Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum (see illustration above). The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field.
How does a conventional septic system work?
- Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works: Pretreated wastewater is discharged through piping onto porous surfaces that allow wastewater to filter though the soil. The soil accepts, treats, and disperses wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater.
Why does my septic system have 2 tanks?
Unlike a regular septic system, the two tanks on the dual septic system are used to separately store blackwater and greywater. Blackwater entails things such as urine, fecal matter, and flush water. Alternatively, greywater is the much less pathogenic liquid coming from showers, sinks, and washing machines.
How does a conventional septic system work?
In a conventional septic system, the majority of treatment occurs in the drainfield. Waste water flows from the tank through a solid pipe into a distribution box, where it is then channeled into perforated pipes set in trenches of gravel. The water slowly seeps into the underlying soil in the drainfield.
Can you connect two septic tanks together?
Use a 4-inch pipe to connect the two septic tanks. Place this pipe into the inlet hole of your new septic tank before you lower it into the ground. After you’ve lowered your new septic tank, insert the other end of the pipe into your old septic tank’s outlet hole.
Do you need to pump both sides of a septic tank?
Septic tanks installed after the late 1980s have two compartments, and it is important to pump out both compartments each time. Most homeowners are unaware when their septic tank has two compartments; some companies use that to their advantage, charging to pump both sides of the tank but only actually pumping out one.
Do all septic tanks have two compartments?
Most septic tanks have one or two compartments. Two compartment tanks, or two single compartment tanks in series, provide better settling of the solids. Each septic tank has an inspection port over each baffle as well as a manhole access port. The manhole lid needs to be accessed for the tank to be pumped.
Which is better one compartment or two compartment septic tank?
Some experts believe that a dual compartment septic tank does a better job of settling solids than a single compartment septic tank. A dual compartment septic tank has two compartments. The first is usually longer, about twice as large as the second compartment.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
What is a combo septic tank?
This a combination Septic and Pump Tank compartment system that ranges from a combination holding capacity of 1000 to 1600 gallons. All combo tanks feature 4″ Cast-a-Seal boot type connectors at inlets and outlets to provide a water tight seal.
Does shower water go into septic tank?
From your house to the tank: Most, but not all, septic systems operate via gravity to the septic tank. Each time a toilet is flushed, water is turned on or you take a shower, the water and waste flows via gravity through the plumbing system in your house and ends up in the septic tank.
Do all septic tanks have filters?
First, not all septic tanks have a filter, especially the older septic tanks. Now many government agencies require or recommend a filter when a septic tank is installed. Cleaning a septic tank filter is different than pumping out a septic tank and cleaning it.
What are the signs that your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
What happens if septic tank is too small?
An adequately sized septic system may only need pumping every two to five years on average. If the septic tank is too small or the drain field is in danger of overloading, homeowners may consider pumping the tank once or twice per year until they can renovate and enlarge the system.
Can a septic system be expanded?
ENLARGING THE SYSTEM The increase from three to five bedrooms will require more septic tank capacity (usually 1.5 times), and that will involve replacing the current tank or adding an additional tank in series. The drainfield or other soil treatment component (mound, at-grade) will need to be enlarged by two-thirds.
What is a hybrid septic system?
A Hybrid STEP System is a sewerage collection system that uses a septic tank to contain and treat solids, a pump station to remove the clear effluent and a drain field to act as a backup to the pump station for disposal of the effluent during power outages.
How Your Septic System Works
Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.
Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.
Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:
- All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.
Do you have a septic system?
It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:
- You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system
How to find your septic system
You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:
- The following are some methods for determining whether or not your home has a septic system.
Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!
A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:
- Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
- It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
- A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield
Types of Septic Systems
Septic system design and size can differ significantly from one neighborhood to the next, as well as throughout the country, due to a variety of variables. Household size, soil type, slope of the site, lot size, closeness to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even municipal ordinances are all considerations to take into consideration. The following are 10 of the most often encountered septic system configurations. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list; there are several additional types of septic systems.
- A variety of reasons might cause septic system design and size to differ significantly from one location to another, both inside and outside of your community. Household size, soil type, slope of the site, lot size, proximity to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even municipal ordinances are all aspects to consider when making a home purchase. Septic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the following are the 10 most popular. There are a variety of additional types of septic systems not included in this list.
Septic Tank
This tank is underground and waterproof, and it was designed and built specifically for receiving and partially treating raw home sanitary wastewater. Generally speaking, heavy materials settle at or near the bottom of the tank, whereas greases and lighter solids float to the surface. The sediments are retained in the tank, while the wastewater is sent to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersion once it has been treated.
Conventional System
Septic tanks and trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration systems are two types of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (drainfield). When it comes to single-family homes and small businesses, a traditional septic system is the most common type of system. For decades, people have used a gravel/stone drainfield as a method of water drainage. The term is derived from the process of constructing the drainfield. A short underground trench made of stone or gravel collects wastewater from the septic tank in this configuration, which is commonly used.
Effluent filters through the stone and is further cleaned by microorganisms once it reaches the soil below the gravel/stone trench, which is located below the trench.
