Septic Tank 101: Understanding What Your Septic Tank Does

The novice septic system owne may think of their septic tank as the actual system that cleans their wastewater, but it’s just one component of an entire process which works tirelessly to clean and remove the waste from the home. To care for your septic system properly, it helps to understand the different components involved, including the septic tank.

Septic Tank Specifications

The septic tank is the large receptacle where the process of treating wastewater from your home begins. Tank size varies depending on the size of the home, with the standard size at approximately 1000 gallons. Considering the tank must handle up to 350 gallons per person, per day, the size of tank needed depends on how many people live in your home. Tanks can have either one or two compartments, although single compartments are becoming more popular.

The function of the septic tank is to store waste while it decomposes, releasing effluent to be further filtered in the drain field. The solids in the wastewater sink to the bottom of the tank, separating the effluent from the solids. Bacteria, yeast and fungi naturally occur in the tank to breakdown the solids, dissolving 50% or more of the solids in the tank. The solids which are left behind accumulate until the tank needs to be pumped by a septic professional, usually every 2-3 years.

If the tank is sized correctly for the home and precautions are taken to keep harmful items out of the system, very little maintenance is required to allow the tank to perform. Annual inspections and pumping when needed can keep a septic tank functioning for many years with little other maintenance necessary.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

Different Types of Septic Tanks

Who knew that there are different types of septic tanks?  Well, probably the people who install septic tanks or work with such tanks on a daily basis.  However, for the typical customer, the idea that different types of septic tanks exist may be news!  Within cities, public sewer systems are usually in place.  However, there are areas where public sewer systems do not exist and in such places, septic systems are installed to properly dispose of household waste water.

If you need a new septic system installed, you will also need to consider the different types of septic tanks which include concrete, plastic, and fiberglass  Pre-cast concrete septic tanks are the most popular options.  These generally last a long time unless the tank is made with inferior quality concrete.  Cheaply made septic tanks can deteriorate over time and begin leaking.  Your only option is to replace the leaky tank.

In addition to concrete septic tanks there are plastic and fiberglass tanks.   In addition to lower cost, the main advantage of these types of tanks is their light weight.  If the area where the tank is to be installed is difficult to reach, then these tanks make installation much easier.  Fiberglass and plastic septic tanks are much easier to lift and carry to the work site.  The downside of fiberglass or plastic tanks is that they are more prone to popping out of the ground when the water table is high and the tank is empty.  In addition, some local building codes prohibit plastic  or fiberglass tanks so  be sure to check your local ordinances before you buy a plastic or fiberglass water tank.