A septic tank is your home’s wastewater treatment system. Waste flows into the septic tank, where bacteria decompose some of it. Heavy solids sink to the bottom, while oils and grease float to the top to create a layer known as sludge.
The liquid waste exits the septic tank through an outlet pipe leading to a drain or leach field. From there, it percolates through the soil and returns to groundwater. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!
A septic tank is a water-tight, buried container that accepts all the sewage from your home, including toilet wastes and other household wastewater. It is an integral part of your on-site sewage system, which includes the absorption field and other treatment stages.
The septic tank is usually constructed of concrete and features two chambers separated by baffle walls. The first chamber is designed to separate solids from the sewage. The heavier masses, such as soil, grit, and unconsumed food particles, sink to the bottom of the tank to form sludge. Lighter masses, such as grease, oils, and liquified fatty acids, rise to the top of the liquid to create a scum layer. A clear liquid, known as effluent, remains between the scum and sludge layers.
Bacteria break down the contaminants in wastewater, converting them into gases that escape from the septic tank. These gases include hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. The septic tank has a vent pipe, which extends through the lid and out of the house to release these gases.
When the septic tank is full, it needs to be pumped out. During this process, the sludge and scum layers are broken up and stirred up, which helps ensure that all solids are removed from the liquid wastewater. This clarified wastewater, known as effluent, flows from the tank into the septic absorption field.
A septic tank should be buried to avoid excessive surface pressures, which can crack the tank or cause baffles to shift out of alignment. A septic tank should also be built deep enough to avoid contacting the water table and contaminating groundwater.
In some cases, a septic tank may need to be larger than others. This is because the number of household fixtures and their wastewater flow rates affect the amount of sewage that enters the tank.
In general, the septic tank size should be based on the number of fixtures and maximum number of people that will use the household at any one time. An experienced professional can help you determine how large a septic tank is required for your home.
Septic Tank Installation
A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its purpose is to hold incoming wastewater long enough for solids to sink to the bottom, forming sludge. Oil and grease floats to the top, and the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits through a T-shaped outlet. The septic tank must be located away from streams and wells, as sewage and solids can seep into these areas and expose humans and animals to disease-causing bacteria.
When you’re ready to install a septic tank, you need to find the right contractor for the job. A good installer will offer a clear proposal and answer your questions thoroughly. They should also have a wide range of equipment to work with, including excavators, backhoes, and transport vehicles. They should also have a Plan B in case something goes wrong on installation day.
Once you’ve found the right contractor, they’ll need to perform a soil test on your property before moving forward. Once they’ve completed the test and received all necessary permits, they’ll design your system and begin excavation. This phase can take up to three weeks, depending on factors like your land’s size and the presence of trees or vegetation.
Septic tanks are typically buried beneath the ground, but if you’re considering an above-ground septic tank, there are options available for that as well. These systems are typically smaller than traditional septic tanks, but they can be just as durable. They’re also less expensive, making them a great option for homeowners with limited space.
After a septic tank is installed, it’s important to have regular inspections and maintenance services performed. Without these services, your septic tank could start to fail, which can lead to backed-up drains and foul odors in your home. In addition, routine inspections and pumping services will help your septic tank last longer, which can add to your home’s value if you ever decide to sell it.
Septic Tank Maintenance
A septic tank removes waste and organic material from your household wastewater before it is returned to the soil. The system uses natural and mechanical processes to treat the water before it is absorbed into the ground. The septic tank also protects the drainfield from contaminants that could otherwise infiltrate the groundwater supply. The best way to ensure a septic tank works properly is by having it pumped at appropriate intervals. Regular inspections are also important. In addition, keeping accurate maintenance records makes your home more appealing to potential buyers when it is time to sell.
A septic system depends on a natural system of living organisms that help break down household waste. The presence of chemicals such as gasoline, pesticides, paint, and antifreeze can negatively impact the health and performance of these organisms. These harmful substances can clog septic tank components and drainfield systems, causing the wastewater to overflow into the surrounding environment.
One of the most common septic tank problems is not having the tank pumped regularly enough. It is generally recommended to have the septic tank pumped every two to five years, depending on the size of the tank and how many people live in the house. Not having the septic tank pumped at the proper interval can cause an excessive buildup of sludge and scum that can cause the septic system to fail.
The septic tank should have baffles that restrain and redirect the flow of incoming and outgoing wastewater. These baffles prevent scum from entering the inlet and outlet pipes. A baffle that is missing, broken, or deteriorated can allow scum to enter the inlet and outlet pipes, leading to clogs and backups. It is best to have a professional service technician inspect the baffles when they pump the septic tank.
It is important to only flush toilet paper, human waste, and household garbage into the septic system. Putting anything else into the septic tank can overload it, forcing the system to work harder. It can also lead to a failure of the drainfield.
Septic Tank Repair
Septic tanks are designed to hold wastewater for an extended period of time before the bacteria in them break it down into simpler compounds that can be absorbed into the soil. This process is known as settling. Solids and sediment sink to the bottom of the tank, while scum—which typically consists of fats, oils, and other non-organic substances—floats to the top. If the system isn’t functioning properly, it’s likely due to damage to the septic tank itself or problems with the surrounding drain field.
A damaged septic tank can be quite costly, so it’s important to address any signs of trouble as soon as possible. A professional can inspect the system and determine what needs to be done to make it right. In some cases, repairs will require digging up and replacing the entire drain field or the septic tank itself.
If your septic tank is full, this may not be a problem in and of itself, but it’s worth having it pumped out. When a septic tank is full, it stops the flow of liquid waste to the drain field and can cause issues with the effluent filter and solid waste baffle.
Heavy rains or extreme temperatures can also impact a septic tank repair. Rainwater can disrupt the excavation process, and freezing temperatures or snow can make it difficult for professionals to work outside. In some cases, repairing the septic tank itself will be impossible if the surrounding drain field or leach field is saturated with water.
Foul odors are another common sign of a septic tank problem. This can occur if the bacteria in the tank aren’t getting enough time to do their job, or if the bacteria in the tank are dying out. In these instances, a septic pro can recommend products that will give those bacteria a boost and prevent clogs.
It’s best to hire a professional for septic tank repair because it’s a messy and dangerous job to do on your own. If you suspect that something is wrong with your septic system, get in touch with The Original Plumber & Septic right away. The earlier the issue is spotted, the easier it will be to fix and the lower your costs will be.