Your home’s interior plumbing feeds directly into a septic tank underground. Septic Tank Armadale holds wastewater for an extended time to allow microorganisms to separate solid waste from liquid waste.
Sludge is denser than water and sinks to the bottom of your septic tank. Scum, which is oil and grease, floats on top of the wastewater. The clear liquid in between, called effluent or wastewater, exits your septic tank through the outlet baffle into the drain field.
Septic tanks are buried containers that receive waste from your toilets, sinks and showers. The tank holds wastewater until bacteria and yeasts break it down into sludge and scum. The solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank as sludge and oil and grease floats to the top as scum. A partition wall and a series of openings prevent sludge or scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the septic drain field area.
The septic tank also contains an effluent filter. The filter draws liquid from the middle of the tank and directs it to the outlet pipe. This helps to prevent sludge or scum that may have accumulated in the tank from traveling into the drain field and clogging downstream components.
A septic system is an on-site wastewater treatment system used by homes in rural areas that lack centralized sewer system access. It uses a combination of nature and reliable technology to remove solid matter from wastewater, then sends the clean water into the soil absorption field (drain field) for further treatment.
Bacteria in the septic tank generate gases as they break down the waste contaminants in wastewater. These gases are vented to prevent a build-up of pressure that could stop or reverse the flow of wastewater. The odors of the breaking down waste are also released into the air.
The septic system wastewater leaves the septic tank through a series of perforated pipes that trickle into a layer of gravel and the soil. This soil acts as a natural filter to reduce the amount of contaminants that enter groundwater and surface water. The septic tank also removes most of the solid matter that would otherwise clog and damage drainfield pipes.
It is important to have the septic tank pumped regularly. When pumping the septic tank, it is best to pump through the large central service hole or sanitary tee inspection ports and not through the baffle inspection ports. Pumping through the baffle ports can damage the septic tank and sludge layers. In addition, it is recommended to plant grass or other shallow-rooted plants over the septic drain field to prevent roots from growing into and damaging the drain field pipes.
Septic Tank Maintenance
Septic systems require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. If the system is not maintained, it can lead to a number of problems including clogged drains and toilets and even sewage back-up into the home. Some local governments even require a septic tank inspection before you can sell your house.
A septic tank looks like a large concrete box that attaches to the plumbing pipes of your house. Wastewater travels from your shower, sinks, and toilets to the septic tank where bacteria and other microorganisms break down the waste. Once the tank is full, it sends the septic fluid through a pipe into the drain field. From there, the wastewater percolates into the soil.
Your septic tank should be pumped out every three to five years. The frequency depends on how much you use your plumbing, and the size of the septic tank. A professional septic tank technician can also inspect the septic system and its baffles for damage and signs of trouble.
If your septic tank starts to overflow, you may have a clogged vent or a crack in the tank. It is important to call a professional as soon as possible to prevent overflow and costly repairs.
Other common septic tank problems include a foul odor that is coming from your drains or toilets, slow-running drains, and a flooded yard or driveway. Keeping good records and following basic septic tank maintenance guidelines can help you avoid these problems.
Never flush medications, chemicals, oil-based paints or solvents down the drain. Also, limit the use of garbage disposals as food waste can clog the system. Avoid using caustic drain openers or septic tank additives as they can disrupt the natural process of breaking down waste.
Don’t cover the drain field area with buildings, drives or parking lots as this will prevent rainwater runoff from reaching the absorption field. Also, plants and trees should be kept away from the septic tank and the drain field to prevent root intrusion into the septic system.
The septic tank and drain field are best inspected during dry weather. Heavy rainfall or rapid snow melt can flood the drain field, which will prevent it from operating. The soil over the drain field should be slightly mounded to assist with surface water flow.
Septic Tank Installation
The septic tank is the first step in treating wastewater that flows out of your home. The bacteria and yeasts in your septic system reduce solid waste into a liquid, which is pumped out of the tank and into the drain field, where it filters through the soil. Ideally, your septic system functions like a mini treatment plant in your backyard.
The type of septic tank you need depends on the number of people living in your house and how much water is used each day. A standard tank can hold up to 1,000 gallons. If you have a larger household or heavy water usage, a bigger tank may be needed.
When installing a new septic tank, the installation team needs to dig a hole that is large enough for the tank and its inlet and outlet pipes. The ground around the septic tank should be leveled and free of clods, large rocks, frozen matter, and other debris. A backfill material must be placed over the entire area to ensure that it is firm and will not settle over time.
The tank itself can be made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. Concrete tanks are long-lasting and durable, while fiberglass and plastic are lightweight and affordable. Choosing the right type of tank for your home will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Once the septic tank is in place, it can be filled with the wastewater from your plumbing connections. The weighty masses sink to the bottom of the tank, while lighter masses, such as sludge and grease, rise to the top to form a scum layer.
Bacteria inside the septic tank break down contaminants and produce gases. These gases must be released, or they could cause a buildup of pressure that could block or reverse the flow of wastewater. The gasses are released through a vent pipe that is located in your roof or near the ground surface.
While you can do some things to minimize the need for septic tank maintenance, it’s always best to have routine inspections from a professional. A reputable plumber will be able to perform an examination of your septic system and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Septic Tank Repair
The septic tank is a large, underground container that holds the wastewater from your house. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank forming sludge, while oils and grease float to the top creating scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent these materials from leaving the tank and traveling to your drainfield, where they could pollute groundwater, surface water, and your yard with bacteria, viruses, and foul odors.
If you experience problems with your septic system, call a professional to assess the situation and determine the appropriate repair. They can also help you schedule regular septic system maintenance to ensure your home’s septic system stays working properly.
A septic tank that’s not functioning properly will cause sewage to back up into your home, which can cause permanent damage and health issues for your family. When this happens, you may need to relocate for days or weeks while the septic tank is repaired.
Most septic system repairs require digging up the old septic system and installing new pipes to connect to your septic tank and leach field. This is a big job, and should be handled by a licensed professional to minimize the risk of damage and to ensure your septic system works correctly.
Repair costs vary based on the type of work needed. For example, replacing a broken tank lid costs $150, while repairing a septic tank that leaking raw sewage into your home can cost up to $20,000.
When considering repairs to your septic tank, consider the age of your tank and its remaining lifespan. If the septic tank is nearing the end of its lifespan and has extensive structural damage, replacement may be more practical than repairs.
Before you hire a septic repair pro, get three written quotes and ask the pros to provide proof of licensure and insurance. In addition, make sure the contract outlines all the essential project details including a timeline, what permits are needed, and who is responsible for securing these permits. Because septic tanks contain toxic sewer gasses and raw sewage, they need to be repaired by professionals with specialized equipment and training.