How Does a Septic Tank Work?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your septic tank very often. But it’s an important part of your home that needs to be maintained properly.

In this guide, we will discuss how a septic tank works, as well as offer some tips for keeping it running smoothly

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a chamber that holds sewage from your home. It is usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. The tank is buried underground, and has an inlet and outlet pipe.

The inlet pipe brings sewage from your home to the septic tank. The outlet pipe carries effluent (sewage water) from the septic tank to a drainage field.

So, How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Many homeowners wonder how a septic tank works. The process is actually quite simple. Here’s a simple step-by-step to explain how the septic system works.

Step 1:

Wastewater is flushed into the tank just like it would be into sewage in a normal domestic situation.

Step 2:

The water runs into a septic tank which is buried (usually in the garden), where it lies with the specific job of holding the wastewater for long enough that the three layers form.

Step 3:

The solids in the waste will settle and naturally sink to the bottom, where they form the sludge.

Step 4:

Then the oils from the waste float to the top to form the scum.

Step 5:

Septic tanks will have a filter or outlet pipe preventing the sludge or scum from escaping into the drain field area and contaminating the effluent water.

Step 6:

Then, the liquid wastewater (called effluent), and only this, leaves the tank and is dispersed into the drain field area.

Step 7:

The drain field is a special treatment area that’s excavated and filled with unsaturated soil. The water passes through this soil, which acts as a filter, and is treated before finally being dispersed as groundwater, usually to water or nourish some nearby crops or gardens.

Step 8:

Septic tank systems must be pumped out every two to three years on average, though this varies greatly with the size of the tank and how it is used. So, there you have it. Now you have a general idea of how a septic system works. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your septic systems may vary somewhat.

Tips for Maintaining Your Septic Tank

Here are a few things you can do to help maintain your septic system:

Tip 1: Pump your septic tank every few years

Pump your septic tank every three to five years to remove the solid waste that has accumulated. This will help prevent your tank from overflowing and causing sewage to back up into your home.

Tip 2: Be careful what you flush

Only flush biodegradable materials, such as human waste. Do not flush anything else, such as paper towels, wipes, or feminine hygiene products. These items will not decompose in the tank and can clog up your system.

Tip 3: Keep a lid on it

Make sure that the septic tank cover is always tightly closed. If it’s not sealed properly, rainwater can enter the tank and cause the solid waste to float. This can lead to an overflow.

Tip 4: Avoid using chemicals

Household cleaners, bleaches, and other chemicals can damage the bacteria in your septic tank. These bacteria are essential for breaking down the solid waste in your tank. If they are killed off, the solid waste will not decompose properly and can cause your tank to overflow.

By following these tips, you can help keep your septic tank running smoothly. If you have any questions, be sure to contact a professional.

Failure Symptoms: Mind the Signs

If you think your septic tank might be failing, here are some signs to look out for:

Sewage backing up into your home
Slow drains or toilets that are draining slowly
Gurgling sounds in your drains or toilets
Wet spots in your yard over the drain field
Strong odors near your septic tank or drain field

If you notice any of these signs, please contact a professional right away. Septic tank failure can be costly and inconvenient, so it’s best to address the problem before it gets any worse.

Causes of Septic Tank Failure

There are many things that can cause your septic tank to fail, such as:

Clogs - A clog in the tank can prevent the wastewater from flowing out properly. This can cause the tank to overflow or back up into your home.
Pipe breaks - If a pipe leading to or from the tank breaks, it can cause sewage to leak into the soil and contaminate the groundwater.
Tank failure - The tank itself may fail due to age or corrosion. This can cause the tank to leak sewage into the soil.
Old Ages - As your septic system ages, it will become less effective at treating wastewater. This can cause problems such as the three mentioned above.

If you think your septic tank is failing, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. They can help you diagnose the problem and come up with a plan to fix it.

How to Find Your Septic Tank

If you’re not sure where your septic tank is located, there are a few things you can do to help locate it:

Check your property records

Your local municipality should have information on file about the location of your septic tank.

Ask your neighbors

If they have a septic system, they may be able to tell you where it is located.

Look for signs of a septic system

Look for things like a manhole cover, pipes leading from the house, or an aerobic unit.

If you’re still having trouble finding your septic tank, you can once again contact professionals for further assistance.

What to Do if Your Septic System Fails

If your septic system fails, there are a few things you can do:

Call a professional - A professional can help you assess the problem, and come up with a solution that addresses it.
Restrict water use - You may need to restrict your water usage until the problem is fixed. This could include shutting off the water to your home, or using only bottled water.
Avoid flushing anything - Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush anything else, such as paper towels, wipes, or feminine hygiene products. These items will not decompose in the tank and can clog up your system.
Keep a lid on it - Make sure that the lids to your septic tank and drain field are always closed. This will help keep out debris and pests.

How to Find a Reliable Septic Tank Service Provider

If you’re in need of septic tank services, it’s important to find a reliable and reputable company. Here are a few tips to help you find a good septic system service provider:

Check online reviews

A good way to get an idea of what others think of a company is to check online reviews. Do a Google search for the company’s name, and read through the reviews that come up.

Ask around

Another great way to find a good septic tank service provider is by asking your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Chances are, someone you know has used a septic tank service provider in the past and can give you a good idea of who to refer to.

Get multiple quotes

When you’re looking for a septic tank service provider, be sure to get multiple quotes. This will help you compare rates and find the best deal.

Do your research

Be sure to do your research on any company you’re considering using. Check to see if they are licensed and insured. You can also look for online reviews of the company to get an idea of its reputation.

Following these tips will help you find a good septic tank service provider. Be sure to take your time and do your research so that you can find a company that you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does septic tank effluent trickle through the soil, or does it just sit there?

The effluent from your septic tank trickles through the soil, where it is treated by bacteria. This process removes harmful pathogens from the wastewater and cleanses it before it returns to the groundwater.

What perforated pipes or other devices are used in the septic tank to allow effluent to percolate into the soil?

The pipes or devices that are used in your septic tank to allow effluent to percolate into the soil are called leach fields. The leach field is usually 50-100 feet away from the septic tank. This is usually a series of trenches filled with gravel or crushed stone. The effluent flows through the pipes or devices and into the gravel or stone, where it is treated by bacteria.

Are anaerobic bacteria present in the septic tank?

Yes, anaerobic bacteria are present in the septic tank. These bacteria help to break down the sewage so that it can be treated by aerobic bacteria.

Is a conventional septic system the same as an aerobic septic system?

No, a conventional septic system is different from an aerobic septic system. With a conventional septic system, the wastewater is treated by anaerobic bacteria only. An aerobic septic system uses both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria to treat wastewater.

Does underground septic tank effluent eventually reach the groundwater?

Yes, the effluent from your underground septic tank will eventually reach the groundwater. However, it is treated by bacteria in the soil before it reaches the groundwater.

Is the septic system inspected before it is put into use?

Yes, a septic system is inspected before it is put into use. This inspection is called a percolation test. Here’s what you should know about a septic system inspection.

Septic tanks work by treating wastewater from your home and preventing it from contaminating the groundwater.

If you think your septic tank is failing, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. They will be able to properly assess the situation, and address any issues that may be present.