Septic Systems - How They Work

The septic tanks, which are the most important parts of the septic systems, are huge structures and are generally made from concrete or steel. These septic tanks are well connected with the pipes which do the task of disposing the waste water and have the capacity to store around a thousand gallons of waste at any given time. The topmost layer of the septic tank is known as the scam layer and it basically contains floating objects. The middle layer contains nitrogen, phosphorous apart from some kinds of bacterias and chemicals while the sludge has those materials which have the ability to settle down at the extreme bottom of the septic tank.

Septic Systems - How They Work?

Now, having understood the purpose of septic systems, let us discuss about our main topic - septic systems - how they work! The septic system has an entrance through which the wastes, of a house or any building, enter it. In the first tank, the degeneration of the waste into the natural bacteria takes place. These natural bacteria are the secretions of human beings. There is a filter through which this waste material passes, once it is properly broken down. The water which is left after the breaking of the waste material is further sent through systems which release the water into the ground, one more time after it seeps through gravel, sand and several other materials which have filtering capacities. In a septic system, there are connections in between the waste water treatment plants and the principle sewage pipes.

Sometimes, when there is no direct connection between the waste water treatment facility and the sewage pipes, a septic tank is quite useful. These septic tanks are connected to waste water pipe inlet as well as the septic drain field. The septic drain field consists of two feet wide and six inches deep trenches, that contain the pipes which do the job of draining. The main task of the septic drain field is to clear the septic tank of the impurities and other contaminants. There are two chambers in a septic tank which are divided by a septic wall and the openings of the septic tank are located in the middle of the top and bottom of the tank. The solid substances get settled down and the scums float when water enters and gets through the first chamber of the septic tank.

Along with the solid components, there are liquid components too, which need to be taken care of. The direction of flow of these liquid components is to the second chamber of the septic tank and the components which do not settle down here get drained from the outlet to the septic drain field. The ground water level increases with the adding of the excess water which seeps down in the soil. The waste, which is not broken down can cause the flow of waste water, which is not decomposable into the drainage field and this can prove to be quite harmful for the environment. So, it is very essential to get the waste which is unbroken, removed from the septic tank.

Each drain pipe is usually 4 inches in diameter and is perforated with holes through which the waste water is slowly drained. The drained water is then absorbed into the ground, providing it nutrients that help to fertilizing the soil. You can read more on how does a septic system work.

Septic Systems - Maintenance

Septic system or septic tank care and maintenance is very important for its proper functioning. Here are some tips for septic systems maintenance:

• Do not drive heavy machinery over the septic tank and field regions
• Avoid paving the ground above the septic system
• Make sure that chlorinated water does not flow over the septic field
• Use septic additive products to maintain your septic system
• Avoid over loading the system
• Avoid pouring fats and oils through the drain
• The waste should be pumped out of the tank by an experienced person

Read more on septic systems. By now, I think that you must have understood how septic systems work! You can also take some septic system maintenance suggestions from licenced people, in case of any query or issue.