Septic systems are often fall into the category of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. The septic tank is the first part of your sewage system, and is essential for a well functioning, efficient septic sewer system. The septic tank is an amazingly simple piece of equipment that can cause complex problems if not treated properly.
When raw sewage leaves the house (after a toilet flush), the product is separated in the septic tank. Solids are separated from the liquids, with the solids remaining in the septic tank. The liquid that is removed and leaves the septic tank is called ‘effluent’.
A well functioning septic tank is water tight. Leaks and cracks are dangerous to the septic tank itself, and can pose a serious problem for the home-owner. If ten gallons of sewage enter from a toilet flush, ten gallons of effluent must flow out of the tank.
Bacteria live in the septic tank. These bacteria are considered anaerobic, as they do not use oxygen. The bacteria work to break down the solid waste products. By-products from the work of the bacteria results in methane and other gases. We all know that methane can produce odors, but the septic system itself should be odor free. In fact, odors coming from your septic tank often indicate that a crack or leak has developed in the tank.
The tank is best described as a ‘settling’ tank. The settling that is occurring is because of the bacteria. As the bacteria work, the solids are broken down and become smaller in size and volume. It is impossible for the waste products to be broken down to zero, though, and that is why a residue always remains in the septic tank itself When the residuals from the break down become too great, it is time to have the septic tank pumped. This is generally every two to five years, depending on your climate and usage.
