Septic Tank System Functions

But septic systems don t have to be scary with a solid maintenance record and a good inspection a septic tank and the associated parts can easily last for decades.

Septic tank system functions.

Just about 25 percent of north america residents rely on septic tanks. Settling and anaerobic processes reduce solids and organics but the treatment efficiency is only moderate referred to as primary treatment. The tank is located so that gravity sends the water into the tank. A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield or soil absorption field.

The tank s function is to receive the wastewater from the house separate the solids from. Soil based systems discharge the liquid known as effluent from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a. A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete fiberglass or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic treatment. The line exiting the tank takes the water out to the secondary treatment area which could be a filter bed or leach trenches depending upon the age of the system.

The heavier solids sink to the bottom forming the sludge layer the lighter solids fats oils grease etc rise to the surface and form the scum layer. These residents tend to live in suburban areas small towns and rural areas with centralized sewer systems. The septic tank performs two functions. The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter e g oils and grease and solids from the wastewater.

How a septic tank functions.