Most homes and commercial buildings not connected to a municipal sewer system use septic tanks. Wastewater goes into the tank, where sludge and scum layers form. Bacteria breaks these solids down, and liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank through the outlet.
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Whenever you flush a toilet, take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry, wastewater flows through your home’s plumbing into your sewer line and slopes downhill to your septic tank. The septic tank is a large concrete or plastic container that holds the waste from your house until it’s emptied. The tank is sealed and surrounded by a gravel-filled field, and the inlet and outlet pipes attach to it.
Inside your septic tank, the wastewater is separated into three layers by both settling and floating. Oils, greases and solid waste that is lighter than water float on the top of the tank and form a layer called scum. Microorganisms living in the septic tank break down these materials. The middle of the tank contains more solid waste that is heavier than water and forms a layer known as sludge. The sludge layer sinks to the bottom of the tank and is broken down further by the bacteria.
The liquid wastewater that is left over after the scum and sludge settles in the tank is called effluent. It exits the tank through a set of inlet and outlet pipes that connect to a drainfield. The inlet and outlet pipes extend down through a baffle in the septic tank, which helps prevent the liquid from flowing out too quickly. The drainfield, which is located below the tank, provides a final treatment for the wastewater by trickling it through a series of perforated pipes and into a gravel-filled area of soil.
A septic system’s drainfield is designed to allow the water to seep through the soil and into groundwater without becoming too concentrated or carrying pathogenic microorganisms or dissolved organic pollution back toward your home. The drainfield is also intended to provide aeration for the wastewater, which can help prevent it from clogging the pipes and reducing their efficiency.
The best way to protect your septic system is to limit what you put down the drains. This means only putting human waste and toilet paper down the toilet, and never pouring chemicals, oils, solvents, paint thinner, or any other toxic substances into your septic system. These toxins kill the organisms that live in your septic system and make your system less efficient.
Septic Tank Design
A septic tank is an underground watertight container that contains the excreta and wastewater from your home. It is usually a rectangular or cylindrical box and can be made from plastic, fibre glass, or concrete. The septic tank has compartments that separate the sludge from the scum and allow the solids to settle out of the liquid wastewater before it exits into the absorption field. This type of onsite sewage facility is used in areas that are either too far from the sewerage network or are too expensive to connect to.
Wastewater entering a septic tank is broken down by bacteria and yeasts. When the waste leaves the tank it flows into a trench that is filled with limestone and gravel. The bacteria and yeasts are able to break down the waste and it is then absorbed into the groundwater through the limestone. The septic tank is the heart of your onsite sewage treatment system.
The design of a septic tank should take into account that one-half to two-thirds of the total tank volume will be reserved for sludge and scum accumulation. In addition, the inlet and outlet baffles should be designed to prevent the scum layer from reaching the inlet pipe and the sludge layer from blocking the outlet pipe.
It is also important to ensure that the inlet and outlet pipes have vertical extensions on their tee pieces in order to reduce turbulence and make it easier for the wastewater to flow into and out of the tanks. A septic tank must be a minimum of 78 inches in height from the bottom of the inlet baffle to the top of the outlet baffle. It is also important to ensure that the tank has sufficient size to accommodate the maximum amount of wastewater that will be pumped out on a daily basis.
A septic tank must have a 7.5cm (3 inch) diameter gas vent pipe installed in the top to enable gases to escape and disperse into the air. The gas vent is also positioned over 2 metres high so that any smells are not carried into the house. The 15cm (4inch) thick reinforced concrete tank floor should be constructed with a bed of sand underneath it to allow movement of the tank as the soil around it settles and moves.
Septic Tank Installation
A septic tank is a large concrete box that houses waste from your home. Waste is pumped into the tank from your toilets and sinks and eventually flows out to the leach field where bacteria and yeasts break it down. When it is time to replace your septic tank, you will want to work with a professional who has experience installing septic systems. They can recommend the size of tank you will need based on your home’s size, and they will ensure that you have the correct sized pipe connecting the tank to the leach field.
Once the septic tank is installed, the next step is to connect it to the plumbing system. This involves installing inlet and outlet pipes as well as any distribution boxes or pumps needed to manage the wastewater. The inlet and outlet pipes are placed in a gravel bed to help prevent contamination of the water and ground surface.
The tank itself is buried underground, and it’s typically made from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It is designed to hold the water waste for a period of time, which allows solids to settle to the bottom and form sludge while oil and grease float to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent sludge and scum from exiting the tank into the drainfield. Liquid wastewater (effluent) then travels to the drainfield through an outlet pipe.
If you are considering buying a property with a septic system, you should request a septic tank inspection before finalizing the purchase. This will allow you to determine if the septic tank is in good condition and if any repairs or maintenance are required. A professional can also test for any odors that may indicate an issue with the septic system.
It is important to map out the septic system components on your property or mark them with permanent stakes to ensure that you don’t damage or disturb them while doing yard work or other projects. It’s also important to avoid parking or driving heavy vehicles over the septic system or its components. This helps to ensure that the tanks and leach fields are not covered, which could lead to oversaturation of the soil.
Septic Tank Maintenance
A septic tank is basically a big concrete box that attaches to the outgoing pipes of your home. It holds wastewater until the solids in it are broken down by bacteria and yeasts. Eventually, the broken-down waste is flushed into a septic field or absorption trench.
Over time, the septic tank fills with layers of scum and sludge. Aerobic bacteria break down these layers, and water pushes the scum and sludge out into the drain field. The septic system must be inspected and pumped regularly to keep the sludge layer from getting too high. Having your tank pumped periodically also helps prevent the growth of solids that can clog the drain field.
Your local health department may have regulations on how often you need to pump and inspect your septic tank and drainfield. In addition, your insurance company may require that septic systems be inspected before they will insure your property.
It is important to follow the recommendations that your septic professional provides. These recommendations should include reducing water use, restricting the use of garbage disposals and only using non-chemical cleaners. The chemicals in most cleaning products kill the beneficial waste-eating microorganisms in your septic tank and drainfield.
In addition, it is a good idea to map out the location of your tank and the absorption field. This is helpful for finding the septic system when doing yard work and to help prevent a truck or car from damaging the septic tank, leach field or other components of your septic system. It is also a good idea to avoid building structures, including pools or decks, near the septic tank or the absorption field.
In general, your septic tank and system will function well if you take the above precautions. However, it is essential to have your septic tank inspected and pumped regularly and to follow the maintenance advice that your septic professional gives you. These simple measures can help prolong the life of your septic system and protect you and your family from the toxic fumes that can emanate from a clogged septic system.