In terms of total footprint, gravel and stone systems are very substantial, and therefore may not be appropriate for all residential sites or situations.
Chamber System
Gravelless drainfields have been regularly utilized in various states for more than 30 years and have evolved into a standard technology that has mostly replaced gravel systems. Various configurations are possible, including open-bottom chambers, pipe that has been clothed, and synthetic materials such as expanded polystyrene media. Gravelless systems can be constructed entirely of recycled materials, resulting in considerable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions during their lifetime. The chamber system is a type of gravelless system that can be used as an example.
- The key advantage of the chamber system is the enhanced simplicity with which it can be delivered and built.
- This sort of system is made up of a number of chambers that are connected to one another.
- Wastewater is transported from the septic tank to the chambers through pipes.
- The wastewater is treated by microbes that live on or near the soil.
Drip Distribution System
An effluent dispersal system such as the drip distribution system may be employed in a variety of drainfield configurations and is very versatile. In comparison to other distribution systems, the drip distribution system does not require a vast mound of dirt because the drip laterals are only placed into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. In addition to requiring a big dosage tank after the sewage treatment plant to handle scheduled dose delivery of wastewater to drip absorption areas, the drip distribution system has one major disadvantage: it is more expensive.
Aerobic Treatment Unit
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are small-scale wastewater treatment facilities that employ many of the same procedures as a municipal sewage plant. An aerobic system adds oxygen to the treatment tank using a pump. When there is an increase in oxygen in the system, there is an increase in natural bacterial activity, which then offers extra treatment for nutrients in the effluent. It is possible that certain aerobic systems may additionally include a pretreatment tank as well as a final treatment tank that will include disinfection in order to further lower pathogen levels.
ATUs should be maintained on a regular basis during their service life.
Mound Systems
Using mound systems in regions with short soil depth, high groundwater levels, or shallow bedrock might be a good alternative. A drainfield trench has been dug through the sand mound that was erected. The effluent from the septic tank runs into a pump chamber, where it is pumped to the mound in the amounts recommended. During its release to the trench, the effluent filters through the sand and is dispersed into the native soil, where it continues to be treated. However, while mound systems can be an effective solution for some soil conditions, they demand a significant amount of land and require regular care.
Recirculating Sand Filter System
Sand filter systems can be built either above or below ground, depending on the use. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into a pump compartment. Afterwards, it is pushed into the sand filter. The sand filter is often made of PVC or a concrete box that is filled with a sand-like substance. The effluent is pushed through the pipes at the top of the filter under low pressure to the drain. As the effluent exits the pipelines, it is treated as it passes through the sand filtering system.
However, sand filters are more costly than a standard septic system because they provide a higher level of nutrient treatment and are thus better suited for areas with high water tables or that are adjacent to bodies of water.
Evapotranspiration System
Evaporative cooling systems feature drainfields that are one-of-a-kind. It is necessary to line the drainfield at the base of the evapotranspiration system with a waterproof material. Following the entry of the effluent into the drainfield, it evaporates into the atmosphere. At the same time, the sewage never filters into the soil and never enters groundwater, unlike other septic system designs. It is only in particular climatic circumstances that evapotranspiration systems are effective. The environment must be desert, with plenty of heat and sunshine, and no precipitation.
Constructed Wetland System
Construction of a manufactured wetland is intended to simulate the treatment processes that occur in natural wetland areas. Wastewater goes from the septic tank and into the wetland cell, where it is treated. Afterwards, the wastewater goes into the media, where it is cleaned by microorganisms, plants, and other media that eliminate pathogens and nutrients. Typically, a wetland cell is constructed with an impermeable liner, gravel and sand fill, and the necessary wetland plants, all of which must be capable of withstanding the constant saturation of the surrounding environment.
The operation of a wetland system can be accomplished by either gravity flow or pressure distribution. As wastewater travels through the wetland, it may escape the wetland and flow onto a drainfield, where it will undergo more wastewater treatment before being absorbed into the soil by bacteria.
Cluster / Community System
In certain cases, a decentralized wastewater treatment system is owned by a group of people and is responsible for collecting wastewater from two or more residences or buildings and transporting it to a treatment and dispersal system placed on a suitable location near the dwellings or buildings. Cluster systems are widespread in settings like rural subdivisions, where they may be found in large numbers.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Mr. Fix-It-Up-For-The-Family You may save a lot of money if you understand how a sewage treatment system works—and what can go wrong—so that you can handle your own septic system maintenance.
How does a septic tank work?
Pumping the tank on a regular basis eliminates sludge and scum, which helps to keep a septic system in good working order. It is possible for a well-designed and well built septic system to last for decades, or it might collapse in a matter of years. It is entirely up to you as long as you can answer the question of how do septic tanks function. Healthy septic systems are very inexpensive to maintain, but digging up and replacing a septic system that has completely collapsed may easily cost tens of thousands in labor and material costs.
It’s critical to understand how a septic tank works in order to maintain one.
