How A Septic System Works

Get To Know How a Septic System Works

Septic Tank Diagram

Have you ever wondered How A Septic System Works? You may be planning to install one at home or may already have one but you aren’t sure about the exact science behind it. It’s good to know the basic parts of the system so that if something goes wrong, you will know how to explain it to a professional.

The Septic Tank

Every conventional system will have a septic tank. It may be a rectangular or cylindrical structure that is made from concrete, polyethylene or fiberglass and this structure is buried underground. All the waste water from the house flows into the tank through pipes and it settles here. Over time, the heavier particles sit at the bottom while the lighter solids float on top. Septic tanks made before 1975 were often made with a single compartment while those built after that year often came with a double compartment. It is important that you know whether yours has a single or double compartment because you should tell the septic tank service professionals this during maintenance.

•    Single Compartment Tanks

These septic tanks usually need to be pumped once every three to five years. The only way that you will know if it has to be pumped is by getting it inspected every year.  The thickness of the sludge is then studied in order to determine whether the extra sludge should be removed.

Some systems have an attached pump tank. It has a built in high-water alarm, an effluent pump and control floats. So when the effluents rise up to a certain level, they are pumped out automatically.

•    Double Compartment Tanks

In these structures, the solids that have decomposed remain in the tank itself. If septic tank pumping does not take place regularly, the solids may overflow into the drainfield. This could lead to the drainfield getting plugged and eventually failing. If the water starts to drain slower than usual at home or if there is any back-up, it’s a sign that you need to get the tank pumped.

The Drainfield

The drainfield is that part of the septic system where the pipes finally deposit the liquid obtained from the tank which gets a final treatment from the organisms that are present in the soil. Very often, people choose to cover this area with grass or plants that have shallow roots. Ensure that cars and other heave vehicles are not parked over any part of the septic system. Installation of a patio, driveway, deck or any other structure on top of the system is not a good idea since it can damage the entire septic system.

At Liberty Septic and Plumbing, our professionals undertake all kinds of septic tank maintenance. Our competitive prices and excellent service will ensure that you are a happy customer. Call Liberty Septic and Plumbing for an appointment today.