If you are new to owning a home with a septic system or are considering buying a home with a septic tank, it is important you understand the basics of how a septic system works. Homes which are not connected to a public sewer system usually use a septic system to treat and dispose of waste water, which generally consists of three parts: septic tank, drainfield and soil. Each of these components is essential in the process.
Septic Tank
The main purpose of a septic tank is to separate out solid waste from the waste water, partially decompose the solids and store them for eventual removal. The remaining liquid, also called the effluent, is siphoned off to the drainfield by either gravity or pressure.
Drainfield
The drainfield is designed to treat the waste water through soil before it enters the below ground water. In most cases, a drainfield will contain a perforated pipe which brings the waste water from the septic tank and leaks the water through gravel into soil. The pipe is covered with backfill and needs to be protected from overhead weight.
Soil
The soil contains organisms which will absorb certain toxins before the water dissipates into the surrounding ground water. The soil needs to be of a consistency that allows the water to pass through, generally soil that is fairly dry and permeable works best. It should also contain oxygen for several feet below the drainfield. Clay soils can be too dense for water to pass through, while loose soil allows water to pass too quickly to be treated effectively.
Each of these components must be maintained for the septic system to work properly. If you are new to owning a septic system, start by calling a septic professional to schedule a septic tank inspection and to discuss regular septic system maintenance.
Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain
