- A septic tank is an underwater sedimentation tank used for waste water treatment through the process of biological decomposition and drainage. A septic tank makes use of natural processes proven technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains,and laundry.
What are the processes involved in septic tank?
Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum (see illustration above). The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field.
How does septic tank system work?
How does a septic tank work? Septic tanks, whether they are single or multi-chambered, utilise the simple process of gravity to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste that flows into it from your property. The lighter solids in the waste, along with oil and grease, float to the surface and form a “scum” layer.
What happens to sewage in septic tank?
The inlet pipe collects the water waste in the septic tank, long enough that the solid and liquid waste is separated from each other. Inside the tank bacteria from the wastewater breaks down the solid waste. These bacteria decompose the solid waste rapidly allowing the liquids to separate and drain away more easily.
Is a septic tank anaerobic?
Anaerobic septic systems involve the use of bacteria that don’t require oxygen to live. In an anaerobic system, you’ve got a septic tank with two main pipes. Inside the septic tank, solid waste settles and is eaten by the anaerobic bacteria. Liquid waste floats to the top.
Does shower water go into septic tank?
From your house to the tank: Most, but not all, septic systems operate via gravity to the septic tank. Each time a toilet is flushed, water is turned on or you take a shower, the water and waste flows via gravity through the plumbing system in your house and ends up in the septic tank.
What are the 3 types of septic systems?
Types of Septic Systems
- Septic Tank.
- Conventional System.
- Chamber System.
- Drip Distribution System.
- Aerobic Treatment Unit.
- Mound Systems.
- Recirculating Sand Filter System.
- Evapotranspiration System.
How do you tell if your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
Why is it called a septic tank?
The term “septic” refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank that decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank. The rate of accumulation of sludge—also called septage or fecal sludge—is faster than the rate of decomposition.
Where does poop go after septic tank?
After the waste is filtered, it moves into a sand container, where sand, ashes, and gravel settle at the bottom of the container. The gravity pull allows sewage to run through the pipes of each structure and sends the waste material to a sewer line that flows into larger vessels to the sewage treatment plant.
What happens if you never pump your septic tank?
What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.
How do they empty a septic tank?
Generally, commercial septic pumping involves a pump truck removing the sludge, effluent and scum in the tank and leaving the tank empty and ready to be filled again. Once the waste is removed, there are only so many things that can be done with it.
What is inside a septic tank?
The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. The liquid wastewater (effluent) then exits the tank into the drainfield.
Does a septic tank need oxygen?
Aerobic bacteria need oxygen to survive. It’s this bacteria you will normally find in home septic tank systems. They don’t need oxygen, which means they tend to be better at breaking down unnatural substances.
What is an ATU septic system?
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are similar to standard septic systems in that they use natural processes to treat wastewater. But unlike conventional systems, ATUs also use oxygen to break down organic matter, much the same as municipal wastewater treatment systems, but in a scaled-down version.
How Your Septic System Works
Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.
Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.
Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:
- All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.
Do you have a septic system?
Check out the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system operates to learn more.
- You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system
How to find your septic system
You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:
- Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
- Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
- Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it
Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!
A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:
- Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
- It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
- A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Mr. Fix-It-Up-For-The-Family You may save a lot of money if you understand how a sewage treatment system works—and what can go wrong—so that you can handle your own septic system maintenance.
How does a septic tank work?
Pumping the tank on a regular basis eliminates sludge and scum, which helps to keep a septic system in good working order. It is possible for a well-designed and well built septic system to last for decades, or it might collapse in a matter of years. It is entirely up to you as long as you can answer the question of how do septic tanks function. Healthy septic systems are very inexpensive to maintain, but digging up and replacing a septic system that has completely collapsed may easily cost tens of thousands in labor and material costs.
It’s critical to understand how a septic tank works in order to maintain one.
Let’s take a look below ground and observe what happens in a properly operating septic system, shall we? After that, I’ll explain why things go wrong and offer you some tips on how to keep your system in peak operating condition.
Understand that a septic system is a cafeteria for bacteria
Bacteria are responsible for the proper operation of a septic system. They decompose garbage, resulting in water that is clean enough to safely trickle down into the earth’s surface. The entire system is set up to keep bacteria healthy and busy at all times. Some of them reside in the tank, but the majority of them are found in the drain field. 1. The septic tank is the final destination for all waste. 2. The majority of the tank is filled with watery waste, referred to as “effluent.” Anaerobic bacteria begin to break down the organic matter in the effluent as soon as it enters the system.
- A layer of sludge settles to the bottom of the container.
- Scum is mostly constituted of fats, greases, and oils, among other substances.
- Grease and oils float to the surface of the water.
- (5) A filter stops the majority of particles from reaching the exit pipe.
- The effluent is discharged into the drain field.
- Effluent is allowed to leak into the surrounding gravel because of holes in the drain septic field pipe.
- The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt.
- Potable water seeps into the groundwater and aquifer system from the surface.
Septic Tank Clean Out: Don’t abuse the system
Septic systems that have been correctly planned and constructed require just occasional ‘pumping’ to remove the sludge and scum that has built up inside the tank. However, if you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you may unintentionally hurt or even destroy the system.
- Drains are used to dispose of waste that decomposes slowly (or not at all). Cigarette butts, diapers, and coffee grounds are all known to cause issues. Garbage disposers, if utilized excessively, can introduce an excessive amount of solid waste into the system. Lint from synthetic fibers is emitted from washing machine lint traps. This substance is not degraded by bacteria in the tank and drain septic field. Bacteria are killed by chemicals found in the home, such as disinfecting cleansers and antibacterial soaps. The majority of systems are capable of withstanding limited usage of these goods, but the less you use them, the better. When a large amount of wastewater is produced in a short period of time, the tank is flushed away too quickly. When there is too much sludge, bacteria’s capacity to break down waste is reduced. Sludge can also overflow into the drain field if there is too much of it. Sludge or scum obstructs the flow of water via a pipe. It is possible for tree and shrub roots to obstruct and cause harm to a drain field. Compacted soil and gravel prevent wastewater from seeping into the ground and deprive germs of oxygen. Most of the time, this is caused by vehicles driving or parking on the drain field.
Get your tank pumped…
Your tank must be emptied on a regular basis by a professional. Pumping eliminates the accumulation of sludge and scum that has accumulated in the tank, which has caused the bacterial action to be slowed. If you have a large tank, it may be necessary to pump it once a year; but, depending on the size of your tank and the quantity of waste you send through the system, you may go two or three years between pumpings. Inquire with your inspector about an approximate guideline for how frequently your tank should be pumped.
…but don’t hire a pumper until you need it
Inspections and pumping should be performed on a regular basis. However, if you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you may verify the sludge level yourself with a gadget known as The Sludge Judge. It ranges in price from $100 to $125 and is commonly accessible on the internet. Once you’ve verified that your tank is one-third full with sludge, you should contact a professional to come out and pump it out completely.
Install an effluent filter in your septic system
Inspections and pumping should be performed on an ongoing basis. The Sludge Judge is a device that allows you to examine the level of sludge in your own home if you are not afraid of heights.
There are several internet retailers who sell it for $100 to $125. In the event that you discover that your tank is one-third full of sludge, contact a contractor to come pump it out for you.
Septic tank filter close-up
The septic tank filter is responsible for capturing suspended particles that may otherwise block the drain field pipes. Obtain an effluent filter for your tank from your contractor and place it on the outflow pipe of your tank. (It will most likely cost between $50 and $100, plus labor.) This device, which helps to prevent sediments from entering the drain field, will need to be cleaned out on a regular basis by a contractor to maintain its effectiveness.
Solution for a clogged septic system
If your septic system becomes clogged and you find yourself having to clean the filter on a regular basis, you might be tempted to simply remove the filter altogether. Hold on to it. Solids, wastewater, and scum are separated into three levels in septic tanks, which allows them to function properly (see illustration above). Solids sink to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. The scum, which is made up of trash that is lighter than water, rises to the surface. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.
- Keep the effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.
- Waste particles might flow through the filter and clog the perforated pipes if the filter is not used.
- Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.
- A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.
- A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.
- Plastic items, disposable diapers, paper towels, nonbiodegradable goods, and tobacco products will clog the system if they are flushed through it.
- More information on removing lint from your laundry may be found here.
Get an inspection
Following a comprehensive first check performed by an expert, regular inspections will cost less than $100 each inspection for the next year. Your professional will be able to inform you how often you should get your system inspected as well as how a septic tank functions. As straightforward as a septic system appears, determining its overall condition necessitates the services of a professional. There are a plethora of contractors who would gladly pump the sludge out of your tank, but many, in my experience, are unable to explain how a septic system works or how it should be maintained.
A certification scheme for septic contractors has been established in certain states; check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office to see whether yours is one of them.
Also, a qualified inspector will be able to tell you whether or not your tank is large enough to accommodate your household’s needs, as well as the maximum amount of water that can be passed through it in a single day.
You may be able to boost the performance of your system by using a product such as RID-X to introduce bacteria into the system. As you learn more about how a septic tank works, your professional should be able to tell you whether or not your system will benefit from this treatment.
Alternatives to a new drain field
If an examination or a sewage backup indicate that your drain field is in need of replacement, the only option is to replace it completely. As a result, it’s important to talk with a contractor about other possibilities before proceeding with the project.
- Pipes should be cleaned. A rotating pressure washer, used by a contractor, may be used to clean out the drain septic field pipes. The cost of “jetting” the pipes is generally around $200. Chemicals should be used to clean the system. A commercial solution (not a home-made one) that enhances the quantity of oxygen in the drain field should be discussed with your contractor before installing your new system. Septic-Scrub is a product that I suggest. A normal treatment will cost between $500 and $1,000. Make the soil more pliable. The practice of “terra-lifting,” which involves pumping high-pressure air into several spots surrounding the drain field, is authorized in some regions. Some contractors use it to shatter compacted dirt around the pipes. Depending on the circumstances, this might cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000 or more.
Protect your drain septic field from lint
When this device is in place, it inhibits lint from entering the system, especially synthetic fibers that bacteria are unable to digest. One of these filters, which I’ve designed and termed theSeptic Protector, was invented by me. An additional filter is included in the price of around $150 plus delivery. Learn more about how to filter out laundry lint in this article.
Don’t overload the septic system
Reduce the amount of water you use. The volume of water that flows into your tank, particularly over a short period of time, can be reduced to avoid untreated waste from being flushed into your drain field. Replace outdated toilets with low-flow ones, install low-flow showerheads, and, perhaps most importantly, wash laundry throughout the week rather than just on Saturday mornings to save water.
Meet the Expert
Septic systems, according to Jim vonMeier, are the solution to America’s water deficit because they supply cleaned water to depleted aquifers, according to vonMeier. He travels the country lobbying for septic systems, giving lectures, and giving testimony. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him by email.
Septic Tank Everything that goes down any of the drains in the house
|Septic TankEverything that goes down any of the drains in the house (toilets, showers, sinks, laundry machines) travels first to the septic tank. The septic tank is a large-volume, watertight tank which provides initial treatment of the household wastewater by intercepting solids and settleable organic matterbefore disposal of the wastewater (effluent) to the drainfield.Function of the Septic TankHow Long Liquids Must Remain In TankSolids StorageAnaerobic DecompositionFlow Into And Out Of The TankEffluent FilterFlow BufferingMicrobes in Septic Tanks Digest, Dissolve, and Gasify Complex Organic Wastes.FUNCTION OF THE SEPTIC TANK While relatively simple in construction and operation, the septic tank provides a number of important functions through a complex interaction of physical and biological processes. The essential functions of the septic tank are to: receive all wastewater from the house separate solids from the wastewater flow cause reduction and decomposition of accumulated solids provide storage for the separated solids (sludge and scum) pass the clarified wastewater (effluent) out to the drain field for final treatment and disposal.Primary TreatmentAs stated, the main function of the septic tank is to remove solids from thewastewater and provide a clarified effluent for disposal to the drain field.The septic tank provides a relatively quiescent body of water where thewastewater is retained long enough to let the solids separate by bothsettling and flotation. This process is often called primary treatment andresults in three products: scum, sludge, and effluent.Scum: Substances lighter than water (oil, grease, fats) float to the top,where they form a scum layer. This scum layer floats on top of the watersurface in the tank. Aerobic bacteria work at digesting floating solids.Sludge: The “sinkable” solids (soil, grit, bones, unconsumed food particles)settle to the bottom of the tank and form a sludge layer. The sludge isdenser than water and fluid in nature, so it forms a flat layer along thetank bottom. Underwater anaerobic bacteria consume organic materials in thesludge, giving off gases in the process and then, as they die off, becomepart of the sludge.Effluent: Effluent is the clarified wastewater left over after the scum hasfloated to the top and the sludge has settled to the bottom. It is theclarified liquid between scum and sludge. It flows through the septic tankoutlet into the drain field.Back to listingsHOW LONG LIQUIDS MUST REMAIN IN TANK Effective volume: The floating scum layer on top and the sludge layer on thebottom take up a certain amount of the total volume in the tank. Theeffective volume is the liquid volume in the clear space between the scumand sludge layers. This is where the active solids separation occurs as thewastewater sits in the tank.Retention time: In order for adequate separation of solids to occur, thewastewater needs to sit long enough in the quiescent conditions of the tank.The time the water spends in the tank, on its way from inlet to outlet, isknown as the retention time. The retention time is a function of theeffective volume and the daily household wastewater flow rate:Retention Time (days) = Effective Volume (gallons)/Flow Rate (gallons per day)A common design rule is for a tank to provide a minimum retention time ofat least 24 hours, during which one-half to two-thirds of the tank volume istaken up by sludge and scum storage. Note that this is a minimum retentiontime, under conditions with a lot of accumulated solids in the tank. Underordinary conditions (i.e., with routine maintenance pumping) a tank shouldbe able to provide two to three days of retention time.As sludge and scum accumulate and take up more volume in the tank, theeffective volume is gradually reduced, which results in a reduced retentiontime. If this process continues unchecked-if the accumulated solids are notcleaned out (pumped) often enough-wastewater will not spend enough time inthe tank for adequate separation of solids, and solids may flow out of thetank with the effluent into the drain field. This can result in clogged pipesand gravel in the drain field, one of the most common causes of septic systemfailure.Back to listingsSOLIDS STORAGE In order to avoid frequent removal of accumulated solids, the septic tank is(hopefully) designed with ample volume so that sludge and scum can be storedin the tank for an extended period of time. A general design rule is thatone-half to two-thirds of the tank volume is reserved for sludge and scumaccumulation. A properly designed and used septic system should have thecapacity to store solids for about five years or more. However, the rate ofsolids accumulation varies greatly from one household to another, and actualstorage time can only be determined by routine septic tank inspections.Back to listingsANAEROBIC DECOMPOSITION While fresh solids are continually added to the scum and sludge layers,anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen) consume the organicmaterial in the solids. The by-products of this decomposition are solublecompounds, which are carried away in the liquid effluent, and various gases,which are vented out of the tank via the inlet pipe that ties into the houseplumbing air vent system.Anaerobic decomposition results in a slow reduction of the volume ofaccumulated solids in the septic tank. This occurs primarily in the sludgelayer but also, to a lesser degree, in the scum layer. The volume of thesludge layer is also reduced by compaction of the older, underlyingsludge. While a certain amount of volume reduction occurs over time, sludgeand scum layers gradually build up in the tank and eventually must be pumpedout.Back to listingsFLOW INTO AND OUT OF THE TANK The inlet and outlet ports of the tank are generally equipped with devicessuch as baffles, concrete tees, or in more recent years, sanitary tees(T-shaped pipes with one short and one long leg).InletsThe inlet device dissipates the energy of the incoming flow and deflects itdownwards. The vertical leg of the tee extends below the liquid surface wellinto the clear space below the scum layer. This prevents disturbance of thefloating scum layer and reduces disruptive turbulence caused by incomingflows. The inlet device also is supposed to prevent short-circuiting offlows across the water surface directly to the outlet.The upper leg of the inlet should extend well above the liquid surface inorder to prevent floating scum from backing up into, and possibly plugging,the main inlet pipe. The open top of the inlet tee allows venting of gasesout of the tank through the inlet pipe and fresh air vents of the householdplumbing.OutletsThe outlet device is designed to retain the scum layer within the tank. Asanitary tee can be used with the lower leg extending below the scum layer.The elevation of the outlet port should be 2 to 3 inches below the elevationof the inlet port. This prevents backwater and stranding of solids in themain inlet pipe during momentary rises in the tank liquid level caused bysurges of incoming wastewater.Typical inlet/outlet teesGas Deflection BaffleGases are produced by the natural digestion of sludge at the bottom of thetank, and particles of sludge can be carried upward by these rising gases.Some tanks have a gas deflection baffle, which prevents gas bubbles (towhich solid particles often adhere) from leaving the tank by deflecting themaway from the outlet and preventing them from entering the drain field.Back to listingsTHE EFFLUENT FILTER In newer systems, there is often an effluent filter: one of the significantimprovements in septic tank design in decades. They range from 4 to 18inches in diameter. As we have described, the most serious problem withseptic systems is the migration of solids, grease, or oil into thedrain field, and the filter is effective in preventing this.A filter restricts and limits passage of suspended solids into the effluent.Solids in a filtered system’s effluent discharge are significantly less thanthose produced in a non-screened system.Back to listingsFLOW BUFFERING The septic tank also provides a buffering of flows between the house and thedrain field. Large surges from the household, such as toilet flushing orwashing machine drainage, are dampened by the septic tank so that the flowsleaving the tank and entering the drain field are at substantially lower flowrates and extend over a longer period of time than the incoming surges.Back to listingsMICROBES IN SEPTIC TANKS DIGEST, DISSOLVE, AND GASIFY COMPLEX ORGANIC WASTES In 1907, W. P. Dunbar conducted tests on the decomposition of vegetable andanimal matter in septic tanks. He stated, “The author has investigated thesubject by suspending in septic tanks a large number of solid organicsubstances, such as cooked vegetables, cabbages, turnips, potatoes, peas,beans, bread, various forms of cellulose, flesh in the form of dead bodiesof animals, skinned and unskinned, various kinds of fat, bones, cartilage,etc., and has shown that many of these substances are almost completelydissolved in from three to four weeks. They first presented a swollenappearance, and increased in weight. The turnips had holes on the surface,which gradually became deeper. The edges of the cabbage leaves looked asthough they had been bitten, and similar signs of decomposition were visiblein the case of other substances. Of the skinned animals, the skeleton aloneremained after a short time; with the unskinned animals the process lastedrather longer. At this stage I will only point out that the experiments wereso arranged that no portion of the substances could be washed away; theirdisappearance was therefore due to solution and gasification.”Back to listings|
7 Steps For How Septic Tank Systems Work
7 Steps to Understanding How Septic Tank Systems Work How Do Septic Tank Systems Work? There are seven steps to follow.
How Do Septic Tank Systems Work?
How Septic Tank Systems Work in 7 Simple Steps How Septic Tank Systems Operate Can Be Explained in 7 Steps.
- Gravity is used to transfer wastewater
- A holding tank is used to retain wastewater
- Anaerobic bacteria are found inside the tank
- Drain fields are found outside the tank
Let’s take a look at the seven real phases that a septic tank system goes through. The video below demonstrates how the procedure works, and the steps are listed below the video as well. You may learn more about septic tanks in Hawaii by reading our guide on septic tanks in Hawaii.
The 7 Steps For How Septic Tank Systems Work
- Wastewater is discharged from the residence into the septic tank. A portion of the trash is broken down by anaerobic bacteria that live within the container. Solid garbage (inorganic stuff) sinks to the bottom of the ocean, whereas liquid waste (oils, fats, and grease) rises. It is possible that wastewater will flow into the drain field*. Aerobic microorganisms are used to further treat this effluent. Drainage of the now-clear water into the groundwater system As soon as the septic tank is completely filled, contact a contractor to come pump out the waste.
* A drain field is a small area near the tank that is constructed of pipes with holes in them that are buried in gravel and then covered with earth and vegetation.
Knowing How Your Septic System Works
It is critical to understand how a septic tank system operates. Due to a lack of knowledge, your system may fail, resulting in significant damage to your property. You may feel more confident in installing a septic tank in your Hawaiian house now that you understand how they function. You may find out more about our septic tank installation services.
Septic System Basics
When a household isn’t connected to a public sewage system, it normally relies on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. Sewage treatment systems require a substantial financial commitment. The correct maintenance and upkeep of a well-designed, installed, and maintained system will provide years of dependable and low-cost service. The failure of a system can become a source of pollution and public health concern, resulting in property damage, ground and surfacewater pollution (such as contamination of well water used by you and your neighbors), and the spread of disease.
Aside from that, if you are planning to sell your property, your septic system has to be in good functioning order.
Septic systems are available in a variety of configurations to accommodate a wide range of soil and site conditions.
The following willhelp you understand the key components of a conventional (gravity fed) septic system and how to maintain it working properly at the lowest feasible cost. A conventional septic tank system is composed of three major components:
- This is known as the Septic Tank. In order to remove particles from wastewater, store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, while allowing the liquid (or effluent) to flow to the drainfield, a septic tank must be installed. more
- The Drainage System After the particles have settled in the septic tank, the liquid wastewater (also known as effluent) is released to the drainfield, which is also known as an absorption or leach field, or both. more
- The Soil is a very important factor. The soil under the drainfield is responsible for the ultimate treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent once it has been treated. Following the passage of wastewater into the soil, organisms in the soil remediate the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water sources. A drainfield’s efficacy is also affected by the kind of soil
- For example, clay soils may be too tight to allow much wastewater to run through, while gravelly soil may be too coarse to give much treatment.
- Septic System Inspection Done at Home In order to aid you in examining your system, a VideoField Guide and Checklist may be available at the bottom of the homepage.
Homeowners and residents have a significant impact on the functioning of their septic systems. Overloading the system with more water than it is capable of handling might result in system failure. A septic system can also be damaged by the improper disposal of chemicals or excess organic waste, such as that produced by a trash disposal. The following maintenance suggestions might assist you in ensuring that your system provides long-term, effective treatment of domestic waste.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
The most critical step in keeping your septic tank in good working order is to eliminate sludge and scum build-up before it may flow into the drainfield. The frequency with which your tank has to be pumped is determined by the size of the tank, the number of people in your family, the quantity of water utilized, and the amount of solids (from humans, garbage disposal, and any other waste) that enter the tank’s drainage system. Tanks should be pumped out on average every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage.
- Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide
- Inspecting Your Septic Tank
- Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide
Use Water Efficiently
System failure is frequently caused by an excessive amount of water. The soil beneath the septic system must be able to absorb all of the water that is used in the residence. Too much water from the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, bathtubs, and showers may not provide enough time for sludge and scum to separate properly in the drain. The less water that is consumed, the less water that enters the septic system, reducing the likelihood of system failure. For further information on water conservation, visit:
- Indoor Water Conservation
- Every gallon of water conserved equates to a savings of $1.00.
Minimize Solid Waste Disposal
What you flush down the toilet can have a significant influence on the performance of your septic system. Many things do not breakdown properly, and as a result, they accumulate in your septic tank. If you have the option of disposing of it in another manner, do so rather than introducing it into your system.
Keep Chemicals Out of Your System
A significant influence on your septic system may be had by what you flush down the drain. Because many things do not breakdown properly, they accumulate in your septic tank and cause it to overflow. If you have the option of disposing of it in another manner, do so rather than introducing it into your body.
Septic System Additives
It is not essential to add a stimulant or an enhancer to a septic tank in order to assist it in functioning or “to restore bacterial equilibrium.” The naturally occurring bacteria required for the proper operation of the septic system are already present in human excrement. Septic systems, like automobiles, are designed to offer long-term, effective treatment of residential waste if they are properly run and maintained on a regular basis. The majority of systems that fail prematurely, on the other hand, are the result of poor maintenance.
In the event that your septic system fails, call Thurston County Environmental Health at 360-867-2673 for assistance.
- Odors, surface sewage, moist areas, or a dense growth of plants in the drainfield region are all possible problems. Backups from the plumbing or septic tank (which are often a dark liquid with a foul odor)
- Fixtures that take a long time to drain
- The plumbing system is making gurgling sounds. Your drainfield may be failing if you have a well and tests reveal the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates in the water from it. Even in the midst of a drought, the drainfield is covered with lush green grass.
What Happens During The Septic Pumping Process?
Drainfield odors, surface sewage, moist areas, or a dense growth of plants in the drainfield region are all signs of trouble. Drainage or sewage backups (which are often a dark liquid with an unpleasant odor); Fixtures that are slow to drain; Plumbing system is making gurgling noises A malfunctioning drainfield may be indicated if you have a well and testing reveal the presence of coliforms (bacteria) or nitrates. With spite of the dry weather, the drainfield is blanketed in lush green grass.
How Often Should You Pump Your Septic System?
While the process of septic pumping may appear to be complicated, it is actually more easier than you may anticipate. What’s even better is that it only needs to be done once every 3-5 years, which is a significant savings. It is possible that you will need to pump your system more regularly in some emergency conditions, such as sewage blockages or drain field pooling. Unless you clean out your septic system when it is necessary, the liquid and solid particles from inside your septic tank can seep into the drain field, producing a range of serious issues.
What Steps Does The Septic Pumping Process Entail?
Generally speaking, when it is time to have your routine septic maintenance performed, the process will consist of the five phases listed below.
Step 1: Septic Tank Access Lids Uncovered And Opened
Septic system maintenance typically consists of the five processes listed below when it is time to get your system serviced regularly.
Step 2: Your Tank Will Be Pumped Out
All of the liquids and sediments in your sewage tank will be vacuumed out using a high-pressure line that is linked to our vacuum vehicle. However, even though the hose is typically powerful enough to remove all debris and trash, there are occasions when thick sludge and sediments are left behind.
Step 3: The Tank Will Be Washed Out
Your expert will use water to clean out the interior of your tank in order to eliminate the majority of the leftover solids, which will aid in the removal of any residual waste.
Step 4: Visual Inspections Will Take Place
Following the completion of the septic pumping and cleaning procedures, our personnel will inspect the inside and outside of the tank for the presence of roots or signs of degradation. They will also inspect over the baffles of the septic tank and the dividing wall.
Step 5: The Tanks Lid Will Be Closed and Reburied
Once the inspection is complete, your lid will be closed and the contents of your container will be returned to you. Septic tanks are typically buried between six and twelve inches below ground level in the majority of cases. If this is the case, your expert may choose to build risers, which will allow for easier access for any future maintenance.
Learn More About The Septic Pumping Process Today
Septic tank cleaning may not be at the top of your priorities list right now, but it should be. The professionals at All SepticSewer are happy to provide you with further information on how the septic pumping process works. For more information on what is included with our septic tank maintenance services, please contact our professionals at (888) 541-6680. Alternatively, you may complete our online form to obtain a free quotation. If you want to stay up to date on all of our fantastic services and limited-time deals, you may follow us on Facebook.
