A septic system is an underground network of pipes that handles the waste from your home’s sinks, toilets and drains if not connected to a municipal sewer line. In this guide, we’ll explain how a septic system works, the ways to keep it healthy, and the signs you have a septic system problem.
Components of a Septic System
Septic systems have three basic components that operate in conjunction to remove and treat wastewater. These parts are the basis for the overall function of a system and include:
- Distribution box: The distribution box receives waste and evenly divides it between the drainfield and pipes.
- Drainfield: Also known as a leach field or absorption field, the drainfield is a network of pipes in gravel-filled trenches. The drainfield distributes treated waste into the surrounding soil to purify it.
- Septic tank: The septic tank is a large, watertight plastic or concrete container. It is a holding tank for waste after it exits the home and separates solids and liquids as part of a decomposition process.
How Septic Tanks Work
After you flush your toilet or water drains from your sink, the wastewater travels through your home’s main drainage pipe. It enters the septic tank, which is split into two chambers. From there, the following steps take place:
- Wastewater enters a large chamber where solids form sludge at the bottom, oils and grease remain at the top, and a middle layer forms containing clear liquid called effluent.
- Bacterial decomposition begins.
- The effluent flows into the second chamber, while sludge remains in the first chamber.
- The system effectively cleans the effluent.
- The effluent eventually exits the system and enters the distribution box, which evenly disperses it into the drainfield and into the soil.
The Role of Bacteria in Septic Systems
Bacteria are the unsung heroes of septic systems. They break down organic matter and remove and neutralize pollutants, converting them into water, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of indigestible material. The bacteria type responsible for this degradation is called anaerobic bacteria. They thrive in oxygen-free environments, such as a septic tank. This natural process significantly reduces the volume of solids in the tank.
Types of Septic Tanks
Septic system manufacturers build four different tank types.
- Concrete tanks: These are durable and long-lasting, but they can crack.
- Fiberglass tanks: Fiberglass tanks are rust-proof and don’t crack as easily as concrete tanks but are more expensive.
- Plastic tanks: These are lightweight and crack-resistant, but they may shift when the soil is saturated.
- Steel tanks: Steel tanks corrode over time so they are less common.
Septic System Maintenance: Keeping Your System Healthy
Maintaining your septic system allows your septic system to operate effectively and helps you avoid costly repairs. Follow these tips to ensure your septic system functions properly for years to come:
- Proper waste disposal: Your waste impacts your septic system’s functionality. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, harsh chemicals, or excessive amounts of household cleaners.
- Regular pumping and inspections: A septic service professional must pump your tank every two to three years. Make sure you ask them to inspect the system for damage or wear too.
As a general rule, you should never flush household items like cooking oil, non-flushable wipes (such as baby or makeup removal wipes), diapers, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, or paint and paint thinners down the drain.
Signs of Septic System Problems
Sometimes septic systems need repairs. Contact a septic service professional to address the issue if you notice any of the following indicators:
- Foul odors: You may have a full tank, broken pipe, or improper venting if you detect unpleasant smells around your drainfield or near plumbing fixtures. A septic service professional can diagnose and address the source of the odor.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing: This could indicate that your tank is full. Contact your septic service professional to pump the system.
- Slow drains and sewage backups: You may have a clog in your system if you notice slow drains or backups. Since this could indicate a blockage in the mainline or a full system, contact a professional to assess the situation.
- Wet spots in the yard: Soggy areas or standing water over your drainfield may indicate a failing system. Your tank may have a clogged pipe, overloaded tanks, or soil saturation.
Septic Systems Vs. Municipal Sewer Systems
Both septic systems and municipal sewer systems manage wastewater but in different ways. Septic tanks are on-site and homeowners must maintain their systems. Local authorities manage municipal sewer systems once the wastewater reaches a centralized treatment plant. A septic system may be a more cost-effective option for people who live in rural areas and can’t easily access a municipal sewer system, which is more suitable for suburban and urban locations.
Environmental Impact of Septic Systems
A septic system is considered environmentally friendly when homeowners maintain them and repair them when necessary. However, if there is a problem with the system, it poses environmental risks, such as contaminating groundwater with harmful bacteria and other toxins.
Septic System Installation: What to Expect
Installing a new septic system is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. A septic service professional must take certain steps to make sure the system operates properly, which include:
Site Evaluation and Soil Testing
When a homeowner decides to install a septic system, if the home doesn’t already have one in place, a septic service professional will perform a thorough site evaluation and test the soil for permeability and drainage characteristics. before they decide the best location for a tank and drainfield.
System Design and Permits
The septic service professional will design a system after considering your household size and soil conditions. They will submit the customized design for permits from local health authorities. Your municipality will reject or accept their proposal.
Excavation and Installation
Once they obtain a permit, your septic service professional will begin excavating for the tank and drain field. After excavation, they’ll install the tank, distribution box, and drain field components.
Final Inspection and Approval
After the work is complete, a municipality inspector will examine the installation to verify compliance with local regulations. Health authorities must also inspect and approve the installation before you can start to use your septic system.
Our Conclusion
Septic systems are effective solutions to remove waste from your home. Properly functioning septic tanks are environmentally friendly wastewater management systems that use natural processes, such as bacterial decomposition. Following best practices and using septic-safe products ensures that your system will function effectively. We recommend you contact a septic service professional for regular inspections and pumping to ensure your system’s longevity. With proper care, your septic system will continue to serve your property reliably, safeguarding both your investment and the surrounding ecosystem.