Bacteria in a septic tank digest and degrade wastes. If you flush items too large to be broken down or things that kill bacteria, such as bleach, disinfecting cleaners, and antibacterial soaps, your system may not work properly.
All wastewater flows into the septic tank, where it separates into three layers; solid, scum, and effluent. From here, it enters a drain field. Click the https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
A septic tank is an underground storage container for sewage waste that serves homes that are not connected to city sewer systems. All water that is drained from toilets, showers, sinks, dishwasher and laundry machines flows into the septic system. The septic system collects all of this wastewater and provides basic sanitation and some degree of wastewater treatment before it is discharged into the soil absorption field (also known as a drain field).
The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that is usually made of concrete or polyethylene. It is sized to match the number of people who use the septic system and may have one or two compartments. The septic tank works by allowing the wastewater to undergo a settling process, with solid waste sinking to the bottom forming sludge and oil and grease floating on top as scum. A series of compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the scum and sludge from leaving the septic tank with the liquid wastewater, which is called effluent. The partially clarified effluent is then drained into the drain field or leach field, where it is dispersed into the soil.
In the drain field, the septic system’s bacteria work to break down and digest contaminants from the wastewater before it is absorbed into the groundwater. As a result, this water is much cleaner than what would otherwise flow into the groundwater, which helps to protect the environment and prevent contamination of local freshwater resources.
Septic tanks are designed to be as low-maintenance as possible, with most homeowners needing only periodic septic tank pumping by a company that offers septic tank services. However, some homeowners choose to add chemical-based septic tank treatments that are claimed to restore the bacterial balance in their septic tank. These products are typically sold at home improvement stores and are often recommended by plumbing contractors. However, septic tank treatments are not scientifically tested and can have an adverse effect on the natural bacteria that help to keep a septic system working effectively.
It is important to have your septic tank inspected regularly by a professional to ensure that it is in good working condition and not leaking or clogging. In addition, it is recommended that you have your septic tank drained periodically to remove the sludge from the tank and dispose of it properly.
How does a septic tank work?
A septic tank is part of a waste removal system for homes that are not connected to a municipal sewer line. This buried container, most often made of concrete but also of fiberglass and polyethylene, is a large storage bin that traps sewage, solid waste, and some liquids. It works in conjunction with a drain field and a series of pipes to remove wastewater and return it to the soil.
Solid waste, such as human and animal waste and kitchen scraps, enters the septic tank through plumbing connections in the home. The weight of these items causes them to sink and settle in the septic tank, where helpful bacteria decompose them into a slimy substance known as sludge. Oils and grease float in the top layer, which is known as scum. Liquid wastewater, called effluent, sits between the scum and sludge layers. It exits the septic tank through a pipe that leads to your septic system’s drain field.
The drain field is a shallow area of uncovered, gravel-filled soil where the septic system’s effluent is slowly seeped into the ground. This natural filtering process removes disease-causing organisms, organic material, and most nutrients (except nitrogen and some salts) from the water as it seeps into the soil. The remaining purified water returns to ground water or evaporates into the air through evaporation and transpiration.
The septic tank requires regular maintenance to function properly. The tank should be pumped out periodically to reduce the amount of solid waste that builds up and clogs the tank and the drain lines leading to it. Your septic inspector can recommend how frequently you should have your septic tank pumped. Keeping up with this routine maintenance helps you keep your septic system running smoothly and safely.
What are the different types of septic systems?
Septic systems are used to treat wastewater in residential areas where there is no connection to municipal sewer plumbing. The system uses a combination of natural and technological processes to separate solid waste from household wastewater and safely disperse the clean water into the groundwater supply. Various factors determine if a property needs a septic tank system including zoning laws, the cost to connect to the sewer system and the physical location and distance of the home from the public sewer line.
The septic tank is an underground, watertight container that holds your household sewage and waste. It consists of multiple compartments where solid waste settles to the bottom, organic matter is broken down by anaerobic bacteria, and liquids are separated from the sludge. The septic tank also has a baffle wall that directs wastewater to the drain field while keeping the sludge and scum away from the outlet pipe, preventing clogs and overflows.
A traditional system consists of a septic tank and drain field. The septic tank separates the solids and wastewater, sending the sludge to a drain field or leach field, where it is further treated by naturally occurring microorganisms in the soil. The wastewater is filtered through perforated pipes in a trench of gravel or stone. This allows the water to seep slowly through the soil, allowing it to absorb and treat any viruses, nutrients and harmful coliform bacteria that may still be in the effluent.
This is the most common septic system among homeowners because it is inexpensive and simple to install. It requires little maintenance other than septic tank pump-outs on a regular basis.
A mound or alternative system is designed for situations where there is not enough appropriate soil for a conventional septic system to work. This system allows wastewater to seep into the soil through a sand filter or mound. This prevents groundwater contamination and is a good option for septic systems in hilly or sandy areas.
An aerobic septic system replaces the septic tank with an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). The ATU adds oxygen into the septic tank, increasing the activity of bacteria and speeding up waste breakdown. This translates to less sludge and faster liquid wastewater flow into the leach field.
How do I maintain my septic system?
Whether you flush it down the toilet, grind it in your garbage disposal, or pour it into a drain, everything that enters your home’s plumbing system ends up in your septic tank. What goes into the septic tank affects how well your system works, and the condition of your soil and waterways.
A septic tank contains microorganisms that break down household waste. There are many unnatural products that kill these organisms and interfere with their function. It is important to avoid these chemicals, as much as possible. Some unnatural chemicals include bleach and harsh drain openers.
Regularly inspecting your septic tank and keeping accurate maintenance records helps prevent problems and save money. Generally, a septic tank needs to be pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and number of people living in the house.
It is also important to protect the area around the septic tank. Do not use this space for a deck, pool, hot tub or other structures. The ground above the septic system should be covered in grass, and no vehicles should ever drive over it or build on it.
If you notice pools of wastewater in your yard, it is a sign that the septic tank needs to be pumped. If left to accumulate, scum and gunk could flow into the drain field, clogging it. In addition, excess nutrients can be carried into nearby drinking water wells and local waterways. These excess nutrients promote the growth of algae, which robs water bodies of oxygen and can cause diseases in fish and other wildlife.
A well-maintained septic system also protects your family’s health. Contaminated wastewater can lead to diarrheal illnesses, such as typhoid fever, hepatitis and dysentery. Moreover, nitrates and phosphates from failing septic systems can lead to blue baby syndrome, in which newborn babies cannot receive enough oxygen through their bloodstreams.
A septic system can be an excellent choice for your home, especially if you are in a rural area where sewers are not available or impractical to install. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for decades.