How a Septic System and Tank Work
Many older homes or homes in rural areas have septic systems. You may have one and want to know more about how it works. There are three main sections, each very important. Each will help with your waste treatment.
The first component of the system is the tank. This is a rather large tank that is buried a short distance from the house. When you flush your toilet or empty the sink, the water and waste flows into the tank. In the tank, two primary things happen. First, the solids in the water have a chance to separate from the liquid. Second, bacteria in the tank decompose some of the solids present. These bacteria partially digest the waste and begin the treatment process. However, it is important to remember that the bacteria do not digest all the solids and the tank needs to be cleaned out every few years. As the tank begins to fill with water, the next component in the system takes over.
Second, we have the drain field. This is a series of pipes that are in the ground and are farther away from the house still. Water from the tank dissipates here. There is a main distribution box that takes care of equally distributing the liquid through the pipes that are available. There are small holes located in these pipes to let the liquid drain into the ground.
Third, we have the soil that is in the drain field. The final part of the treatment is done here. The liquid from the pipes is absorbed into this soil. As it drains through the soil, it is absorbed, cleaned and then may eventually go back into the ground water supply.
For a septic system that continues to work correctly, all three components of the system must continue to work. The tank needs to be pumped out before the collected solids overwhelm the tank. The pipes need to be installed in a way to allow the liquid to drain and not clog. Finally, the surrounding soil needs to be able to absorb the liquid as it completes the treatment.
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