How Your Septic Tank Works

Septic tanks are an important part of any home plumbing system. These large underground containers hold waste until they are pumped out.

As wastewater passes through the septic tank, heavier solids sink to the bottom and undergo bacterial digestion to form sludge. Oils and other lightweight materials float to the top of the liquid, known as scum. Visit Our Website to learn more.

Upon leaving the septic tank, wastewater flows into what is called an absorption field. The absorption field is a system of gravel trenches and pipes where the wastewater is biologically treated by the soil. This is a critical part of the on site sewage treatment system that ensures contaminant-free water discharge into the surrounding environment.

Wastewater exits the septic tank through inlet and outlet pipes that extend to the absorption field. These pipes must be constructed of acid-resistant concrete or cast iron and should be lined with baffles that are at least as thick as the sludge layer in the septic tank. Six-inch inspection pipes should be located above these baffles to check for clogs or excessive solids in the septic tank and absorption field.

The septic tank is a large, watertight container made of concrete or fiberglass. It is buried beneath ground and has a capacity for the total household sewage flow. It is designed to hold the sewage long enough for the heavier solids (coffee grounds, cooking fats, bones, high wet-strength paper towels and facial tissues) to settle down to the bottom and form sludge while the lighter organic solids such as oil and grease float to the top where they partially decompose and rise to the scum line. The tank also contains a T-shaped outlet and compartments to prevent the sludge from escaping into the drainfield area.

As the wastewater seeps into the soil, a process of percolation takes place that naturally filters and purifies the water by removing suspended solids and bacteria from the liquid. The microorganisms in the soil also break down any organic materials.

A septic tank/absorption field must be correctly sized and positioned for proper function. The septic tank should be inspected and the tank layers measured periodically to determine if it is time to pump out the septic tank. A septage waste transporter or septic tank pumper licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation can inspect, measure and pump out the septic tank as needed.

A septic tank/absorption system must be correctly sized for the soil conditions at the site. A septic tank/absorption systems that is oversize will cause excessive wastewater loading and may require an enlarged absorption field, while a system that is undersized can be overwhelmed by the volume of the wastewater and clog or fail.

Pump Tank

Whether your septic tank is underground or above ground, it’s usually a large concrete box that houses sewage from the toilets. The waste is pumped out into an area of the property called a drain field, where it undergoes a process of natural treatment. Having a septic system saves money on public sewer bills and allows people to live further away from cities.

A septic system works by separating wastewater into three layers. Scum rises to the top, solids sink to the bottom, and partially clarified liquid flows from an outlet pipe. Solids that are too heavy for bacterial digestion become sludge in the septic tank. Lighter masses, such as grease, oils, and lipids, float to the surface to create a scum layer.

Each time you flush your toilet, hydraulic pressure forces the septic tank’s sludge layer up into the scum layer, and the liquid waste flows down the septic tank’s drain. The septic tank’s inlet and outlet tees are located at the mid-level of the septic tank. A baffle wall, sometimes called a partition wall, separates the compartments of the tank and keeps sludge out of the inlet tee. The inlet and outlet tees also have inspection ports, but they should never be opened by anyone except a licensed septic tank pumper.

If you notice a foul smell near your septic tank or in the vicinity of your home, this may indicate a problem with the septic system. Sewage backups can happen when the septic tank is overflowing, or a clog in the ventilation system allows septic gases to escape. These gasses contain bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause disease and infection in humans and animals.

When a septic tank overflows, it usually means the float switch that controls the pump has broken. A septic tank pump company should be called to replace the switch and inspect the system for other problems. Before calling professionals to do this, consider the weather conditions. If it has been rainy, the drain field may be saturated and mud and debris could get into the pump tank, damaging the septic tank or its components.

Cleanouts

Throughout your home’s plumbing, wastewater travels to the septic tank. From there, microorganisms break down the sewage and other solid waste. Eventually, the weighty mass sinks to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer known as sludge. The lighter masses float above the sludge and form a scum layer. The scum layer contains fats, oils, and grease. This is why you should never pour these items down your drains, as they can block the inlet and cause a clog.

The inlet and outlet tees in your septic tank ensure that the scum and sludge layers remain separate from the liquid layer of the tank. This prevents the solids from reaching the absorption field, which can clog and reduce the efficiency of your system.

You should have your septic tank cleaned regularly to prevent problems like overflows and backups. A professional can perform a thorough inspection and pump the tank to ensure it is working properly. They can also identify and repair any problems before they become bigger issues.

A full tank means that the septic system can’t effectively separate wastewater from the water supply. Overflows and sewage backups are serious health risks for you, your family, and your pets. To avoid these issues, you should have your septic tank inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years.

Regular cleanings and a proper usage routine will keep your septic tank running smoothly for up to 30 years. However, it is important to be aware of the signs that your septic tank needs cleaning.

One of the most obvious signs is a gurgling sound when you flush your toilets. This occurs when air pockets form, preventing wastewater from flowing freely through the pipes. If you hear this noise, call a plumber right away to schedule septic tank cleaning.

Another sign that your septic tank is overdue for cleaning is standing water in your yard. This can be a result of septic tank corrosion or a damaged septic tank lid. Luckily, these issues are easy to fix with a little professional help. Keeping your septic tank clean is the best way to prolong its life and prevent costly repairs.

Maintenance

A septic tank is an alternative to city sewer systems for homes and small businesses that cannot connect to municipal sewage lines. The septic tank separates organic matter from wastewater by allowing solids to sink and bacteria to digest them while floatable materials like oils and grease are separated out into a scum layer. Wastewater from your home or business enters the septic tank through an inlet pipe. The septic tank then undergoes a settling process to separate out the sludge from the water. After a period of time, the liquid wastewater exits through an outlet pipe to the soil absorption field (drain field) in a network of perforated pipes that extend into the drainfield’s soil.

A septic system is a complex system that requires proper maintenance. A properly maintained septic tank will reduce the risk of sewage backup into your home and prolong the life of the drainfield. A septic tank-soil absorption system is most effective in rural areas where municipal sewer systems are not available.

When a septic tank is full, it becomes inefficient and may cause the drainfield to fail prematurely. A septic tank must be pumped regularly to prevent this from occurring. The frequency of tank pumping depends on the size of the septic tank and the number and types of appliances in your home. A garbage disposal, large number of pets or a commercial washing machine can increase the need for frequent tank pumping.

A septic tank is a dangerous place to work, so it’s important to use caution when working on or near one. To prevent hazardous gases from entering the house, make sure the tank is well ventilated before beginning any repairs or cleaning.

It’s also important to avoid flushing items that can clog or damage the septic tank and system. Cigarette butts, cotton swabs, paper towels, feminine hygiene products and condoms should never be disposed of in the toilet, as they will enter the septic tank and contribute to its clogs and overloading.

It’s best to keep trees and shrubs at least a few feet away from the septic tank and drainfield. Roots from these plants can penetrate and clog the drain field. A professional septic service can help determine the appropriate distance for planting.