How a Septic Tank Works

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Your sewer septic system and tank does not need to be a mystery!

Your septic tank works by allowing waste water to be treated in your yard, basically.  Bacteria work to digest and decompose the solid materials.  Raw sewage never is disposed of in your yard.

In the septic tank itself, chambers are present.  These chambers are where the solids are separated from the waste water.  This solid waste is eaten and broken down by the bacteria, making it take up less space.  Because the solids are compacted, they become heavier and settle to the bottom of the tank.  Any solid material that can not be broken down must be removed from the tank.  If you flush baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, cat litter, or other non-human waste into your septic tank, you will need more frequent septic tank pumping. 

Waste water remains at the top of the septic tank, and is eventually distributed out via the drain lines to the leach field or drain field.  This is treated sewage, and is no cause for concern.  However, the area around your septic tank and leach field should never be ‘wet’ or have standing water.  If it does, you should call a local sewer septic professional for immediate inspection.

It is important that you know where your septic tank is located.  Generally, properly installed and operational sewer septic systems require little to no maintenance except for periodic pumping.  Prices for pumping will vary depending on the size of the tank, and the location of your tank.

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