How A Septic System Works

Septic tanks are a popular option in household drainage and waste disposal. They allow water and waste to be eliminated by draining them away from a home to a septic tank, where the liquid waste is eventually released. With the correct design, a septic system functions by placing it where it will have a drain field, soil absorption, soil layers, purification and groundwater.

Septic systems are made up of three major components, the household plumbing, the septic tank and a drain or absorption field.

Plumbing

The plumbing connects from the drains and stools in a home to the septic tank outside of the home. The plumbing carries gray water and waste from the home to the tank.

Septic Tank

Once in the tank, the heavier solids, or sludge, go through a settling process and move to the bottom of the tank. Oils, grease and scum float to the top. The remaining liquids, or effluents, travel through a release system and into the drainfield.

Drainfield

The drainfield, is made up of a system of gravel-filled trenches containing drainage pipes. Liquid waste drains from the pipes down through the gravel and into the soil. The gravel and soil act as filters for the last of the solid waste particles, and the water is taken up into plant roots in the field or they are absorbed into the ground water.

Ten Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

By Sonia C Llesol

Caring of the septic system is not hard because modern systems function more efficiently as long as you follow the basic guidelines. Ideally, a septic tank will operate effectively with rare interruption for pumping. Washing powders, bleaches, medicines, cold weather and high water flows are some of the causes of septic problems.

Blockages, odors and ponding in the drain field could happen and be create serious threats or worst health risks to people. The most effective way to prolong the life and maintain the septic system is by conserving water. The more water is in your septic tank, the more water it treats and the faster it will stop working. In maintaining your septic tank, you should organize your dishwashing, laundry and bathing uses to be able to use water wisely and more efficiently. The following are effective ways to maintain your septic tank system.

1. Diver the rainwater from the septic drain field and make sure to plan your landscaping, foundation drains and roof gutters well so excess water is diverted away from the septic drainfield.

2. Refrain from overloading the tank by checking toilets and faucets and leaks and do repairs if necessary. You can use aerators on your faucets and nozzles with flow reducer on your showers to minimize water consumption. For small laundry loads, make sure to reduce water levels and fill the dishwasher before running it. To minimize the water used to flush toilets, you can use a displacer.

3. Keep the trees away from the septic system because roots could damage it. Trees should be at least ten feet away from the system.

4. Avoid flushing disposable diapers, cat litter, sanitary napkins, paper towels, tampons, facial tissues, cigarette butts, filters and coffee grounds. These will clog the tank in less time than you think.

5. Use garbage disposal properly, such as those that grind food into tiny particles and are easier for the septic system to digest.

6. Minimize the use of heavy duty cleaners since overusing them could kill important bacteria in the septic system, thus solids will not break down as well.

7. Keep in mind that grease can clog the septic drain field, thus refrain from pouring grease down the drain.

8. Dispose of hazardous chemicals such as paint thinners, varnish, gasoline and motor oils properly because they can ruin your septic system and are hazardous to the groundwater.

9. It is necessary to build a structure over the septic drain field or else cover it with asphalt or concrete. Avoid planting grass on the drain field to avoid soil erosion.

10. Maintain the septic tank regularly and should be pumped every three or five years. Never try to open the septic tank yourself because bacteria and gases inside are dangerous.

Proper maintenance of your septic tank system will add life to its service and keep septic problems at bay. If you follow the right maintenance, you can be sure that you will be able to make full use of your septic tank system for many years.                   

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6169915

This Information is offered by:

Although we believe that this information is accurate as it is compiled from professional sources, please verify this information on your own before relying on it as your only source of knowledge to base any decisions on.