Bacteria break down organic waste in the septic tank and generate gases. These are released through a vent in the tank lid.
Heavy solids settle at the bottom of the septic tank to form sludge, while oils and grease float to the top to form scum. The liquid wastewater in the middle is called effluent. It flows out of the septic tank through perforated pipes into an absorption or leach field. Click Here to learn more.
All household waste flows through your pipes into the septic tank, where microorganisms break down organic solids. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge, and lighter waste materials such as oils and fats float on top as scum. Between these layers is a clear liquid layer known as effluent. The septic system relies on these microorganisms to process the wastewater, leaving it clean enough to pass through and be absorbed into the soil.
When septic tanks are full, they can clog, so limitingit’s what goes down the drains is important. This includes not flushing non-biodegradable wastes such as cigarette butts, cotton buds/swabs, and menstrual hygiene products down toilets. It’s also important to have your septic tank periodically pumped out. Getting your septic tank pumped will help to prevent waste buildup and reduce the risk of an overflow.
A septic tank provides “primary” treatment, separating the waste into three different layers based on their density. The sludge at the bottom of the tank is too dense to flow through and sits in the middle of the tank, while the scum at the top is too light to make it down into the middle layer. This allows the bacteria in the septic tank to more easily decompose and digest the sludge and scum, resulting in a clear liquid in the middle that is called “effluent.”
The septic system’s inlet baffle forces water down into the septic tank, helping the solids to settle and allowing the bacteria to perform their job. The septic tank is also aerated with an air compressor or blower to support the aerobic (oxygen-dependent) bacteria that further treat and break down suspended solids.
Once the septic tank’s biological treatment is complete, the wastewater flows through an outlet pipe to the absorption field, which may include a sand filter or gravel drainfield. In either case, the gravel and sand act as natural filters to purify the sewage before it is absorbed into the groundwater.
If the septic tank is discharging into a watercourse, it must be upgraded to a sewage treatment plant by January 1, 2020. It is also important to keep septic tanks, drainage fields, and surrounding areas free from recreational uses such as playgrounds or storage spaces. These activities can cause erosion and disrupt the bacterial processes that treat the wastewater.
Clogs
A septic tank that is overflowing or clogged can cause wastewater to back up into your home, which is not only unsightly but can also be a health and safety hazard. There are many different things that can lead to a septic tank drain pipe clog, but the most common issue is FOG waste (fats, oils and grease). This can solidify and cling to the walls of the pipes, restricting the flow of wastewater. Other causes include non-biodegradable waste that is flushed down toilets, such as cigarette butts, cotton buds/swabs, nappies, menstrual hygiene products and condoms. It is important to avoid these items and dispose of them with a waste disposal unit or at a landfill. Finally, a lack of bacteria in the septic tank can cause the drain lines to clog, as they will be overwhelmed with wastewater faster than they can process it. Keeping your septic tank bacteria topped up with a product like Muck Munchers can help to prevent this.
The inlet baffle to the tank can also become clogged, causing the toilets at your house to stop draining. This is usually caused by non-biodegradable waste being dumped down the toilet, so you can prevent this by only flushing human waste and toilet paper. This isn’t something that can be fixed with chemical cleaners, as the clog needs to be physically removed by a professional.
Problems can also arise from the line that leads from your home to the septic system, which is called the main sewer line. This is prone to clogs and external damage, including root invasion, pressure from heavy equipment and earthquakes. In older homes, this can be especially problematic because the main sewer line is often made of clay, which is extremely brittle and susceptible to damage. This can be avoided by having your septic tank pumped on a regular basis and having the main sewer line regularly inspected and repaired.
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your septic tank, as they can eat away at the good bacteria in your septic tank, causing them to disappear. Additionally, do not park cars or trucks on the septic tank or drainfield, as this can put excessive pressure on the system and cause damage.
Pumping
When you have a septic tank, there are things that must happen to help it work efficiently. One of the most important is having it pumped regularly. When this is done, solid waste, oils and grease and other debris are removed from the septic system so that wastewater can be easily and fully processed in the soil absorption field.
The process of pumping your septic tank begins when a company comes to your home with a large truck and a giant tank. The professional will hook a hose to the tank on their truck, and then the other end of that hose will go into your septic tank. They will then turn on the suction and begin to suck up the waste in your septic tank. This septic waste is then pumped into their truck and taken to a sewage processing site where it can be safely and properly handled.
Once the septic waste has been removed from your septic tank, the liquid that remains is known as effluent. This liquid then drains into your soil absorption field through a pipe that is bedded in gravel. The soil microbes in the drain field then finish the wastewater treatment by converting any remaining contaminants into harmless substances.
During the pumping process, the technician will also check on your septic tank and system components for any signs of damage or deterioration. They will also look at your septic tank’s baffles and dividing wall to make sure they are functioning as they should.
A good time to get a septic tank inspected is before you move into a new house. It’s a good idea to have it pumped before moving in as well, because this will give you an indication of the size and age of your tank and what condition it is in. This will help you avoid a surprise full septic tank and expensive repairs to your home’s plumbing and septic system.
It’s also a good idea to draw a diagram or map of where your septic tank is, along with its drainage pipes and your drinking water well. Keeping track of these locations will make it much easier for you to locate your septic tank and the drainfield later on, especially when you’re making an appointment with a septic tank pumping company.
Maintenance
Keeping up with your septic tank maintenance is the best way to prevent serious problems. This includes having it pumped regularly and using earth-friendly cleaners in the home. These cleaners should not contain bleach as this can kill the good bacteria in the septic system. It is also important to avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper, as this can clog the system. Other items that should not be flushed include hair, food, grease, paper towels, and other foreign objects.
Leaks are another problem that can affect a septic system. A septic tank with a leak can contaminate groundwater and cause health issues for humans and animals that come into contact with the sewage. The best way to spot a septic tank leak is by looking for wet spots around the drainfield area or noticing foul odors. If you notice any of these signs, call a septic professional to have the septic tank inspected immediately.
A septic tank should be located away from buildings, water sources, and other features that may interfere with drainage. It should also be easily accessible for pumping and inspections. The tank should also be protected from vehicles, people, and livestock that could crush or damage it.
The location of a septic tank can impact how often it needs to be pumped and the size of the drainfield it can treat. A tank that is too close to a building may need to be larger than one that is farther away.
Regular septic tank maintenance includes having it inspected and the sludge layer kept low. A septic tank should be inspected at least once per year, or every three years for residential systems.
When a septic tank is not inspected, the sludge layer can get too high and clog the septic tank outlet or the drainfield. This can cause wastewater to back up into the home, causing a major repair.
If you have a septic tank at your De Soto property, it is important to keep thorough maintenance records on file. These documents can be helpful if problems occur or when it comes time to sell the property. They can also help prospective buyers feel confident in the septic system and reduce their fears about the home’s drainage system.