How Does A Septic Tank Work?

Have you had a septic tank in your home for ages but have no idea how it works?

Well, you are not alone.

Basic know-how of your septic tank can come in handy if you need to have it cleaned or repaired unexpectedly. Not only can save you money but also safeguard you from a lot of trouble and inconvenience.

So, without any further ado, let’s go through what a septic system is and how it works!

What Is a Septic System?

Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment facilities, often employed in rural regions with no centralized sewage lines.

They clean wastewater generated by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry by combining natural processes with well-established technology.

A conventional septic system comprises of two components:

• a septic tank
• and a drain field, often known as a soil absorption field.

How Does A Septic Tank Work?

Septic tanks are normally composed of concrete or heavyweight plastic and have a capacity of 1000 to 2000 gallons, depending on the manufacturer.

Pipelines

Two pipelines will be installed to connect a septic tank, for the inlet and outlet.

Inlet pipes are used to carry water waste from homes and collect it in the tank. It is stored here for a sufficient amount of time to allow the solid and liquid waste to be separated from one another.

The outlet pipe, also referred to as the drainpipe, transports pre-processed effluent from the septic tank and disperses it evenly over the land and watercourses of the area.

Breakdown Of Waste

Wastewater begins to split into three layers after it has been collected.

The sediments settle to the bottom of the tank, so the liquid coming out of the tank is clean and free of any unpleasant odors.

This liquid comprises breakdown products of the bacterial activity, and as a result, it contains compounds such as nitrates and phosphates as well as any other chemicals that cannot be broken down.

The temperature, the volume of liquid that enters the tank, and the presence of chemicals in the wastewater all have an impact on how effectively the tank operates in general.

To maintain a septic tank operating efficiently, it is necessary to regularly clean it of the sediments that have settled within it.

Parting Thoughts

The septic tank should be pumped and maintained regularly to ensure it operates effectively.

If you are looking for your septic tank to be professionally maintained or repaired, get in touch with Countryside Plumbing Sewer and Septic today!

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