Let’s take a look below ground and observe what happens in a properly operating septic system, shall we?
Understand that a septic system is a cafeteria for bacteria
Bacteria are responsible for the proper operation of a septic system. They decompose garbage, resulting in water that is clean enough to safely trickle down into the earth’s surface. The entire system is set up to keep bacteria healthy and busy at all times. Some of them reside in the tank, but the majority of them are found in the drain field. 1. The septic tank is the final destination for all waste. 2. The majority of the tank is filled with watery waste, referred to as “effluent.” Anaerobic bacteria begin to break down the organic matter in the effluent as soon as it enters the system.
- A layer of sludge settles to the bottom of the container.
- 4.
- Scum is mostly constituted of fats, greases, and oils, among other substances.
- Grease and oils float to the surface of the water.
- (5) A filter stops the majority of particles from reaching the exit pipe.
- The effluent is discharged into the drain field.
- Effluent is allowed to leak into the surrounding gravel because of holes in the drain septic field pipe.
When gravel is used to surround pipes, water can run into the soil and oxygen can reach germs. The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt. 9. Potable water seeps into the groundwater and aquifer system from the surface.
Septic Tank Clean Out: Don’t abuse the system
Septic systems that have been correctly planned and constructed require just occasional ‘pumping’ to remove the sludge and scum that has built up inside the tank. However, if you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you may unintentionally hurt or even destroy the system.
- Drains are used to dispose of waste that decomposes slowly (or not at all). Cigarette butts, diapers, and coffee grounds are all known to cause issues. Garbage disposers, if utilized excessively, can introduce an excessive amount of solid waste into the system. Lint from synthetic fibers is emitted from washing machine lint traps. This substance is not degraded by bacteria in the tank and drain septic field. Bacteria are killed by chemicals found in the home, such as disinfecting cleansers and antibacterial soaps. The majority of systems are capable of withstanding limited usage of these goods, but the less you use them, the better. When a large amount of wastewater is produced in a short period of time, the tank is flushed away too quickly. When there is too much sludge, bacteria’s capacity to break down waste is reduced. Sludge can also overflow into the drain field if there is too much of it. Sludge or scum obstructs the flow of water via a pipe. It is possible for tree and shrub roots to obstruct and cause harm to a drain field. Compacted soil and gravel prevent wastewater from seeping into the ground and deprive germs of oxygen. Most of the time, this is caused by vehicles driving or parking on the drain field.
Get your tank pumped…
Your tank must be emptied on a regular basis by a professional. Pumping eliminates the accumulation of sludge and scum that has accumulated in the tank, which has caused the bacterial action to be slowed. If you have a large tank, it may be necessary to pump it once a year; but, depending on the size of your tank and the quantity of waste you send through the system, you may go two or three years between pumpings. Inquire with your inspector about an approximate guideline for how frequently your tank should be pumped.
…but don’t hire a pumper until you need it
Inspections and pumping should be performed on a regular basis. However, if you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you may verify the sludge level yourself with a gadget known as The Sludge Judge. It ranges in price from $100 to $125 and is commonly accessible on the internet. Once you’ve verified that your tank is one-third full with sludge, you should contact a professional to come out and pump it out completely.
Install an effluent filter in your septic system
Garbage from your home accumulates into three distinct strata. The septic filter is responsible for preventing blockage of the drain field pipes.
Septic tank filter close-up
The septic tank filter is responsible for capturing suspended particles that may otherwise block the drain field pipes. Obtain an effluent filter for your tank from your contractor and place it on the outflow pipe of your tank. (It will most likely cost between $50 and $100, plus labor.) This device, which helps to prevent sediments from entering the drain field, will need to be cleaned out on a regular basis by a contractor to maintain its effectiveness.
Solution for a clogged septic system
If your septic system becomes clogged and you find yourself having to clean the filter on a regular basis, you might be tempted to simply remove the filter altogether. Hold on to it. Solids, wastewater, and scum are separated into three levels in septic tanks, which allows them to function properly (see illustration above). Solids sink to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. The scum, which is made up of trash that is lighter than water, rises to the surface. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.
- Keep the effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.
- Waste particles might flow through the filter and clog the perforated pipes if the filter is not used.
- Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.
- A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.
- A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.
- Plastic items, disposable diapers, paper towels, nonbiodegradable goods, and tobacco products will clog the system if they are flushed through it.
For additional information on what should and should not be flushed down the toilet, contact your local health authority. More information on removing lint from your laundry may be found here.
Get an inspection
Following a comprehensive first check performed by an expert, regular inspections will cost less than $100 each inspection for the next year. Your professional will be able to inform you how often you should get your system inspected as well as how a septic tank functions. As straightforward as a septic system appears, determining its overall condition necessitates the services of a professional. There are a plethora of contractors who would gladly pump the sludge out of your tank, but many, in my experience, are unable to explain how a septic system works or how it should be maintained.
A certification scheme for septic contractors has been established in certain states; check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office to see whether yours is one of them.
