank help to break down sewage and other solid waste. They must be given a chance to do their work, though. The septic tank must also be pumped regularly to keep the top layer of scum and sludge from becoming too thick, which can then clog the absorption field. One sign that a septic tank is getting full is water backing up into a drain, such as a toilet. This is dangerous and needs to be addressed immediately by a professional.
Another way to prevent septic system problems is to eliminate wasteful water usage. This includes reducing the number of showers, toilet flushes and laundry loads. It is also helpful to fix leaky faucets and toilets and limit the use of garbage disposals, as food waste can fill the septic tank. It is wise to avoid dumping household chemicals or paints down the drain, as they can cause toxic buildup in the septic tank and the drain field.
It is also a good idea to map out your septic tank and system components, or mark them with permanent stakes. This helps you locate them and keeps you from damaging your system when doing yard work or home maintenance. It also makes it easier for potential future home buyers to see how well the septic system is maintained.
A septic system that is not properly maintained can result in the contamination of groundwater. This can lead to illness in humans, contaminate nearby bodies of water and even kill local wildlife. It can also lead to a decrease in the quality of water used for drinking, cooking and bathing.
Having the septic system inspected and pumped on a regular basis will help to keep it working properly and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacement parts. When you hire a septic service professional, it is important to choose someone who is licensed by your state’s environmental protection agency. Ask for references and check their reputation to ensure they are qualified and trustworthy. It is also a good idea to keep a record of septic tank inspections, pumpings, maintenance and repair contracts. This will be invaluable when you decide to sell your home, and will make the process go much more smoothly.