Septic tanks cut pollution by allowing wastewater to pass through natural filters in drain fields and leach fields. Septic tank baffles prevent solid waste, including oils and greases, from leaving the septic system with the wastewater.
It’s important to avoid flushing anything but toilet paper, human waste and food scraps into a septic system. Items that can clog pipes include handi-wipes, diapers, medicine, cigarette butts and paint rinses. Click the https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
Septic tanks are buried underground to temporarily hold household waste, while a small degree of treatment takes place. The tank collects all the wastewater from your house, including toilets, sinks, washing machines and bathtubs. As the water drains into your septic system, solid waste settles at the bottom while fats and grease drift to the top. The liquid waste flows out of the tank into a leach field, where it is slowly released to the soil.
A septic tank consists of two chambers separated by a half-wall. As waste from your house enters, the baffle wall directs surface scum into the inlet pipe and keeps it from clogging. The inlet baffle also reduces wastewater agitation, which makes it easier for solids to drop to the bottom of the tank. Bacteria in the septic tank digest these solids, separating floatable matter from the wastewater that carries it away.
In the second chamber of your septic tank, the wastewater flows over the half-wall into a liquid layer. A septic tank vent pipe extends from the tank to the roof to release gases that form when bacteria break down wastewater contaminants. These gases include hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. The septic tank vent should be located within 10 feet of the leach field to avoid any odors escaping into your home.
The septic tank needs to be pumped regularly to remove the solid waste that cannot dissolve in water. This prevents the solids from clogging your drain field and wastewater lines, which can cause costly repairs. Typically, you will need your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years depending on the size of your septic tank, number of people living in your home and details of your water usage. You should also only flush septic-safe items, such as human waste, toilet paper and white paper towels. Other items like diapers, kitty litter and wipes that claim to be flushable can get caught in pipes or break down into a sticky substance that clogs the septic tank and leach field. Also, the roots of trees that grow around septic systems and drain fields can penetrate the tank and leach field, causing sludge build-up and wastewater backups.
Septic Tank Installation
Septic tank systems have a number of different components that must work together to keep your wastewater flowing smoothly. Without any of these parts, your septic system can’t properly treat and reintroduce sewage water into the environment. In fact, even a single failure in any of these components can cause a major problem for your home and yard.
During the installation process, your contractor will discuss the different septic system options to find one that fits your property and budget. Once the design plans are approved, the construction can begin. This process takes some time depending on the size of your septic tank, the location of your home and the condition of your soil.
The first step in installing your septic tank is digging a trench that’s a few feet below the surface. The trench is lined with gravel or coarse sand and includes perforated pipes that will carry the waste water to the drain field. It’s important that your contractor understands the condition of your soil so they can dig a trench with a suitable length and depth for your system.
Once the tanks are in place, they’re filled with water and carefully inspected for any damage or leaks. The tees on the inlet and outlet sides are then connected to the house’s plumbing, and the system is tested for any water loss over a 24-hour period. Once the tank is deemed watertight, the ground around the tank is backfilled.
A septic tank is a vital part of the wastewater treatment system in a home without access to public sewer lines. It separates solid waste particles from the liquid wastewater that flows into the soil absorption field or drain field. By removing these solids, the septic tank protects the soil absorption field from clogging and premature failure.
To prevent your septic tank from becoming overloaded, limit how much water you use. For example, install efficient showerheads and faucets and wash clothes over a few days instead of back-to-back. Overcrowding your septic system with excessive water use can cause it to overflow into the surrounding area and disrupt normal wastewater flow.
Septic Tank Pumping
Septic tanks dispose of and filter household waste for homeowners not connected to a municipal sewer system. Wastewater leaves the house through drains into a septic tank, where it separates into three layers: a scum layer of fats and oils less dense than water; a wastewater or effluent layer that is nearly pure liquid; and a bottom sludge layer of heavier solids. Natural bacteria present in the septic system digest these solids, leaving behind clean and clear wastewater that exits the tank through an outlet pipe into a septic drain field for disposal in the soil. The septic tank-soil absorption system protects the environment by reducing sewage pollution into groundwater and surface waters.
A septic tank should be pumped regularly to ensure that it functions effectively. If a septic tank is not pumped when needed, the sludge and scum will enter the drain field area, where they will clog the drain field lines and eventually cause it to fail. The drain field is designed to withstand only so much load. Overloading it will not only shorten its lifespan but also expose the homeowner to health hazards and expensive repairs.
Typically, homeowners can identify the need for septic tank pumping by watching for the presence of sludge and scum in drains and toilets. These substances contaminate the environment, exposing people and pets to disease-causing microorganisms.
In addition, septic tank problems often show themselves as strong, unpleasant odors throughout the home and yard. These odors are produced by the breakdown of organic materials in the septic tank, and the resulting gases enter the ventilation system of the home or garage and are expelled through the vents at the top of the tank.
Depending on the size of the septic tank and its contents, some systems may need to be pumped more frequently than others. Factors that can affect the frequency of septic tank pumping include garbage disposal use, high levels of water usage, and other activities that increase the amount of wastewater entering the system. The homeowner should stick to a regular schedule to prevent the need for an emergency septic tank pumping, which can cost more than an expected one.
Septic Tank Repair
When your septic system malfunctions, it can cause serious damage to your home and the surrounding soil. If you suspect that your tank or pipes have a problem, call in a professional right away to address the issue before it escalates into costly repairs.
Clogged Pipes
If sewage is backflowing into your toilets, it is likely that you have a clog in the pipe from your septic tank to your house. This could lead to flooding in the toilets and basement, causing health issues. In some cases, it may be necessary to drain your septic system entirely in order to remove the clog and repair the broken pipe.
Pump & Alarm Repair
Your septic system relies on a pump to move the effluent to the drain field, so if it fails, your home could be flooded with sewage. To avoid this, you should have your septic tank alarm and floats checked regularly.
Baffles
When a septic tank’s baffles become diseased, they can no longer separate the solid waste from the liquid waste. This can cause wastewater to flow out of the septic tank into the drain field, which leads to system overloading and environmental contamination. Replacing a septic tank’s baffles helps maintain the longevity and efficiency of your septic system.
Damaged Drain Field
The drainage field for a septic tank and the absorption system is prone to damage by lawn mowers, children’s play equipment, vehicles, heavy machinery, and even septic tanks. A damaged drain field can result in wastewater leaks and groundwater contamination. Ensure that your drain field is protected by adding 8 to 12-inches of mulch around it, or install a permanent barrier like a fence or a garden wall.
Frozen Pipes
If your septic system is located on a slope, the septic tank and pipes are susceptible to freezing in winter weather. To help prevent this, you should keep your water use low during winter, and add loose organic mulch to the soil near your septic tank, drain lines, and absorption field. This will help prevent the water from becoming compacted, which can cause it to freeze and impede septic system function.