Also, a qualified inspector will be able to tell you whether or not your tank is large enough to accommodate your household’s needs, as well as the maximum amount of water that can be passed through it in a single day.
As you learn more about how a septic tank works, your professional should be able to tell you whether or not your system will benefit from this treatment.
Alternatives to a new drain field
If an examination or a sewage backup indicate that your drain field is in need of replacement, the only option is to replace it completely. As a result, it’s important to talk with a contractor about other possibilities before proceeding with the project.
- Pipes should be cleaned. A rotating pressure washer, used by a contractor, may be used to clean out the drain septic field pipes. The cost of “jetting” the pipes is generally around $200. Chemicals should be used to clean the system. A commercial solution (not a home-made one) that enhances the quantity of oxygen in the drain field should be discussed with your contractor before installing your new system. Septic-Scrub is a product that I suggest. A normal treatment will cost between $500 and $1,000. Make the soil more pliable. The practice of “terra-lifting,” which involves pumping high-pressure air into several spots surrounding the drain field, is authorized in some regions. Some contractors use it to shatter compacted dirt around the pipes. Depending on the circumstances, this might cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000 or more.
Protect your drain septic field from lint
When this device is in place, it inhibits lint from entering the system, especially synthetic fibers that bacteria are unable to digest. One of these filters, which I’ve designed and termed theSeptic Protector, was invented by me. An additional filter is included in the price of around $150 plus delivery. Learn more about how to filter out laundry lint in this article.
Don’t overload the septic system
Reduce the amount of water you use. The volume of water that flows into your tank, particularly over a short period of time, can be reduced to avoid untreated waste from being flushed into your drain field. Replace outdated toilets with low-flow ones, install low-flow showerheads, and, perhaps most importantly, wash laundry throughout the week rather than just on Saturday mornings to save water.
Meet the Expert
Septic systems, according to Jim vonMeier, are the solution to America’s water deficit because they supply cleaned water to depleted aquifers, according to vonMeier. He travels the country lobbying for septic systems, giving lectures, and giving testimony. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him by email.
Here’s Why You Have Two Septic Tanks
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission or free product from the firms featured in this post. Amazon is a good illustration of this. Depending on where you live or work, you may have an on-site wastewater management system (also known as a septic system) or you may be linked to your municipality’s sewage system. It is in the best interests of all property owners to be aware of whether or not their land has a dedicated septic system.
- What is the purpose of having two septic tanks?
- Blackwater is a combination of urine, fecal matter, and flushwater that is used to flush toilets.
- On the other hand, greywater is water that comes from home equipment other than toilets (for example, bath tubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines), and it is a type of waste water.
- A typical domestic septic tank is made up of two spherical concrete tanks with lids that are placed next to each other in a row.
- Septic tanks are divided into two pieces by a partition, with the first compartment having twice the size of the second compartment.
- It is preferable in a variety of sanitation systems to keep greywater separate from blackwater in order to decrease the quantity of water that becomes significantly contaminated with bacteria.
- Blackwater contains pathogens that must be destroyed before wastewater can be discharged into the environment without causing harm to the ecosystem.
- Due to the large amounts of organic elements in the waste, it is also not digested rapidly.
- Alternating systems are what these are referred to as.
Consequently, the soil’s capacity to handle wastewater is revitalized as a result of the drying out of the disused part.
How Do Septic Systems Work?
We would like to make you aware that this post contains affiliate connections, which means that if you purchase a product after clicking on one of our links, we may get compensation. Amazon is an example of this. Depending on where you live or work, you may have an on-site wastewater management system (also known as a septic system) or you may be linked to your municipal sewage system. To the greatest extent possible, property owners should understand if their land contains a specialized septic system.
- You have two septic tanks, what’s the reason?
- It is the combination of urine, fecal matter, and flushwater that is known as blackwater.
- On the other hand, greywater is water that comes from home equipment other than toilets (for example, bath tubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines), and it is a type of wastewater.
- Ordinary septic tanks for residential usage are constructed comprised of two spherical concrete tanks with covers that are placed next to one another.
- With the first compartment being double the size of the second, septic tanks are built to have a separation between the two compartments.
- Greywater should be kept separate from blackwater in a variety of sanitation systems because it reduces the quantity of water that becomes significantly contaminated with germs.
- Blackwater contains pathogens that must be destroyed before wastewater can be discharged into the environment without causing harm to humans or animals.
- Due to the large quantities of organic compounds, it is also difficult to digest fast.
- Alternating systems are what these are referred to.
The soil’s capacity to filter effluent is revitalized as a result of allowing the disused part to dry up.
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?
Ensure that your septic tank is regularly examined and pumped, ideally every three to five years, by following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Septic tank pumping frequency will, of course, vary depending on the size of the tank, how much solid waste is being dumped into it, and the behaviors of those who utilize its contents. To ensure that your septic tank system remains in excellent working order, there is only one surefire method to do it, and that is to have your tank examined on an annual or more frequent basis.
- The septic tank should be pumped once the bottom of the scum layer reaches within 3 inches of the base of the outlet baffle, or when the top of the sludge layer comes within 12 inches of the base of the outlet fitting (whichever occurs first).
