How Septic Tank Works

How Septic Tank Works

What Is A Septic System?

Septic tanks use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat the wastewater that comes from home plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry machines. Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures commonly used in rural areas that lack centralized sewer systems. A standard septic system generally has a septic tank and drain field. The septic tank breaks down the organic matter and separates the floatable matter (oils) and solids from the wastewater. Soil-based systems discharge the liquid from the tank slowly and eventually into the soil. If you’re wondering whether your home has a septic system or not, contact your local septic system service provider like Metro Septic Pumping.

What Are the Steps of a Conventional Septic System?

• First, water runs from your home into a main pipe and takes the wastewater into the septic tank.
• Then, the tank separates the wastewater into three layers: solids, effluent, and scum. Organic matter gets separated (oils vs solids) where solids settle to the bottom and are decomposed by microorganisms. The tank holds the wastewater long enough so that the solids can settle down to become sludge while the oils float to the top to become scum. 
• The remaining liquid wastewater (effluent) exits into the drain field.
• The soil accepts, treats and disperses the wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater. 
• Finally, the wastewater percolates into the soil.

Do I Have A Septic System?

It’s easy to see if you have a septic system. One quick way to find out is if your water or property tax bill indicates a $0.00 sewer charge. Also, if you use well water, the waterline connected to your house doesn’t have a meter, or your neighbors use a septic system, it could mean that you have a septic system as well. You can find it by contacting a septic system service provider like Metro Septic Pumping to help you locate it. 

What Problems Should I Look Out for With A Septic System?

Wastewater backing up into your household drain is one of the more common problems that can potentially arise. Luckily, there are signs you can look out for and ways to reduce the chances of a clog. Generally, if your system is backed up, you will notice that one or more of your drains are clogged. If your bathtub water is draining slower than usual or your sinks are constantly clogged despite all of your efforts to clear them, then it is likely that your septic system is backed up and you’ll need to schedule an appointment with professional services like Metro Septic Pumping to diagnose and repair the situation. Funky odors around the septic tank are another tell-tale sign that the pipes are clogged. It is dire that you schedule a maintenance before the clogs become a major plumbing issue. Nobody wants to deal with problematic plumbing when water is the most essential part of our daily lives- from taking showers to cooking dinner, clean water and proper plumbing are crucial for a healthy life and healthy home.