A septic tank is a buried, watertight container where waste undergoes a settling process. Heavy solids sink to the bottom, forming sludge, while oils and grease float to the top, creating a layer of scum.
Bacteria break down the solids in the septic tank, and liquid wastewater (effluent) flows out. This wastewater is filtered by soil as it enters groundwater. Click the https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
The inlet and outlet tees of a septic tank are designed to help keep solid waste and floating scum from clogging the septic system absorption or drain field. In a conventional septic tank, the inlet tee has either a T or an elbow pointing down to allow wastewater to enter below the floating scum layer but above the settled solid waste area of the tank. The tank’s outlet tee is also designed to be 2 or 3 inches lower than the inlet tee to prevent sewage and floating scum from running out of the septic tank and clogging the absorption system or drainfield. In a multi-compartment septic tank with separate waste disposal fields, the inlet and outlet tees are designed differently to reduce cost and maintenance.
The septic tank baffle is a wall that is installed inside the tee to help prevent waste clogging. The baffle is a crucial component of every septic system. The baffle wall is usually made of concrete, but can be steel or plastic as well. It is important to inspect the condition of the septic tank baffle when the septic tanks access ports are opened, like when the septic tank is getting pumped. A missing, broken or worn septic tank baffle can lead to clogged plumbing, sewage smells and premature septic system failure.
A damaged septic tank baffle can be repaired or replaced by inserting a plastic pipe tee into the inlet or outlet tee. For steel septic tank baffles, the replacement will often be a stainless steel pipe tee. It is best to have a professional contractor do this work, especially on older steel septic tanks.
In addition to a baffle at the inlet end of the septic tank, there is a baffle on the outlet end that directs the flow of clarified septic effluent out of the septic tank. If this baffle is not working properly, floating grease and solids may enter the drain field or pipes beyond the septic tank causing clogs and damage. The septic tank outlet baffle is usually built into the septic tank itself, but in some cases it may be a tee or other fitting placed on the outside of the septic tank.
Pumps
The pumps that are used to pump septic tanks are not the same as other common household or industrial pumps. Among other things, they are designed to handle sludge and solids, not liquids. In order to properly function they must be well-designed, engineered and manufactured to provide years of energy-efficient and reliable service. There are many different pump types and models available, so the selection process can be a little daunting at first. However, understanding what your pump will need to do can help narrow the choice substantially.
A septic tank pump is typically located in the last chamber of the septic tank or a separate, outside pump station. As the septic tank fills, a float switch is activated and an impeller is engaged. The septic tank pump is powered by an electrical motor and pumps waste up through the outflow pipe and out into your leach or drain field.
The septic tank pump is usually set to discharge a volume of effluent somewhere between the daily flow from the house and one-quarter of the daily flow. For a four bedroom home this amounts to between 150 and 600 gallons of effluent per dose. When the pump is operating correctly, it can be very quiet.
While septic tank pumps are generally very durable, they can be susceptible to damage from certain kinds of waste materials. This is particularly true of commercial or rental applications where there may be more items flushed down the drains. A septic tank filter, also known as a bristle filter, should be installed in front of the pump to protect it from these kinds of contaminants.
For situations where a gravity system cannot be utilized, or for homes that have septic tanks with a high discharge level, a submersible sewage pump can be used. These pumps are usually located in what is called a sump pit and act much like a basement water pump to move standing waste out of the area. It is important to use only quality septic tank pumps in a submersible environment and to consider a grinder pump for applications that require a sewage pump that will grind solids into a slurry and then pump the liquid slurry.
Drain Fields
Septic systems are essential in homes without access to a public sewer system. They are onsite sewage treatment facilities that use pipes and tanks to remove wastewater and then disperse it into the soil.
Wastewater and sewage flow by gravity from your house into a septic tank where solids settle down to form sludge, while oil and grease floats to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from exiting into your drain field, ensuring that only liquid wastewater (effluent) leaves the septic tank. The liquid wastewater enters the drain field, where it gets further treated by microbes that work in the anaerobic environment to break down the remaining sludge and scum before it reaches the soil.
The drain field is a series of perforated pipes that are typically surrounded by a porous material like gravel. The pipes are spaced far apart to allow the wastewater time to be evenly distributed throughout the area. This process allows the soil to absorb the effluent, while keeping it from entering into groundwater or surface water sources.
Generally, a drain field can last between 20 and 30 years when it is properly cared for. However, a variety of factors can affect the longevity of your drain field. These include the quality of its initial setup, its proportion to the amount of wastewater it handles, the condition of your soil, and the regularity and type of maintenance undertaken.
Signs that your septic tank drain field may be failing include slow drainage, wastewater back-up into sinks, toilets or showers, puddles on the surface of the ground near the septic tank and a foul odor. If you notice these signs, contact a septic service specialist for help with the problem.
To keep your septic drain field in good working order, make sure all gutter downspouts are directed away from the leach line. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and grazing animals away from the area, too. It’s also a good idea to avoid building anything over the drain field, including driveways and extra additions to your home. Make sure that trees and plants are not planted over the drain field, too. Lastly, be sure that your septic system is pumped every two to three years. Failure to pump the septic tank will lead to solids being carried into the drain field, where they will clog the pipelines.
Maintenance
A septic tank holds wastewater from your toilets, sinks, garbage disposal and washing machine. Solids stay in the tank, while liquids enter a buried drain field for treatment and decomposition. Ideally, you should regularly inspect the system to ensure it works properly and is safe.
When a septic system doesn’t work properly, harmful sewage could back up into your home or into groundwater supplies. This is a dangerous, unsanitary situation that requires expensive cleanup and repair. You also might have to replace the septic tank, which can cost over $10,000.
In order to prevent problems, you should hire a certified septic service to pump your tank and maintain the drainage field. These professionals can use a special camera to measure the thickness of the layers in your septic tank. If the layer of sludge is too thick, they can add biodegradable material to thin it out.
If you’re thinking about buying a property that has a septic system, ask the seller to allow you to submit a contingency offer contingent upon the inspection results. This will protect you if there are serious issues with the septic system that require replacement or major repairs.
A septic system can be a great option for many homeowners, but it’s important to understand the maintenance needs before you install one or buy a home with one. Most septic systems are designed to match the home they’re in and are not appropriate for densely built areas, as they may need large drainage fields.
A well-maintained septic system will last about 40 years without needing to be replaced. However, you’ll need to schedule regular pumping and maintenance appointments with a professional. You should also avoid contaminating the absorption field with toxic cleaning products, which can affect the microorganisms that treat wastewater in your septic tank.
A good way to keep your septic system running smoothly is to plant grass and other shallow-rooted plants over the absorption field and not build structures, such as swimming pools, decks or sheds, over it. This will help to minimize the risk of damage to your septic tank, absorption field and pipes.