A septic tank collects wastewater long enough for solids to settle or float. Heavy solids sink to the bottom forming sludge, while lighter materials, such as oils and grease, float to the surface forming a layer of scum.
The liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank into a piping network that soaks into soil. Oversaturation of the drain field due to rain or snow can clog the piping and decrease soil porosity. Visit https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
Many homeowners think of septic tanks as being rare or obsolete, but the truth is that millions of homes around the country use this sewage disposal system. A septic tank is a large underground tank that allows homeowners to avoid connecting to the public sewer, which can be expensive and pollutes the environment. It uses natural processes and proven technology to treat the wastewater from bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and dishwashing drains.
The septic tank is water-tight and made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. A healthy population of anaerobic bacteria feeds on and digests organic waste in the tank, leaving only liquid wastewater (called effluent) that exits the bottom into a drainfield. Compartments and a baffle prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank, which could clog up the drainage field.
When a home is connected to a septic system, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to keep up with regular maintenance. This includes pumping the septic tank, cleaning the drain lines, and inspecting the absorption field for signs of oversaturation. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a failing septic system so that it can be repaired before it causes serious problems for the homeowner and their family.
If you notice a foul smell in your home, standing water in the yard or around the drains, or back-up into the drains, you need to contact a septic service professional. A clog in the ventilation system can trap odor-causing gases that must be pumped out of the septic tank to prevent them from entering the home.
Other signs include slow drainage or sludge in the basement, which means the septic tank is full and needs to be pumped. Overflowing drains or toilets, which may indicate a blockage in the septic tank or the plumbing system, also require attention.
Some septic systems are designed with siphons or other devices that increase the volume and velocity of outflow to the drainfield, which reduces bioclogging and extends the drainage field life. This helps ensure the system is working properly and will not oversaturate the drainfield, which can be very dangerous to health.
What is an Absorption Field?
The wastewater from your septic tank flows through the distribution box and into an absorption field, also called a lateral field. The wastewater is absorbed into the soil below and grass above. In a septic system, the absorption field is the final stage of treatment and disposal of sewage in your home. A septic system can’t function properly if the soil in the absorption field isn’t able to absorb the wastewater.
Generally, the absorption field is made of perforated pipes buried in gravel trenches. The piping network in the field allows the sewage to seep through the ground and into the surrounding soil. Wastewater is treated by filtration in the soil and by uptake through plant roots and by evaporation. The wastewater is then eliminated through percolation into groundwater or surface water.
An improperly designed or sized absorption field can cause the entire septic system to fail. The drainage capacity of your soil is an important factor in determining the size and location of your absorption field. The absorption field must be designed to take into account the yearly wastewater generated and the soil type.
When a system is overloaded, the absorption field may become saturated with wastewater. This can be due to excessive water usage, sudden growth of plants that compete for water, or a surge in rainfall or snowmelt. The excess water can clog the piping in the leach field or decrease soil porosity, leading to failure.
To prevent overflow, homeowners should monitor their water usage and limit the amount of water they use during heavy rains or snowstorms. They should not plant gardens, lawns or driveways over the drain field or place structures, such as pools, on or near it. It’s a good idea to mark the location of your septic tank, distribution box and absorption field with maps or permanent markers. This will help you find these components when doing maintenance or yard work and prevent you from damaging them.
It’s also a good idea to contact a professional when you suspect your septic system is not functioning properly. They can test the condition of your absorption field and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
What is a Tank with a Pump?
A tank with a pump is a concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene container that collects wastewater to be pressure-dosed (pumped) into the next component of an onsite waste treatment system. This is sometimes necessary due to soil conditions that make it unfeasible to use perforated distribution pipes and gravel media. This is also common in newer construction sites where the absorption field needs to be located uphill from the septic tank.
The pump tank is usually equipped with a submersible electrical water pump and floats to control it. When the float switch is triggered, the pump activates and the wastewater starts flowing from the septic tank into the pump sump. The pump then pumps the wastewater to the absorption field via a series of laterals.
Often, the effluent from the pump tank is also filtered before it enters the pump sump to protect the pump from small solids. This is important to reduce the number of maintenance calls caused by a clogged pump. The filtration can be a simple bristle filter or a media filter, depending on the type of system.
It is critical that the pump tank is properly sized for the septic system and the wastewater load it is expected to handle. It must be large enough to accommodate the amount of wastewater that is dosed into the absorption field each time and provide a minimum amount of water storage after a high-water alarm is triggered.
Most septic tanks and lagoons will also have a pressure tank installed in tandem with the water pump to help handle variations in demand. The pressure tank is filled with air which, when the pump is in operation, provides a pre-pressurized supply of water to the distribution lines. This helps to reduce cycle times, hammering and water hammering by providing a buffer of excess pressure to feed the pump.
Lagoon systems are very effective at treating wastewater, but they do require some care to work well. It is important to have your septic system inspected and the tank pumped on a regular basis. It is equally important to conserve water to prevent overloading the system. Repairing dripping faucets, installing low flow shower heads and running washing machines and dishwashers only when full can greatly reduce the burden on your septic system.
What is a Septic Pump?
The septic system includes a tank with a pump that moves the pre-processed wastewater to the absorption field. During the process, bacteria digests and transforms the waste into a liquid that is then absorbed through the ground. The tank also contains a vent that allows gases to escape. The septic tank is usually made from concrete or plastic and comes in a variety of sizes for homes. Some are even portable for quick relocation if necessary.
Most septic tanks are underground and out of sight, although some can be easily identified by the distinctive inspection ports located over each baffle. They also feature larger manhole access ports for pumping. The septic tank should be positioned far enough away from the house to avoid contamination by rainwater and to allow for proper flow of wastewater into it.
A septic tank with a pump may have an alarm that sounds in the event of a malfunction or an overflow. This alarm can help homeowners prevent damage to their septic system and property by prompting them to call a septic service professional for repairs. The pump can also be triggered by a clog that prevents the flow of wastewater.
Clogged drains and toilets are one sign that the septic tank needs to be pumped. The inlet baffle to the tank can become clogged by slow-to-biodegrade organic solids, such as kitty litter and toilet paper. A septic tank should be regularly inspected and pumped to prevent costly sewage backups into the home and environmental contamination.
Besides a clogged septic tank, other warning signs of problems with the septic system include slow running drains and sewage-like odors in the home or yard. In addition, a septic system isn’t designed to handle a large volume of water, and adding more than the capacity of the tank can cause it to overflow.
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped by a professional septic service provider. They will conduct a visual examination and use a fiber-optic camera to check hard-to-reach components. A professional will also recommend any maintenance or repairs required to keep your septic system functioning properly and efficiently.