- This has everything to do with the size of your septic tank and the amount of waste it can handle.
- It is important to remember that your septic tank should be opened and examined at the very least once every three years if an annual check is not possible.
- Pumping will be necessary if the sludge and scum layers are not removed as previously indicated.
- Keep in mind that if you are vigilant in getting your septic tank pumped on a regular and periodic basis, you will avoid the most prevalent reasons of (very avoidable) septic tank system failure.
- In most cases, regular and religious maintenance will spare you from the bother and stress of having to pay for highly expensive emergency septic system repairs.
- title=A% 20Beginner% 27s% 20Guide% 20to% 20Septic% 20Systems% 20A% 20Beginner% 27s% 20Guide% 20to% 20Septic% 20Systems
Septic Solutions – Installation
There are four primary types of septic systems to consider. The availability of all four types may not be available to every homeowner due to the fact that municipal rules may prohibit the installation of traditional systems in areas where soil absorbtion or drainfield space is restricted. Furthermore, each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider. The majority of municipalities need an engineer to do a site review. The outcomes of this examination will decide the alternatives available to the homeowners.
Installation prices also differ depending on the system type, so there is a lot to consider when deciding which system is ideal for you.
Conventional Systems
Traditional septic systems may be divided into two categories: those that employ gravel in the drainfield and those that use some sort of chamber system. The earlier stylegravelled system, as the name implies, comprises a layer of gravel in the drainfield. In the course of the building, a drainfield ditch is dug that is 1 to 3 feet below ground level. Its length is decided by the amount of effluent that will be discharged into the system from the house or rural office, as well as the soil’s ability to absorb water during the winter months.
- In order to prevent backfill dirt from filtering between the rocks and decreasing the field’s ability to absorb water, more gravel is poured around and over the pipe.
- Despite the fact that some waste is treated in septic tanks by bacteria that live within the tank, the majority of waste treatment happens when wastewater discharged from the tank enters the drainfield and is filtered through the gravel and soil below.
- These organisms grow and produce a layer known as a biomat, which sits on top of the soil layer and protects it.
- The presence of these organisms helps to maintain the biomat from getting so thick that it prevents wastewater from reaching the soil below while the drainfield is in equilibrium.
- Because gravel is used to filter the effluent, it instantly reduces the capacity of the effluent to reach soil, which is where the majority of the filtation takes place.
- Apart from that, even when competent contractors utilize solely cleaned gravel, a certain quantity of particles is certain to stay and eventually reach the soil level, further lowering the possibility of filtering.
- This can happen when the water table rises over the drain pipe, essentially cutting off the drainfield’s capacity to release water completely.
After that, there’s the chance of drainfield overflow, which can occur when there are more visitors in the house for extended periods of time or when taps or toilets are left running for extended periods of time.
Some of the disadvantages of gravelled systems are alleviated by gravelless conventional systems.
Typically, these chambers are made of molded high-density plastic and are available in lengths ranging from 10′ to 12′ feet.
Because we have discovered that the Infiltrator chamber system is the most successful when used in North Texas soils, Septic Solutions of Texas solely employs the Infiltrator chamber system.
When the system is put into service, waste water is transported via pipe from the septic tank to the chamber run, where it flows directly against the earth.
This is particularly effective in areas where the water table might rise near to the surface, as well as in situations where there is a brief rush in demand as a consequence of additional visitors.
Obviously, shock loading for extended periods of time will have a negative impact on the biomat since oxygen will not be accessible to parasites during these durations.
Low-Pressure Dose Systems
Low-pressure dosing systems (also known as low-pressure pipe systems) may be a viable option in situations when soil and topographical factors do not allow for the installation of a typical septic system, such as urban areas. Particularly relevant in situations where geography dictates that the drainfield be positioned up-hill from the septic tanks or where there is uneven terrain that would otherwise prevent the installation of a traditional system. Low-Pressure Dose Systems (LPDs) are designed to function in the following ways: A pumping chamber is placed in addition to the typical septic tank, which is a type of holding tank.
- The drainfield for an LPD application is made up of tiny perforated pipes laid in shallow, gravel-lined trenches that range in depth from 10″ to 18″ and in width from 12″ to 18″.
- After then, the field is allowed to drain.
- Shallow placement also encourages evapo-transpiration, which is the process by which evaporation and grass and other shallow-rooted vegetation serve to remove waste.
- Alarms will be activated if there is a significant increase in flow.
- Whenever a drainfield is not placed on a slope, the system will be constructed in such a manner that effluent does not exit the pumping chamber after the pump has been switched off.
- Furthermore, because of the employment of a low-pressure pump, the whole drainfield will be utilized in a consistent manner.
- However, there are several disadvantages to LPDs, including the possibility of root penetration and the blockage of drain holes by particles that leave the pumping chamber.
Finally, LPDs must be serviced on a regular basis. Electricity, a pump, and a smaller drainfield all raise the likelihood of system failure. As a result, most regulatory agencies now mandate septic system inspections by qualified septic specialists on a yearly or semi-annual basis.
