If you own a home or business with a gravity-based septic system, you most likely know that it contains a septic tank and a drain field. Yet these are only two the components in an efficient system, which treats and filters all the waste water from your building. Each part of the system works with the next, so understanding how they are connected can be helpful for maintenance and troubleshooting problems.
Sewer Lines
Starting at the building, the sewer lines are the first part of your septic system. These pipes carry your wastewater from the inside plumbing to the septic tank to begin treatment. These pipes can become cracked, clogged or broken, causing sewage spills into the ground or sewer backups into your home.
Septic Tank
Your septic tank is the large container where solid waste is separated from water, allowing the solids to break down in a pool of bacteria and other natural agents. The solids sink to the bottom of the tank while they’re decomposing while the grease rises to the top, with the water portion slowly being released out to the distribution box and drain field.
Distribution Box
Near the drain field, a distribution box made of plastic or cement receives the wastewater from the septic tank. This box is important part of ensuring that the wastewater is evenly distributed to the different pipes and trenches located in the drain field. It often contains a filter to keep large objects out of the drain field pipes.
Drain Field
The final stop for septic wastewater is the drain field. Underground pipes located in trenches release the wastewater into the ground, leeching or filtering it before it trickles down into the ground water below.
If you are concerned that you have a problem with any of your septic system components, call in your local septic professional for an inspection. Early intervention and repair can often prevent septic system failures.
Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686
