What Is A Letich Tank In Septic Tank? (Question)

A leach field is commonly know as a drain field which is a portion of area that is attached to a septic tank for an individual home. The main purpose of the leach field is to disperse liquids from the septic tank in the an area of soil by means of drains which eventually gets spread out in the large area known as the leach field.

How does an anaerobic septic system work?

Anaerobic septic systems involve the use of bacteria that don’t require oxygen to live. Inside the septic tank, solid waste settles and is eaten by the anaerobic bacteria. Liquid waste floats to the top. Wastewater from the tank moves out to the smaller pipes under the surface, which have holes at their ends.

How long do aerobic septic tanks last?

Longevity. On average, a properly installed and well-maintained septic tank can last up to 40 years. Regular septic tank cleaning and inspection will keep your aerobic system functional for many years.

How do Imhoff tanks work?

The Imhoff tank is a primary treatment technology for raw wastewater, designed for solid-liquid separation and digestion of the settled sludge. Gas produced in the digestion chamber rises into the gas vents at the edge of the reactor. It transports sludge particles to the water surface, creating a scum layer.

What is a nitrogen septic system?

April 2020. A nitrogen- reducing onsite wastewater treatment system is installed to replace a traditional septic system less than 100 yards from a coastal wetland. Septic systems work by slowly infiltrating waste through the soil and ultimately into groundwater.

Which is better aerobic or anaerobic septic tank?

Anaerobic Bacteria. Aerobic bacterial colonies are generally regarded as better for on-site wastewater treatment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aerobic bacteria are less susceptible to household chemicals than anaerobic bacteria.

How do you maintain an anaerobic septic system?

Here are the dos:

Regularly Inspect Your Septic System.

Pump Out Whenever Necessary.
Be Water-wise.
Use Licensed, Certified Companies.

Flush Solids Down the Drains.
Pour Harsh Chemicals in Your Toilets.
Park Cars or Trucks on Your Drainfield or Reserve Area.

Add Septic Tank Additives.

What is the cost of an aerobic septic system?

An aerobic septic system has an average cost between $10,000 and $20,000. You need to have the system professionally inspected and pumped every one to three years, which has an average cost of $200. Aerobic systems may need motor & timer replacements from time to time.

How often should I pump my aerobic septic?

How Often Should My Aerobic System Be Pumped? There are many variables that affect how often your system needs to be pumped. This is determined by the usage of your system, and the number of people living in your home, we suggest that your system be pumped every three to five years.

Do aerobic septic systems smell?

According to some expert sources [3] a slight odour from an aerobic septic system is normal but strong, persistent odors indicate that the system is not working normally.

What is the difference between septic tank and Imhoff tank?

The Imhoff tank, is a two-story septic tank, composed of an upper sedimentation compartment, and a bottom sludge digestion compartment. Hydraulic detention time is usually lower than septic tanks (from 3 to 7 hours) which allows to maintain aerobic conditions in the effluent.

What is the basic difference between septic tank and Imhoff tank?

The Imhoff tank is in effect a two-story septic tank and retains the septic tank’s simplicity while eliminating many of its drawbacks, which largely result from the mixing of fresh sewage and septic sludge in the same chamber.

Which process occurs in Imhoff tank?

Detailed Solution. Imhoff tank is used for the clarification of sewage by simple settling and sedimentation, along with anaerobic digestion of the extracted sludge.

How do I lower the nitrogen in my septic tank?

Systems that include oxygen-free conditions in part of the treatment process can remove over 90 percent of nitrogen through a process called denitrification. Denitrification converts nitrate to nitrogen gas which is released to the air. Denitrification requires a type of bacteria that grow in oxygen-free conditions.

How much does a nitrogen reducing septic system cost?

Cost: For a typical residential septic system installation (3-4 bedroom home) the NITREX™ filter will cost approximately $4,200 – $5,000 (plus shipping and local installation costs). The pretreatment system materials costs are typically $8,000 – $12,000.

How much nitrogen is in a septic tank?

Summary. Nitrogen is a major constituent of household wastewater that is discharged in septic systems. Total N concentration in septic tank effluent is about 60 mg/L.