Evapotranspiration Systems
The use of Evapotraspiration Systems (ETs) is often only practicable in arid and semi-arid environments. To put it simply, we are interested in climates where evaporation surpasses rainfall by at least 24 inches per year. The EP system is based on the natural evaporation of wastewater via a sand barrier, as well as the simultaneous transpiration of water through the leaves of plants and grasses grown above the drainfield, to remove pollutants. In contrast to the methods mentioned above, an ET system consists of a trench lined with an impervious barrier that drains to a collection basin below ground.
- Above the gravel is a layer of sand that is raised above the level of the surrounding ground.
- Naturally, this sort of system performs best during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, when heat and sunlight combine to deliver the most effective wastewater treatment.
- Applications in places with short soil depths and impermeable rock or hardpanlayers beneath the surface are recommended.
- Additionally, after the system has been in operation for an extended length of time, there is the possibility of salt accumulation near the surface.
- This is essentially the same system as an ET system, with the difference that the drainfield is not enclosed in this configuration.
- Generally speaking, wastewater must be able to flow through at least 2 to 4 feet of unsaturated soil before reaching the ground water table in order to be effective.
- In North Texas, most permitting authorities demand the construction of two fields, with the owner physically switching the wastewater flow between the fields once a month, as well as the building of two fields.
Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Systems
At this point, aerobic septic systems stand out as the only system that can be used in virtually all case where septic systems are needed. In essence, when you own an aerobic system, you are the owner of a miniature version of a municipal sewage treatment facility. As a result, your aerobic system closely resembles many of the stages and operations carried out by a municipal solid waste treatment facility. Aerobic systems and septic systems are similar in that they both treat wastewater via the use of natural processes.
- The increase in oxygen promotes the natural bacterial consumption of waste inside the system as a result of the increase in oxygen.
- Upon completion of this process, the resultant discharge water is clean and pure enough to be released directly over the absorption field using sprinklers.
- The installation of aerobic systems is currently mandated by many regulatory authorities, including those in North Texas, for both new house construction and the replacement of failing conventional, LPD, and Evapotranspiration systems.
- A low-cost maintenance contract will lessen the need for intervention and care on the part of the homeowner.
- There is less solid waste entering the aerobic chamber as a result of this method.
- Following that, the wastewater enters the aerobic chamber, where air is compressed and pumped into the wastewater in order to promote the development of good bacteria that eat the particles in the wastewater.
- After that, the treated water is pumped into a pumping chamber, where it undergoes a last treatment with unstabilized chlorine before being discharged.
The pump will discharge the water into the absorption field when a float valve within the pump chamber detects the presence of water.
In most cases, aerobic systems are not significantly more expensive to build and operate than traditional septic systems.
Typically, they are less expensive to build than LPDs or Evapotranspiration systems since they do not require the use of sand and/or gravel to prepare a drainfield prior to installation.
This maintenance contract will provide you with the assurance that your plant will operate in accordance with specifications at all times.
If your maintenance contract expires before the end of this period, you will be required to either renew it or seek a new one from another waste water treatment specialist.
For further information, please see this link.
You will not be able to acquire a building permit till this study is completed. Septic Solutions of Texas retains ownership of the copyright and reserves all rights.
Understanding Your Septic System and How It Works
The first step in comprehending your septic system is to get familiar with what you are dealing with. Important to understand is that your system was customized for your property, taking into account factors such as the number of bedrooms (estimated number of people), soil type, and depth from the water table or other restricting layer. If you do not already have a copy of your septic system drawing, you can obtain one by contacting the county permitting office. An underground septic tank and a soil dispersal area, or drainfield, are two components of the septic system on your property.
- The inlet is the point at which household wastewater enters the septic tank.
- Solid trash from the wastewater settles to the bottom of the tank, where anaerobic bacteria breakdown a part of the sludge, releasing nutrients into the water.
- Filters can be installed in the outflow baffle to increase the amount of scum and sludge retained.
- Newer tanks may additionally feature two manhole covers, one over each baffle, which are located above the baffles.
- Not only would having the manhole cover on the ground level make access easier, but it will also save you money when a professional comes to work on your tank since it will be less expensive.
- In a normal septic system, the drainfield is where the majority of the treatment takes place.
- In the drainfield, the water slowly seeps into the underlying soil, where it remains.
Afterwards, the cleaned wastewater either travels into the groundwater or evaporates from the ground surface.
Sand mounds are typically employed when the underlying soil has too much clay to enable water to soak through adequately, or when the water table is too close to the surface to be effectively drained.
Flowing liquid is pushed from the tank to perforated plastic pipes that are buried behind a mound of sand that has been constructed on the ground’s surface.
The vegetation that has grown atop the mound has assisted in the evaporation of part of the liquid.
It is intended to lower the quantity of nitrogen entering drainfields, surface and ground waters, and groundwater by using a BAT unit or an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) for increased nitrogen removal.
