There are three main components to your septic system: the septic tank, the distribution box and the drain field. Most homeowners are aware of and familiar with the function of the septic tank and the drain field; not all recognize the middle component to the system – the distribution box.
As critical as the septic tank and the drain field are to the proper function of your septic system, the distribution box is just as important. It is also the component that is most likely to fail.
The distribution box is truly the middleman in a conventional septic system. The wastewater and solid wastes from a residence flow first into the septic tank. It is in the tank the solids and effluent separate. It is also in the tank that the decomposition process begins to breakdown the solid waste.
The distribution box is located in between the septic tank and the drain field. It is positioned a bit lower than the tank but higher than the drain field. This sloped configuration allows the natural force of gravity to drain the effluent waste from the tank to the distribution box and then from the distribution box to the drain field.
Pipes that run through the trenches of the drain field have their originating point at the distribution box. The box also contains a float system that keeps the flow into the various drain field trenches evenly distributed. Distribution boxes can be made of sturdy plastic or from concrete. Just like the septic tank, the distribution box will have an access cover that is buried beneath the earth’s surface to allow maintenance should it be required.