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?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

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

Types of Septic Systems

Septic system design and size can differ significantly from one neighborhood to the next, as well as throughout the country, due to a variety of variables. Household size, soil type, slope of the site, lot size, closeness to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even municipal ordinances are all considerations to take into consideration. The following are 10 of the most often encountered septic system configurations. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list; there are several additional types of septic systems.

Septic Tank, Conventional System, Chamber System, Drip Distribution System, Aerobic Treatment Unit, Mound Systems, Recirculating Sand Filter System, Evapotranspiration System, Constructed Wetland System, Cluster / Community System, etc.

Septic Tank

This tank is underground and waterproof, and it was designed and built specifically for receiving and partially treating raw home sanitary wastewater. Generally speaking, heavy materials settle at or near the bottom of the tank, whereas greases and lighter solids float to the surface. The sediments are retained in the tank, while the wastewater is sent to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersion once it has been treated.

Conventional System

Septic tanks and trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration systems are two types of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (drainfield). When it comes to single-family homes and small businesses, a traditional septic system is the most common type of system. For decades, people have used a gravel/stone drainfield as a method of water drainage. The term is derived from the process of constructing the drainfield. A short underground trench made of stone or gravel collects wastewater from the septic tank in this configuration, which is commonly used.

Effluent filters through the stone and is further cleaned by microorganisms once it reaches the soil below the gravel/stone trench, which is located below the trench.

In terms of total footprint, gravel and stone systems are very substantial, and therefore may not be appropriate for all residential sites or situations.

Chamber System

Gravelless drainfields have been regularly utilized in various states for more than 30 years and have evolved into a standard technology that has mostly replaced gravel systems. Various configurations are possible, including open-bottom chambers, pipe that has been clothed, and synthetic materials such as expanded polystyrene media. Gravelless systems can be constructed entirely of recycled materials, resulting in considerable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions during their lifetime. The chamber system is a type of gravelless system that can be used as an example.

The key advantage of the chamber system is the enhanced simplicity with which it can be delivered and built.
This sort of system is made up of a number of chambers that are connected to one another.

Wastewater is transported from the septic tank to the chambers through pipes.
The wastewater is treated by microbes that live on or near the soil.

Drip Distribution System

An effluent dispersal system such as the drip distribution system may be employed in a variety of drainfield configurations and is very versatile. In comparison to other distribution systems, the drip distribution system does not require a vast mound of dirt because the drip laterals are only placed into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. In addition to requiring a big dosage tank after the sewage treatment plant to handle scheduled dose delivery of wastewater to drip absorption areas, the drip distribution system has one major disadvantage: it is more expensive.

Aerobic Treatment Unit

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are small-scale wastewater treatment facilities that employ many of the same procedures as a municipal sewage plant. An aerobic system adds oxygen to the treatment tank using a pump. When there is an increase in oxygen in the system, there is an increase in natural bacterial activity, which then offers extra treatment for nutrients in the effluent. It is possible that certain aerobic systems may additionally include a pretreatment tank as well as a final treatment tank that will include disinfection in order to further lower pathogen levels.

ATUs should be maintained on a regular basis during their service life.

Mound Systems

Using mound systems in regions with short soil depth, high groundwater levels, or shallow bedrock might be a good alternative. A drainfield trench has been dug through the sand mound that was erected. The effluent from the septic tank runs into a pump chamber, where it is pumped to the mound in the amounts recommended. During its release to the trench, the effluent filters through the sand and is dispersed into the native soil, where it continues to be treated. However, while mound systems can be an effective solution for some soil conditions, they demand a significant amount of land and require regular care.

Recirculating Sand Filter System

Sand filter systems can be built either above or below ground, depending on the use. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into a pump compartment. Afterwards, it is pushed into the sand filter. The sand filter is often made of PVC or a concrete box that is filled with a sand-like substance. The effluent is pushed through the pipes at the top of the filter under low pressure to the drain. As the effluent exits the pipelines, it is treated as it passes through the sand filtering system.

However, sand filters are more costly than a standard septic system because they provide a higher level of nutrient treatment and are thus better suited for areas with high water tables or that are adjacent to bodies of water.