BAT units can reduce nitrogen by 55 to 80 percent when compared to a regular septic tank, which can only reduce nitrogen by 5 percent.
Please visit the MDE’s Onsite Division website for further information about BAT units, including price, efficiency, and running expenses.
In order to limit the possibility of contamination of drinking water, it is critical that your system be properly maintained for both public and environmental health reasons.
All This Rain – Does It Harm My Septic System?
Basic hydraulic capacity and design flow of a septic system are covered in this webinar. It also discusses how excessive surface water can have a negative impact on the system’s performance and cause possible harm to the system and the environment.
Upgrading to Best Available Technology Septic Systems
Many homeowners are terrified by the thought of having a septic tank because they believe it would be difficult to repair and expensive to maintain in the future. With regular maintenance, a well-constructed septic system may survive for up to forty years. Knowing the ins and outs of your septic system is essential to getting the most out of it. We’ll go over the fundamentals, such as how a septic tank works, what it is, and how to maintain it so that it lasts as long as possible.
What is a Septic Tank?
Septic systems are considered unusual and out of date by many people. As many as one in every five American houses, particularly in rural regions, is equipped with an aseptic tank. A septic tank is a large underground tank that is used to store and treat sewage. It enables homes to securely dispose of wastewater from bathrooms, showers, dishwashing, and other sources by transporting it outside of the home. Septic tanks, as well as the machinery that supports them, are placed underground. For safety reasons, they are usually put at least 10 feet away from the home when possible.
The most common materials used to construct a septic tank are concrete and plastic.
Septic tanks are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sized residences.
What is a Septic Tank Used For?
The water that runs from your residence is frequently polluted, making it dangerous to drink or handle in any way. Bathing, cleaning dishes, and doing laundry all contribute to the production of polluted water. Septic tanks treat wastewater that goes through the system by the use of natural and mechanical processes, respectively. It doesn’t matter where it emanates from within the house, either. In order to restore water to the earth, it must first be cleaned of undesired particles and organic materials.
Septic systems are used to treat wastewater when there are no public sewer systems accessible.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Septic tanks function by allowing wastewater to rest and settle, which is a natural process. In a septic system, solid particles and sediment settle to the bottom, where they may be separated from the water. Bacteria eat away at the sludge over time, transforming it into more manageable components for human use. This also causes scum to be released, such as fats, greases, and oil. Scum rises to the surface of the water and collects there. Following the filtration of the sediments, the filtered liquid wastewater, also known as “effluent,” is discharged via perforated pipes.
These outlet pipes transport the water to a place known as the drainfield or leach field, depending on the region.
Finally, the wastewater percolates into our soil, where it is able to free itself of any harmful substances. This contains diseases that are potentially hazardous, such as coliform bacteria. In human excrement, coliform bacteria that are harmful to the body can be discovered.
Septic Tank Design
Tanks are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on the number of bedrooms, soil condition, lot size, and other considerations, a household will choose one over the other. A septic system may be classified into several categories, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The most prevalent of them are as follows:
- The term “standard septic tank” refers to a single or double-chamber tank that is located underground. a conventional septic system is a complete underground water treatment system in which the septic tank discharges onto a soil or gravel drainfield
- And Septic tank system that does not require excavation and instead makes use of linked subsurface chambers rather than an open drainfield. Drip Distribution System: A shallow septic system that uses drip tubing to disseminate sewage gently
- These devices operate similarly to a tiny sewage treatment plant, using oxygen to stimulate naturally occurring bacterial activity for the purpose of treatment. When it is impossible to bury a drainfield, such as in places with shallow soil or high groundwater, a mound septic system is used to properly route wastewater flow through elevated trenches. Pump-Chamber-Sand Filter System: This system circulates effluent from the tank to the pump chamber, where it percolates through the sand filter. Depending on the use, it can be put above or below ground. In the absence of a filter, all waste particles will be able to pass through easily and clog your pipes
- Method of Evapotranspiration: Rather than filtering wastewater through the soil, this system traps it in the drainfield using a watertight membrane, allowing it to evaporate. Constructed Wetland System: This environmentally friendly system mimics natural water treatment processes by directing wastewater to a wetland cell rather than a drainfield for screening and treatment. The use of a community septic system might occur when many home sites are near together and the septic tanks flow into a common drainfield.
Inside a Septic Tank
The most common configuration consists of a septic tank, a distribution box, a drain field, and a network of perforated pipes that connects the first and second tanks. There is a single main drainage pipe, also known as an input pipe, that connects the septic tank and the home. The water waste from your home passes through it and into the septic tank, where solid and liquid waste are separated from the liquid waste and disposed of separately. Nowadays, the majority of septic tanks are divided into two parts.
Both compartments are waterproof and are separated by a sturdy wall that prevents water from entering.
A T-shaped baffle, similar to the inlet and exit pipes, is used to prevent particles from entering.
