Have you just switched to a septic system? Many people aren’t used to septic when they’ve had other systems of plumbing in the past, but there are a few differences that you might want to take note of.
So how does a septic tank work anyway? What sets it apart from the plumbing that you’re used to?
We’ve got the answers that you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn about septic tanks and how they work so you’re informed about your new plumbing system.
The Basics
Septic systems are easy to understand once you visualize the way that they work behind the scenes. A septic tank diagram can help with this, but here’s the basic idea.
The primary part of a septic system is the septic tank. It’s a large underground vessel made of sturdy material like concrete or fiberglass. It has to be water-tight.
Branching off of that is an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe for water to move through the tank. Inlet pipes separate the water into several sections.
The top layer is the scum layer, comprising of oils and grease. The next layer is standard wastewater. The final and bottom layer is the layer for solids and debris.
When the water is processed inside the tank, solid waste is broken down so that the water can be dispersed through the outlet pipe into the surrounding area where it can be filtered naturally through the soil.
It later becomes normal groundwater.
What Happens When It Fails?
Septic tanks have a bad reputation due to the aftermath that can follow failure. When a septic tank fails, the resulting leakage can make your yard and home smell terrible due to the wastewater not being processed correctly.
When you have a septic tank you need to be warier of clogs. You shouldn’t flush anything that isn’t made for flushing. You also need to pump the septic tank every so often to keep it in working condition.
When the septic tank clogs, it won’t be effective at separating the scum, solid waste, and wastewater. It will create a thick sludge that can then burst the pipes or seep through into the yard.
Maintenance: A Necessity
If you want to avoid any septic tank disasters you need to maintain your septic tank well.
It’s necessary to have plumbing professionals come to check out your tank to provide routine cleanings and pumps. They’ll also be able to handle any septic tank disasters, but those will be more expensive.
In other words, it’s best to stick with the routine to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Cleaning helps to maintain helpful bacteria and destroy toxins and any antibacterial liquids and chemicals that have accumulated in the tank and pipes.
Plumbers can also remove any sludge before it begins to build up too much to clog the pipes.
How Does a Septic Tank Work? It’s Simple!
If you’re nervously looking at your new plumbing thinking “How does a septic tank work, anyway?” you don’t have to worry. It sounds scary, but a septic tank is just another way of moving water and waste in and out of your home.
As long as you maintain it right and hire help when you need it, you won’t even know the difference.
If you’re looking for a plumbing professional to help with your septic tank, visit our site. We have trained plumbers who know exactly what to do.
