Wastewater flows into the septic tank from all plumbing in your home. Solids settle to the bottom and oils and grease float to the top.
Anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank break down these solid wastes. Liquid wastewater exits the tank through a pipe into a gravel-filled bed called a drainfield. Visit https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
The septic tank is the first part of your septic system that filters and treats wastewater. It receives all the waste from your toilets, showers and other household drains. As it collects wastewater, the septic tank undergoes a ‘primary’ treatment process by sorting the solid waste into layers based on density. The heavier, organic solids sink and become a layer known as sludge. Oils and grease float above the sludge, becoming another layer called scum. The clean, lighter water in the middle is known as wastewater. Bacteria in the septic tank help break down these solids and liquidize them, allowing the clean water to flow into the second chamber.
The clear wastewater is then released into the drainage field (also called a septic tank drain field or leach field). The drain field is a series of pipes in gravel trenches underground, with holes drilled in the tops of the pipes. As the wastewater percolates through the drain field, the soil acts as a biological and physical filter, removing disease-causing bacteria and toxic substances that are in the effluent.
As the wastewater percolates through the soil, aerobic bacteria, which exist with oxygen, treat the water. This process is called ‘aerobic digestion.’ If aerobic digestion does not occur, the water that leaves the septic tank will be untreated and will carry dangerous pathogens into the groundwater.
A septic tank also prevents solids from flowing into the drain field, where they would clog pumps and pipes. To do this, the septic tank contains baffles or filters that are designed to keep large suspended solids from flowing out of the tank. These can deteriorate over time and should be checked during each septic tank service.
Any septic tank that is overloaded may not have enough space to allow the solids in the sewage to settle and decompose properly. If this happens, the septic tank will need to be pumped. Excessive grease, which is not easily broken down by bacterial action, should be avoided as it can block pumps and infiltrate the drainfield causing premature system failure.
Maintenance
There are several things homeowners can do to help their septic tank operate properly. The most important is scheduling regular inspections and pump-outs. This will allow technicians to catch problems before they become serious issues. Another important task is being careful about what gets flushed or poured down drains. Things like cigarette butts and feminine hygiene products can clog the drain field, shortening the time between pumpings and potentially causing the system to fail altogether. It is also important to use biodegradable soaps and detergents that won’t harm the bacteria in the tank. Avoid pouring down chemicals, such as paint thinners and bleach, which can kill the bacteria that treat wastewater.
Keeping an eye on the scum and sludge layers in the tank can be helpful as well. Generally, when the sludge layer is within six inches of the outlet or the scum layer is within 12 inches, it’s time to pump. Keeping records of when the tank was last pumped can help to determine how often it should be done in the future.
The waste in a septic tank is treated in the drain field, which consists of a network of perforated pipes in gravel trenches buried beneath the soil. It is important to not drive or park vehicles over the drainfield, as this can damage the pipes and cause wastewater to seep into groundwater. It is also a good idea to clear leaves and other debris from the drainfield area to prevent clogs.
If you are unsure about what to do, or you suspect a problem with your septic system, it is always best to call a professional. A licensed septic technician will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for your home.
Remember, never enter a septic tank. It produces toxic gases that can kill a person in a matter of minutes, so it is not worth the risk. If you do need to work on the septic tank, always do so from the outside. It is also a good idea to have a diagram of the tank, drainfield and repair area, as this will make it easier for a technician to find the location of any problems.
Repairs
When things in a septic tank or the surrounding septic system begin to break down, they will need repair work. These repairs can take a number of forms, depending on what needs to be fixed. The most common repairs that need to be made are things like a septic tank aerator and other internal components. These parts are in constant motion and will wear down over time if they don’t have regular maintenance. A septic service technician can check for these items during an inspection, and then recommend the appropriate replacement.
A septic system can also break down or clog if too much sewage enters the system through drains. This is usually caused by homeowners flushing paint from working on the house, or antibiotics or chemotherapy agents that kill bacteria and can lead to a clog. Other times, septic tanks become clogged by grease. If the septic tank is overflowing due to grease, it will cause solids and sludge to go out into the leach field, where they can clog pipes and cause failure of the leach field.
Another issue is when a septic tank’s inlet or outlet baffles are broken or clogged. These pieces of equipment are vital for keeping septic solids from getting into the leach field or distribution box. They can be easily replaced by a professional, though it is important to do so before they are completely clogged and allow septic solids to escape into the drain fields or leach tanks.
During a visual inspection, septic tank service technicians can also look for cracks in the septic system. These can be quite serious and will need to be repaired as soon as possible. This is especially true if they are near the leach field or other parts of the septic system that are in close proximity to the roots of trees.
Finally, septic tanks and the surrounding septic system can also be damaged by excessive rainfall or flooding. This can wash away septic tank liners and infiltrate the drain field with water or sewage. This can lead to costly damage to the tank, leach field or distribution box that will need to be repaired by a septic contractor.
Replacement
If your septic tank has reached the end of its life, it may need to be replaced. This could happen for a number of reasons. Some signs of a failing septic system are standing water in the yard or sewage odors inside the house. A new septic tank can eliminate these problems and provide years of reliable service.
A septic tank is a large container that holds wastewater and solid waste from your home. It has two chambers, an inlet and an outlet. When solid waste enters, it drops to the bottom of the tank where it is retained as sludge. The cleaner liquid that rises to the top of the tank is then pumped out of the outlet and into the drain field or leach field, where it is distributed throughout the soil through perforated pipes.
In the septic tank, bacteria break down the waste into liquids and gases. These are then absorbed into the groundwater supply. A good septic system should last 20-40 years.
If a septic tank is not maintained properly, bacteria will die, and the solids in the septic tank will build up. This can lead to clogged drains, septic tank leaks, and failure of the leach field. This problem can be prevented by having your septic tank pumped on a regular basis, maintaining an active bio-augmentation program, and not using chemical products that kill bacteria, such as antibiotics, detergents, and paint rinses.
Having a septic tank that is too small for your household can also cause problems. If your family is growing or you frequently have guests, have your septic tank inspected to see if it can handle more use. If not, a larger tank can be installed to meet your needs.
The cost of septic system replacement will vary depending on the size and material of the tank, the site evaluation, excavation costs, and local labor rates. A new septic tank can cost between $1,200 and $2,000 or more. This includes the tank itself, installation, and connecting it to the leach field or soakaway.