Understanding How Your Septic System Works

Understanding How YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM WORKS Septic System Components • Sewer pipes in the house • Large concrete or steel tank buried underground • Distribution box • Drain field A Step-by-Step Look at How Septic Systems Work Septic systems are completely passive, powered by gravity alone. Wastewater flows into the septic tank from the house's sewer pipes • Wastewater comes from toilets, sinks, and bathtubs There are 3 layers in the tank O Anything that floats rises to the top and forms the "scum layer" Ground Water Source: Clear water containing bacteria & chemicals forms the middle layer New water flowing into the tank pushes out the water that was already there Waste that is heavier than water sinks to the bottom, forming the "sludge layer" Water flows out through a pipe on the opposite side of the tank Water flows out of the tank into a drain field A drain field is made up of perforated pipes buried in underground trenches 4-6 feet deep & 2 feet wide • The pipes are surrounded by gravel which is then covered with dirt Water is absorbed by the ground in the • The less absorbent the ground, the bigger the drain field field Septic systems MUST be regularly pumped and cleaned • Without regular maintenance, systems can overflow • Sewage can back up into the house • Drain fields can become flooded with unprocessed waste • Flooded conditions can taint groundwater supply AITANK SERVICE www.liquidwastepumping.com/ Sources: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/sewer2.htm http://www.doh.state.flus/chdcolumbia/septicworking.htm http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/septic-tank-cleaninglhtm