Evapotranspiration System

Evaporative cooling systems feature drainfields that are one-of-a-kind. It is necessary to line the drainfield at the base of the evapotranspiration system with a waterproof material. Following the entry of the effluent into the drainfield, it evaporates into the atmosphere. At the same time, the sewage never filters into the soil and never enters groundwater, unlike other septic system designs. It is only in particular climatic circumstances that evapotranspiration systems are effective. The environment must be desert, with plenty of heat and sunshine, and no precipitation.

Constructed Wetland System

Construction of a manufactured wetland is intended to simulate the treatment processes that occur in natural wetland areas. Wastewater goes from the septic tank and into the wetland cell, where it is treated. Afterwards, the wastewater goes into the media, where it is cleaned by microorganisms, plants, and other media that eliminate pathogens and nutrients. Typically, a wetland cell is constructed with an impermeable liner, gravel and sand fill, and the necessary wetland plants, all of which must be capable of withstanding the constant saturation of the surrounding environment.

The operation of a wetland system can be accomplished by either gravity flow or pressure distribution. As wastewater travels through the wetland, it may escape the wetland and flow onto a drainfield, where it will undergo more wastewater treatment before being absorbed into the soil by bacteria.

Cluster / Community System

In certain cases, a decentralized wastewater treatment system is owned by a group of people and is responsible for collecting wastewater from two or more residences or buildings and transporting it to a treatment and dispersal system placed on a suitable location near the dwellings or buildings. Cluster systems are widespread in settings like rural subdivisions, where they may be found in large numbers.

All About Septic Tanks

If you live in a rural region or even just outside of city borders, you may be one of the 20 percent of families in the United States that utilize a private septic system to dispose of household water and waste from kitchens and bathrooms rather than a municipal sewage system to dispose of this garbage. Even though there are many other types of septic systems, the most typical is a tank and a drain (or leach) field that are positioned 50 to 100 feet away from the home and are connected by a pipe.

What is a Septic Tank?

It is an underground container that is waterproof and is used to store waste water. A minimum of a 1000-gallon capacity tank is often required for a two- or three-bedroom residence. By means of a pipe that feeds into the tank’s intake, it is connected to the house’s waste drainage system. Partially enclosed walls within the tank, known as baffles, are intended to aid in the settling of waste. New tanks are equipped with filters that prevent tiny particles from entering the drain field, even if some older tanks may not be equipped with such filters.

How Do Septic Tanks Work?

Waste is transported from the home to the tank, where it is separated into heavier solids (sludge) and lighter solids and liquids, with the heavier solids and liquids settling to the tank’s bottom and lighter solids and liquids remaining at the top. Bacterial colonies in the tank break down the sewage as it is being processed. Water from the tank drains down into a trench filled with gravel or stone, which is then covered with geo-fabric and earth, allowing the waste liquids (effluent) to flow into a drain or leach field.

What are the Most Common Types of Septic Tanks?

Steel, concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene are the most common materials used to construct septic tanks. Stainless steel tanks have a shorter service life and are only seen in older systems because of their tendency to corrode. Concrete tanks are strong and long-lasting, however they are susceptible to cracking and leaking wastewater. Tanks made of fiberglass and polyethylene are both lightweight and crack-resistant. Polyethylene is often less costly than fiberglass in comparison to other materials.

It’s also important to distinguish between anaerobic tanks (which operate with little or no oxygen present) and aerobic tanks (which operate with oxygen present but are pumped into the effluent).

Aerobic bacteria are more successful in breaking down waste before it enters the drainfield as a result of the presence of oxygen, which allows the system to work with a smaller drain field, making it ideal for smaller lots.

It is necessary to have an air pump and a backup alarm system in case the air pump fails. There must also be an electrical circuit for the system to function properly.

How Often Should You Pump a Septic Tank?

