A septic tank is an essential part of a home wastewater treatment system. It allows for a settling process in which weighty solid waste sinks to the bottom, and anaerobic bacteria consume organic materials.
The liquid, called effluent or wastewater, flows from the septic tank into a drain field. Depending on the size of your septic tank, it may have compartments or an outlet baffle wall to prevent sludge and scum from entering the drain field. Click the https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
A septic tank is an underground tank that receives all sewage waste from your home. The wastewater flows from toilets, kitchen drains, and laundry machines into the tank for basic sewage treatment. It is a simple yet effective system that allows households without access to municipal sewer systems to dispose of sewage. The tank holds domestic wastewater long enough for solids and oils to separate from the liquid effluent that discharges into a drainage field or soil absorption system.
A septic system is safer for the environment than a traditional sewer system because it does not send waste directly into waterways and can be less expensive. However, septic systems are still susceptible to contamination when they are not properly constructed and maintained. Poorly treated waste can contaminate groundwater and household wells, which poses a risk to human health, especially for infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions.
Once sewage enters the septic tank, it separates into three layers: scum, sludge and effluent. Oils and fats float to the top of the wastewater and form the scum layer. This material should be disposed of in a designated waste container instead of down drains, as it can cause clogs and blockages. The waste that does not decompose in the septic tank is known as sludge and should be removed from the tank periodically by a professional septic service provider.
The liquid effluent flows from the septic tank to a leach or drain field, where it undergoes further treatment. This is a slow, naturally-occurring process that reduces bacteria, viruses and nutrients from the wastewater before it seeps into the groundwater. Only loamy soils that have a wide range of particle sizes can adequately treat the septic waste.
As the wastewater enters the drain field, it percolates down through a network of shallow underground pipes. As the liquid passes through the soil, it eliminates bacteria and viruses, as well as nutrients and organic materials. The drain field must be designed with a percolation area to work effectively. In some cases, a filtering system may be needed to further treat the septic waste.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
The wastewater that flows from your toilets, showers and sinks goes through one main drainage pipe into the septic tank underground. The tank is a buried, watertight container that holds the waste for long enough for solids to settle down to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them into sludge. Fats and oils float to the top, creating a layer of scum that slowly breaks down. The liquid wastewater in the middle, known as effluent, exits the tank through a T-shaped outlet. Compartments and a baffle prevent sludge, scum and untreated wastewater from leaving the septic tank and entering the drainfield.
In conventional septic systems, all the waste enters the tank and is separated into three layers. Solids, sludge and scum sink to the bottom of the tank, where bacteria digest them. The middle layer of effluent rises to the surface, where it exits through a T-shaped outlet into the drainfield.
As the effluent seeps into the soil, natural filtering processes remove disease-causing pathogens, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus. The wastewater eventually seeps back into groundwater.
A septic tank also contains an area of aeration that helps keep the wastewater agitated. This process helps support the growth of aerobic (oxygen-dependent) bacteria that help break down sewage and other contaminants. Some alternative septic systems use pumps and other technology to enhance this bacterial action, making them suitable for properties with high water tables or limited soil absorption capacities.
After exiting the septic tank, the wastewater moves through a distribution box and is channeled into perforated pipes set in trenches of gravel in the absorption field. The distribution box evenly distributes the effluent to the trenches, ensuring that each part of the absorption field receives an equal amount of wastewater. This helps prevent overflowing or flooding in one part of the drainfield. The system can also use drip laterals to distribute effluent into the soil more quickly, but this is more expensive and requires additional maintenance components.
Why Do I Need to Pump Out My Septic Tank?
Septic tanks provide primary wastewater treatment for your home. This pre-treatment process separates wastewater into three layers: sludge, scum and liquid wastewater (or effluent). The anaerobic bacteria in your septic tank break down organic solids. Over time, sludge builds up at the bottom of your septic tank and scum floats to the top. The continuous buildup of these two layers reduces the storage capacity of your septic tank and shrinks the middle liquid layer of wastewater.
The septic tank also contains a baffle, which prevents sludge and scum from exiting your septic system into the drain field. This is an important part of the septic tank’s function, as it keeps solids from traveling out to your drain field and potentially clogging up the absorption trenches in your drainfield.
Over time, the septic tank needs to be pumped out. Depending on your lifestyle and the size of your family, the number of bedrooms in your home, and your water usage, you may need to pump your septic tank more or less often.
When you hire a septic tank pumping company, they come in with a large truck that has a giant tank with a suction hose that literally sucks the sewage out of your septic tank and into their truck. They transport it to a septic processing site, where it’s safely handled.
Keeping non-biodegradable waste out of your septic tank can help reduce how frequently you need to have it pumped. Wet wipes, sanitary products, condoms, dental floss and other non-biodegradable items can all lead to clogs that will require costly repairs. Harsh cleaning products, such as bleach, can kill the bacteria in your septic tank and reduce its ability to break down waste.
If you’re unsure how often you should get your septic tank pumped, it’s best to consult with your local septic tank service providers. They’ll be able to give you an estimate based on how many people live in your home, your daily water use, and other variables. It’s also important to note that the longer you wait between septic tank pumpings, the more solids will build up in your tank. If you wait too long, your septic tank may fill up and overflow into your drain field, which could cost significantly more to repair than simply getting the tank pumped regularly.
How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?
There are a few different factors that play into the cost of a new septic tank. These include the size and type of septic tank you need, installation labor costs, leach field installation costs, and alternative system types. On average, you can expect to spend between $3,500 and $11,000 on a septic tank.
Depending on the size of your home, you’ll need a septic tank with a capacity of at least 1,000 gallons to meet your waste disposal needs. You can choose from plastic, fiberglass, or concrete tanks. On average, a plastic tank is the cheapest option, while a fiberglass or concrete tank is the most expensive. The material of your septic tank will also impact how long it lasts. Plastic tanks tend to last the longest, while fiberglass and concrete tanks are more prone to damage during installation.
In addition to a septic tank, you’ll need a leach field to complete the sewage disposal process. A typical leach field costs between $3,000 and $15,000. Leach fields can be installed aboveground or underground, with underground installations generally being more costly due to additional excavation expenses. You’ll also need to budget for a pump alarm, which will alert you when the septic tank reaches high or low levels.
A land survey is typically required when installing a septic system, which can add an additional $1,000 to the total cost of the project. This fee helps ensure that the septic system is set up correctly on your property and doesn’t cause any issues with your neighbors or local water authority.
It’s recommended that you get a professional to perform regular maintenance on your septic system. This preventative service will help your septic tank and leach field work properly for as long as possible. You can expect to pay a professional about $294 to $563 for this service, which will save you from spending more money on a repair or replacement down the road. A septic tank should be pumped every three to five years on average. It’s important to hire a professional plumber for this service to avoid contaminated groundwater or sewage overflows.
