How a Septic Tank Works

October 4th, 2010 Posted in Drain Field, Septic Tanks
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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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How a Septic Tank Works

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Septic Tanks
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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.

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