Sludge accumulates in tanks over a lengthy period of time, and the tanks must be emptied in order for them to continue operating properly. Most waste disposal firms recommend that tanks be pumped every three to five years, while certain tanks may require pumping more frequently if they are subjected to heavy use. Tank filters and outlets can become blocked from time to time, causing the tank to overflow. It is therefore crucial to only flush toilet paper and trash down the toilet. Sterilization products, paper towels, cat litter, oil, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and poisonous substances should not be flushed since they will interfere with the tank’s capacity to work properly.

A professional septic tank inspection is also recommended by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) once every three years for residential septic tanks.

How Long do Septic Tanks Last?

Most septic tanks, whether they are made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, should endure for at least 40 years provided they are properly examined and maintained on a regular basis. Tanks built of steel that are older than 20 years may only last for 20 years. Your system can require more regular pumping if it has been overworked, or if your household has grown and your waste output has risen, it may be time to consider replacing the tank. A 1,000-gallon anaerobic tank installation can cost between $2,100 and $5,000, according to homeadvisor.com’s cost estimator.

How a Septic Tank System Works

The most popular form of septic system is composed of four major components:

A sewer exit pipe that transports wastewater from the residence to the septic tank while also venting noxious gases up and out of the house. Septic tank composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that is underground and waterproof
It is typically put around 6 feet away from a house. It comprises of one or more distributor boxes and a network of pipes that are buried in relatively shallow trenches that are generally filled with gravel or other filler

The drainfield The soil, which contains microorganisms that digest the majority of toxins before they reach groundwater

How it Works

The wastewater from the house is flushed or washed into the septic tank through the exit pipe and into the drain field. Heavy solids sink to the bottom of the container. Over the course of 24-48 hours, the solids decompose and produce a sludge layer. A scum layer forms at the top of the tank’s liquid due to the accumulation of lighter floatablesolids, such as grease, oils, and fats, which float freely. Solid waste is continually being broken down by the bacteria that dwell in the septic tank.

Effluent is the term used to describe the liquid that is cleansed or drained into the tank.

As the tank fills with liquid, the liquid drains into the drainfield, where it is absorbed by the soil and becomes harmless.

By the time wastewater reaches groundwater, it has undergone complete treatment.

Additives

A claim made by companies that manufacture and sell biological additives is that their product restores the bacterial equilibrium of the septic tank and that doing so is important as part of a periodic monthly maintenance program.

However, because bacteria already exist in human feces, these additions are typically not required.

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?

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.
4.
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

Garbage from your home accumulates into three distinct strata. The septic filter is responsible for preventing blockage of the drain field pipes.

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.

For additional information on what should and should not be flushed down the toilet, contact your local health authority. 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.

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.

The Septic Tank

Concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene are used to construct the standard septic tank, which is a big underground rectangular or cylindrical container. One of the functions of the septic tank is to separate particles from wastewater, to store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, while still enabling the liquid (or effluent) to be discharged to the drainfield. All of the wastewater from your toilet and bath, kitchen, and laundry runs into the tank, where it can linger for up to 24 hours (this is known as the retention time) before being discharged to the drainfield.

Drainfield clogging is prevented, which reduces the likelihood of failure and the need for costly repairs.

Give It Time to Sink and Float

The retention time is required in order to allow the solids to properly separate from the liquids during the separation process. Heavy materials sink to the bottom of the tank as sludge, while lighter particles float to the surface and create a scum layer on top. Although bacterial activity partly decomposes some of the materials, up to 50% of the solids remain in the tank after the process is completed. In the past, septic tanks only had one compartment; however, current rules demand two chambers, which perform a better job of settling sediments than a single compartment.

The size of the tank at a business enterprise is decided by the quantity of daily flow that occurs.

The outflow tee prevents sediments or scum from accumulating in the tank.

If you have an older tank, effluent filters are a great feature that may be installed by your local pumper or other septic system specialist.

Solids can travel into the drainfield with the wastewater if there isn’t enough time for them to settle before entering (or clog the effluent filter, if there is one).

As scum and sludge layers thicken, the closer they become to the tank inlet and to the outflow tees, the higher the likelihood that they may jam the tank inlet or pass into the drainfield.

Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of the tank and the amount and kind of solids that are entering the tank during that time.

Risers can be erected to save time and inconvenience by eliminating the need to dig down to the access covers.