31st of May, 2019 Eawag is the author and compiler of this work (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology) Dorothee Spuhler is a well-known author (seecon international gmbh)
An underground chamber built of brick, concrete, fiberglass, PVC, or plastic, into which blackwater from cistern or pour-flush toilets and greywater from a conduit running from within a structure or an outdoor toilet is sent for initial treatment, is known as a septic tank. Solids and organics are reduced through settling and anaerobic processes, although the treatment is only modest in effectiveness. Effluent is either absorbed into the ground or carried to a (semi-)centralised treatment facility through a sewer system.
- Advantages Can be constructed and restored using materials that are readily available in the area.
- Technology that is simple and reliable There is no requirement for electrical energy.
- Operational costs are low.
- Low decrease in pathogens, solids, and organics is necessary to transport the waste to the treatment unit.
- This material is only appropriate for low-density dwellings in places with a low water table that are not prone to floods.
Manual cleaning of the tank is a dangerous and cruel work, whereas mechanical cleaning (vacuum trucks) necessitates the use of advanced tools and equipment. Effluent and sludge require additional treatment and/or disposal in a suitable manner.
|Blackwater,Brownwater,Greywater||Blackwater (settled, Effluent), Faecal Sludge, (Biogas)|
The Body of the Factsheet Among small-scale decentralised treatment units for grey water and blackwater from cistern or pour-flush toilets, the most commonly seen is the septic tank. It functions primarily as a sedimentation tank. It can be either rectangular or cylindrical in form. Septic tanks are often used for wastewater with a high concentration of settleable particles, such as effluent from home sources, but they can also be used for other types of wastewater with comparable characteristics (SASSE 1998).
- Anaerobic degradation occurs as a result of the accumulation of sediments at the bottom of the tank over time.
- The effluent from the septic tank must be distributed by means of aSoak Pit, an evapo-transpiration mound, or a Leach Field, or it must be conveyed to another treatment technology by means of aSolids-Free Sewer, a simplified sewer, or a solids-free sewer system.
- In order to dispose of or reuse sludge safely, it must be emptied on a regular basis (see also human-poweredemptying and motorizedemptying).
- It is possible to use sewage sludge in agriculture as a good nutrient-rich soil additive if it has been dried or composted (see alsopplication of pit humus and compostorapplication of sludge).
- Generally, when septic tanks are utilized as the primary settling treatment in DEWATS systems, they are followed by anaerobic filters, anaerobic baffled reactors (ABRs), horizontal, surface flow, or vertical flow built wetlands (planted gravel filters), and maturation ponds (if applicable).
- An illustration of a septic tank’s general layout.
- The biogas produced during anaerobic digestion can be expelled through a venting pipe.
- coli removal rates of one log can all be expected in a properly designed and maintained septic tank, though actual removal rates can vary greatly depending on operating and maintenance practices as well as environmental conditions.
The Body of the Factsheet. For grey water and blackwater from cisterns or pour-flush toilets, the septic tank is the most typical small-scale decentralized treatment unit. A sedimentation tank is what it is in its simplest form, Rectangular or cylindrical shapes are possible. They are commonly used for wastewater with a high concentration of settleable particles, such as effluent from home sources, but they may also be used for other types of wastewater with comparable characteristics, such as industrial wastewater (SASSE 1998).
- Anaerobic degradation occurs as a result of the accumulation of particles at the bottom of the reservoir.
- The effluent from the septic tank must be disseminated by means of aSoak Pit, an evapo-transpiration mound, or a Leach Field, or delivered to another treatment technology by means of aSolids-Free Sewer, a simplified sewer, or a solids-free sewer, as appropriate.
- surface flow, horizontal and vertical flow).
- A variety of drying beds, including planted and unplanted drying beds, settling and thickening ponds, can be used.
- There are also various innovative ways for producing fertilizer from sludge that are being investigated.
- Anyhow, water is required for the septic tank to function properly and to drain the wastes properly (5 to 40 L of water per day per person, DFID 2003).
- Solids settle out and are digested anaerobically; the effluent, which contains suspended and dissolved contaminants, passes through the process.
- TILLEY AND COLLABORATORS (2014) It is reasonable to assume that a properly-designed and managed septic tank will remove 50 percent of solids, 30 to 40 percent of BOD, and a 1-log reduction in the presence of E.
coli, however efficiency varies substantially depending on operation and maintenance as well as environmental circumstances.
An Aquaprivy is a type of septic tank that is a variant on the standard design. This is a basic storage and settling tank that is situated just below the toilet, allowing the excreta to fall into it through a line that leads to the toilet. When the bottom of the pipe is submerged in a liquid in the tank, it forms a water seal, which keeps flies, mosquitoes, and odors from escaping (WHO 1992). The tank performs the same duties as a septic tank. The wastewater is normally infiltrated into the ground through a soak pit, and the solids (sludge) that build must be cleaned on a regular basis (WHO 1992).
