A septic tank is a chamber usually made of concrete, or plastic which is buried underground. Today, these tanks generally consist of two chambers within the tank, each with an opening on top to access when it is time to get your tank pumped out. The chambers are separated by a dividing wall with openings located midway between the floor and the top of the septic tank. Most septic tanks will range in size to hold between 1,000 and 1,500 gallons of wastewater. The size of your septic tank should reflect the size of your home (how many toilets, showers, and sinks) and how much or how little water you use. It is common for homes to have tanks that are currently too small for their home due to home additions, excess water use, or old systems in need of repair or replacement.
Your wastewater, (kitchen sink, bathtub, and toilet) flows through your pipes, out of your house through sewage pipes, and into one end of your septic tank into the first chamber. This allows the solids to settle and the scum to float. The solids will anaerobically breakdown, reducing the amount of solids. The liquids will make their way to the second chamber where further settling continues. The excess liquid, now in a relatively clear condition, will now flow from the outlet of the second chamber and into your drainfield. (see diagram)
What is a drainfield?
A drainfield is generally a network of pipes laid in crushed stone with multiple drainage holes in which the remaining water is distributed throughout these pipes. The impurities are trapped and eliminated in the soil, through evaporation, or even through plant root systems. This is a broad description as all septic systems and drainfields can vary in appearance and design based on the size of a home, the location of the septic tank and the drainfield, seasonal high water table, and the current condition of your septic system and drainfield.
Maintaining your septic system
Waste that does not decompose anaerobically, will eventually have to be manually removed from your septic tank. If you neglect getting your septic tank inspected and pumped out, your tank will eventually fill and the wastewater with undecomposed material will then find its way into your drainfield which can clog your drainfield pipes and decrease the porosity of the soil possibly causing damage and costly repairs. How often your septic tank should be pumped out, varies on water use in your home, the size of your tank and condition of your septic system, and how you go about maintaining your septic system as a homeowner. Another factor in maintaining your septic system is to keep trees and shrubbery away from your septic tank and drainfield. Over time, they have the potential to penetrate your tank causing cracks, leaks, and can clog your flow pipes.
DO’s and DON’Ts for a healthy septic system
DON’T dispose of grease or cooking oils through your sink, tub, or toilet. Grease and oils are difficult to degrade and can easily clog your drains and cause unpleasant odors as well.
DON’T flush non-biodegradable items into your septic system such as Qtips, cigarette butts, tampons, pads, panty liners, condoms, or flushable wipes. These items do not consist of organic matter. None of these will biodegrade and may cause your septic system to fail.
DON’T flush or rinse pesticides, herbicides, excess amounts of bleach, paints, or solvents into your septic system. These can damage the components of the system, and kill the bacteria needed for your system to properly operate.
DON’T block access to your septic system with an impermeable surface such as a driveway or a shed. It is very important to know exactly where your septic tank and drainfield are in order to prevent inaccessibility or potential damage to your system when in need of maintenance.
DO have your septic system inspected and pumped on a regular basis (generally every 4 to 5 years) to prevent system failure. Ask Andy or Jon how often they think you need to have your particular system inspected and pumped based on your water usage and the size and condition of your current system.
DO know where your septic tank is located and where the lid to access your septic system is. This is necessary for accessibility to pump out your tank and to prevent any damage to your septic tank. It is a good idea to have a lid and riser installed for quick and easy access. Ask Andy or Jon about installation.
DO make it a point to know how big your tank is. Is it big enough for your household? How old is it? Is it working hard or hardly working? The more you know about your own system the easier it is to know when something is wrong. And if you don’t know we can help! Andy and Jon are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in every facet of the septic system and drainfield business and are happy to answer all of your questions.
DO use eco-friendly enzymes on a monthly basis to keep the bacteria in your septic tank healthy and balanced. Ask Andy or Jon about the enzymes we as a septic service, trust and recommend for your septic system.