LEARN HOW TO TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

SEPTIC SYSTEM BASICS

The most common septic system is the conventional gravity flow system, which consists of three parts: the septic tank, the drain field, and the soil beneath the drain field. We’ll cover how these parts work together to treat and dispose of household wastewater.

The septic tank stores wastewater and allows for the settling of solids before the wastewater is transferred to the drain field. When you flush your toilet or run water, the wastewater goes to the septic tank first. Anaerobic bacteria will eventually digest something called the scum layer as solids settle and form a sludge layer at the bottom of the septic tank.

The wastewater, which is also called effluent, then flows into the outlet tee and into the drain lines that make up the drain field. If your system has more than one drain line, the effluent will likely go through a device called a distribution box first. The drain field trenches have drain field media such as gravel, polystyrene, or plastic louvered chambers. The media provides temporary storage and allows the soil to absorb and treat the effluent.

A biomat made of very fine waste solids and bacteria will form where the drain field media meets the soil. This biomat is necessary and helpful for the treatment of effluent. However, if a septic tank is not pumped every three to five years, the sludge layer will continue to accumulate and eventually start flowing out with the wastewater. This will cause the biomat to become too thick and lead to septic system malfunctions.

The best way to prevent any and all septic system malfunctions is to have your system cleaned every three to five years in order to address the buildup of scum and sludge layers.