The Aquaprivy has a low efficiency in terms of therapy.
WAaF is the source (2002)
The Body of the Factsheet The influent and effluent are kept separate under normal operating circumstances so that consumers are not exposed to them. Several difficulties associated with septic tank systems develop as a result of a failure to pay proper thought to the disposal of the tank effluent. Because septic tank effluent is anaerobic, it is likely to contain a significant number of germs, which can be a source of infection for those who come into contact with it (WHO 1992). Because they contain high amounts of harmful organisms, effluent, scum, and sludge must be treated with caution when they are generated.
When opening the tank, users should exercise caution since toxic and combustible gases may be emitted into the environment.
Factsheet Block BodySeptic tank construction costs are quite modest when compared to the costs of other water-based systems. However, they are significantly more expensive than dry toilets or composting toilets, making them unaffordable for the majority of individuals in our society. There must also be enough piped water to flush all of the wastes through the drains, and human or mechanical de-sludging (using a vacuum or a gulper) de-sludging must be performed on a regular basis. Engineers are required to develop the design and plan, while untrained laborers can carry out the building work provided a mason oversees the project.
The Body of the Factsheet Septic tanks should be “seeded” with sludge from another tank that has been in operation for some time in order to ensure that the required bacteria responsible for anaerobic digestion are present when the tank is first started (WHO 1992). Because of the fragile ecosystem, it is important to avoid discharging harsh chemicals into the septic system. The levels of scum and sludge in the tank must be checked to verify that the tank is operating properly. De-sludging is required when sludge and scum occupy half to two-thirds of the entire depth between the water level and the bottom of the tank, as measured above the water level (WHO 1992).
- Septic tanks should be drained on a regular basis, usually every 2 to 5 years.
- This is an unpleasant job, and care must be taken to ensure that sludge does not spill around the tank during the emptying process.
- faecal sludge must be dehydrated (see also planted or unplanted drying beds, settling or thickening ponds) and further processed before it can be used (e.g.smallorlarge scalecomposting,anaerobic digestion).
- It is recommended that the separated effluents from these systems be treated in waste stabilisation ponds (WSP) or built wetlands (CW) (surface flow,horizontalorvertical flow).
- The integrity of septic tanks should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that they are not leaking.
It is also important to conduct routine inspections in order to remove floating debris such as coarse materials and grease, to verify that there are no obstructions at the inlet or exit, and to determine whether de-sludging is required.
At a Glance
The Body of the Factsheet
|Working Principle||Basically a sedimentation tank (physical treatment) in which settled sludge is stabilised by anaerobic digestion (biological treatment). Dissolved and suspended matter leaves the tank more or less untreated.|
|Capacity/Adequacy||Household and community level; Primary treatment for domestic grey- and blackwater. Depending on the following treatment, septic tanks can also be used for industrial wastewater. Not adapted for areas with high groundwater table or prone to flooding.|
|Performance||BOD: 30 to 50%; TSS: 40 to 60 %; E. coli: 1 log unitsHRT: about 1 day|
|Costs||Low-cost, depending on availability of materials and frequency of de-sludging.|
|Self-help Compatibility||Requires expert design, but can be constructed with locally available material.|
|O M||Should be checked for water tightness, scum and sludge levels regularly.Sludgeneeds to be dug out every 1 to 5 years and discharged properly (e.g. in composting or drying bed). Needs to be vented.|
|Reliability||When not regularly emptied, wastewater flows through without being treated. Generally good resistance to shock loading.|
|Main strength||Simple to construct and to operate.|
|Main weakness||Effluentand sludge require further treatment. Long start-up phase.|
Applicability The majority of the time, this technology is utilized at the home level. The design of larger, multi-chamber septic tanks for groups of residences or public buildings can be accomplished by combining many chambers (e.g., schools). A septic tank is ideal in situations when there is a means of dispersing or transferring the sewage away from the property. Septic tank effluents can be penetrated into the soil and stored in soak pits, aleach fields, or mounds. Due to the presence of pathogens in the effluent, it should not be utilized for agricultural irrigation and should not be released into canals or surface water drains (WHO 1992).
Septic tanks should be connected to some form of conveyance technology (such as a simplified sewer or a solids-free sewer), via which the effluent is transferred to a later Treatment or Disposal site, rather than being used alone (e.g.surface flow,horizontalorvertical flowconstructed wetlands).
Because the septic tank must be desludged on a regular basis, it is necessary for a vacuum truck to be able to reach the site.
Every sort of environment may accommodate septic tanks, albeit the efficiency of these tanks will be reduced in colder climes.
However, they must be emptied on a regular basis and require ongoing upkeep (TILLEY et al.
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