A septic system connects your home to an underground drain field and filters wastewater through the soil. Waste goes into a tank, where bacteria break down solids and liquids.

The tank purifies the sewage into three general components: scum, sludge, and effluent. The denser sludge and floatable scum layer go to the top, while the liquid effluent settles at the bottom. Click https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.

Having an effective and efficient septic system helps prevent environmental pollution, clogs and sewer back-ups in your home. Having a well-designed septic system is also important when selling your home because a properly functioning system adds value to the property.

Wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks and laundry machines flows into a watertight tank, called a septic tank, buried on the property for basic sewage treatment. The liquid wastewater (known as effluent) passes through a series of pipes into a drain field, where further bacterial treatment and soil filters further treat the effluent before it seeps into groundwater or surface water sources.

Conventional systems typically use a large underground area for the drain field, which is filled with pipes that allow the liquid effluent to seep through the soil over time. This natural filtering process removes disease organisms and other organic matter, keeping water clean. These types of systems are most common in rural areas, where there is no connection to a public sewer system.

A septic tank must be designed for the specific site where it is installed. A site that is too shallow or too deep can cause the septic tank to be overloaded with sewage and unable to operate properly. The soil must be suitable as well, with no hard or compacted areas that could prevent the wastewater from percolating into the soil or seeping through to groundwater.

To ensure that a septic system works correctly, it must be designed by a licensed septic tank installer. This person can provide a design and other information needed to obtain the proper permit from the local health department and install the system in accordance with state regulations. Using incorrect calculations can result in poor system performance and costly repairs, so it is very important to verify the accuracy of the septic tank design before it’s approved for installation.

A quality septic tank design includes accurate measurements of the proposed tank size and location, along with the size of the absorption field and the number of plumbing fixtures. The design must be submitted to the health department for approval, which involves a full review and site visit.

Septic Tank Installation

Septic tanks collect, store and treat wastewater that can’t be processed by city sewer systems. They’re common in rural areas without access to municipal water and sewage infrastructure. A septic tank contains a healthy population of anaerobic bacteria that digests organic waste and prevents contaminants from seeping into the soil or groundwater supply. Septic tanks can be made from concrete, fiberglass, plastic or high-density polyethylene. Some are low-profile, and others are designed to fit into difficult installation sites. Metal septic tanks are not recommended unless specifically allowed on a case-by-case basis by local regulations, because they’re prone to corrosion and structural damage.

When wastewater enters a septic tank, it undergoes a settling process. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank and form sludge, while fats, oils and other scum float to the top. A baffle wall separates the sludge and scum layers to avoid overflows.

Risers installed over the septic tank inlet and outlet allow for future access to the system for repairs and maintenance. A septic tank lid should be securely fastened and buried at least 12 inches below the surface of the ground. The tank should be located on a flat, level area with no rocks or other obstructions under the ground.

Before installers set up a septic tank, they’re usually required to perform a percolation test on the soil where the system will be sited. The test confirms that the soil can absorb wastewater at a rate that meets local health department requirements. Ideally, the tank should be set in a spot that’s as close to the house as possible, but still within the boundaries of the property.

Once the septic tank discharges, the effluent flows through a distribution box and into a drain field or absorption field. The watertight 4-inch pipe leading to the field should slope a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot to prevent clogging in the soil. The effluent should then filter through a layer of gravel, sand or dirt to sieve out any remaining impurities before entering the groundwater supply.

If the area around your septic tank smells like sewage, it’s likely that the ventilation system is clogged. Call a professional to clear the clog and prevent toxic gasses from entering your home.

Septic Tank Pumping

A septic tank’s solid waste settles in the bottom and slowly biodegrades under anaerobic conditions, while liquid waste moves through the septic system to the drain field. The solids and sludge must be removed regularly to avoid clogging of the drain fields. When this happens, sewage may back up into the home or the drain field can fail and create a biomat that restricts wastewater flow.

Having the septic tank pumped on a regular basis can help you reduce costly repairs and extend the life of your septic system. The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on how much the home uses and what is put into it, but generally a residential septic tank should be pumped every three to five years.

Aside from reducing the amount of solids that enter your septic tank, other maintenance tips include avoiding using toilet paper and other products with high fiber content and limiting what is put into other drains. Harsh chemicals and non-biodegradable items can damage the bacteria in your septic tank and cause other, more expensive problems down the road.

When you schedule a septic tank pumping, a professional will clean out your septic tank and inspect the drain field and surrounding area for damage. In addition, he or she will use a muckrake to break up the sludge and scum that has accumulated in your septic tank. This helps to remove the waste more easily and reduces the amount of time it takes to pump your septic tank.

During the pumping process, the septic tank technician will take the time to listen and observe what is happening in your septic tank and the overall septic system. This will let them know if the septic tank is working as it should and can tell them if repairs are needed.

Having your septic tank pumped regularly will also help you maintain your property’s value. Prospective home buyers will be more likely to invest in a property with a well-maintained septic system. In addition, it will keep the surrounding environment free of sewage odors and prevent groundwater contamination.

Septic Tank Maintenance

A septic tank is an underground, watertight container that holds wastewater while it undergoes a settling process. Solid waste, or sludge, sinks to the bottom of the tank and is broken down by bacteria. Liquid wastewater, or scum, floats to the top of the tank. A septic system also has a drain field, or absorption field, that filters and treats sewage before it seeps back into the soil.

Your septic system relies on proper maintenance to function properly. This is why it’s important to understand how a septic tank works and what you can do to help keep your tank in good shape.

To prevent clogs and other problems, it’s essential to be careful about what you put down your drains. Non-biodegradable items like cigarette butts, paper towels, wipes and feminine hygiene products can clog the system. It’s also a good idea to limit the number of people using the toilet at one time and to wash clothes over several days instead of back-to-back.

Regular septic tank pumping is a vital part of keeping your septic system working well. The tank should be pumped whenever the sludge layer is about two-thirds full or the scum layer is about a third full. A septic professional will inspect the sludge and scum layers and determine when to pump your septic tank again, based on your family’s waste generation rates.

The location of your septic system is another factor to consider. It’s best to keep your septic system away from swimming pools, driveways and gravel roads, as these things can damage the septic tank or cause leaks. It’s also a good idea not to plant trees or shrubs near the septic system, as roots can grow into and damage the tank and drain field.

It’s a good idea to walk around the septic system area on a regular basis, especially after it rains. This will help you spot any areas that are greener or more lush than other parts of your yard, which could indicate a problem with the septic system. You should also avoid driving over the drain field, as this can damage it and cause sewage to seep into the groundwater.