The Septic System Treatment Process
When wastewater enters a treatment plant through an intake pipe, grease and oil float to the top of the water column, while solid waste and silt sink to the bottom. This is done in order to keep them out of the wastewater once it reaches the drainfield. Solids can clog the perforated pipes in the area, and oils can cause harm to the leached soil as they pass through. There is a healthy population of anaerobic bacteria in the soil underneath the septic tank, and these bacteria feed on and digest the organic waste.
- Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the septic tank and entering the drainfield by an outlet baffle at the other end of the system.
- The drainfield is a shallow area of open ground near the home that filters untreated wastewater via rocks, mud, and sand in order to eliminate contaminants in a natural and environmentally friendly manner.
- A good septic system is one that is hidden underneath and not visible.
- These access points are normally protected by a plastic cap with a diameter of approximately 4″.
What Does a Septic Tank Look Like?
From the exterior, an underground septic tank is typically characterized by the appearance of a huge metal or plastic box. These septic systems may typically be distinguished by the characteristic inspection pipes located on top of the box, which are often covered with green covers. The majority of tanks are equipped with one or two inspection pipes as well as bigger manhole covers for pumping. A vent pipe is used to expel the gases that have accumulated. Above-ground septic tanks have a distinctive appearance that distinguishes them from their underground counterparts.
Aside from that, they are often constructed of fiberglass, polymers, or some other weather-resistant material.
A network of tiny, perforated pipes connected to the outflow and reaching into the drainfield’s soil is also present.
The size of this region is determined by the amount of water that your septic tank must handle. This will be determined by your daily water use as well as the number of bedrooms in your home.
What Does a Septic Tank Do?
Designed to remove sediments and pollutants from water, septic tanks are often used in residential and commercial settings. Understanding what a septic tank accomplishes will help you better understand how to care for your septic system in the future. The majority of conventional septic tank systems consist of a septic tank, which is often a large, hidden rectangular or cylindrical vessel composed of cement, fiberglass, or polyethylene material. It is not uncommon for septic systems built before 1975 to have a single compartment and for those built after 1975 to have many compartments, according to industry standards.
Sewage from all plumbing connections is directed toward the septic tank, where heavy masses fall to the lowest point and bacterial activity produces digested slime and fumes as a result of the digestion process.
Septic Tank Clean Out: Don’t Abuse the System
It is necessary to clean your septic system on a regular basis in order to keep it in good working order. If you don’t, your drains may become blocked, you may notice smells, and your drain field may become backed up with water. Septic tank pumping should only be required every two to three years in a well functioning system. When you have your tank pumped, it eliminates sediments, which enhances the flow and efficiency of the wastewater treatment process overall. If you don’t know what you’re doing when performing system maintenance, it’s possible to cause damage to the system.
This will assist you in ensuring that your septic tank is working at peak performance and will prevent toxins from accumulating in the system over time.
Don’t Use Additives
Inadvertently adding chemical and biological additives is one of the most typical maintenance blunders. There are several flushable pills on the market that claim to improve the performance of your septic system by speeding up the breakdown processing and adding extra bacteria. With the help of these substances, you will be able to cope with septic system failure. These have the potential to disrupt the delicate natural equilibrium in your tank.
Don’t Flush the System
When septic systems are flushed out too quickly, it can have an adverse effect on the bacteria that live there. It can also cause scum and sediments to be disturbed, increasing the likelihood that they will clog up system components.
Take Care of the Drainfield
During normal septic tank maintenance, it’s not only the tank that has to be taken into consideration; the drainfield is just as vital. It is not recommended that you construct a structure or plant anything with deep roots in the region. Avoid driving on the drainfield as much as possible since this might compress the soil and cause the effluent flow to become obstructed.
Don’t Overload the Septic System
When using a septic system, there are several things that should not be flushed down the drain.
Organic waste and septic-safe tissue are the two types of waste that septic tanks can manage. The following are examples of things that might overflow your septic system:
- Toilet paper
- Diapers and sanitary goods
- Disposable wipes
- Paint and chemicals
- Cat litter
- Coffee grinds
- Fabric and apparel.
It’s always a good idea to double-check that anything is septic-safe before flushing it down the toilet. Though most toilet paper is septic safe, biodegradable toilet paper is preferred in order to avoid disturbing the important microorganisms. A clogged toilet or sewage forcing its way up through the leach field are all possible consequences of overburdening your system.
Hire the Best Plumbing Service and Get Your Waste Water TreatmentSystemInspection Done Today!
Septic tank inspections should be performed every two to three years, at the absolute least. This will be done by a professional during normal pumping. If, on the other hand, you detect indicators that your septic system is malfunctioning, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. A faulty system might result in untreated garbage being transported to locations where it does not belong. While it’s vital to understand how a septic tank works, homeowners should always seek expert assistance if they have any problems with their system.
A basic home inspection will often only give the septic tank a cursory scan, so it’s advisable to contact a professional to examine the system thoroughly before making a decision on whether or not to purchase a home.
- Septic tank inspection, Septic tank maintenance, Septic tank installation, Septic tank repair, Septic tank pumping are all services that are available.
From our offices to your home, we always put you front and foremost in all we do. Call now to schedule a free septic check with one of our septic contractors.