What Is a Septic System and How Does It Work?

For most people who rely on utility water and waste connections, a septic system may seem like a foreign idea. But not all homes are connected to a main sewage line. In fact, millions rely on septic tanks. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept and how it works, we will now explain it in detail.

What Is Septic System?

If your home has a sewer connection, waste flushed down a toilet is piped to a sewage treatment plant, where it’s filtered from water that’s discharged into the environment once clean. Leftover waste goes to the landfill or is converted to fertilizer. A septic system works in a similar way, but on a smaller scale. Your waste is essentially treated in an underground tank just 20 to 50 feet from your house. In addition to a tank, the system consists of inlet and outlet pipes and a drain field. 

How Does a Septic System Work?

The process begins as wastewater is transported via the inlet pipe from your house. It then collects in the septic tank, which typically has a 1,000-to-2,000-gallon capacity. The tank consists of two chambers; a larger chamber accepts waste that flow from the house. While solids settle at the bottom, liquids can flow over the partial wall into a smaller chamber. Wastewater is primarily moved through the system via gravity.

Anaerobic bacteria break down the solids and three layers form. Oils and grease form a top layer, while wastewater and particles form the middle layer. On the bottom are particles that are heavier than water; they form a thick layer of sludge. As solid waste is broken down, the liquids can separate and drain away, leaving behind material at the bottom that must be periodically cleaned out.

The second chamber of the septic tank has an outlet pipe. Liquid effluent flows towards the drain field through perforated pipes or plastic structures. The effluent can therefore drain into the ground, typically via a bed of gravel that helps disperse it. Remaining particles and bacteria are absorbed by the soil; the water is typically pure enough to drink once it reaches deep underground aquifers. The septic field is usually just one to two feet underground.

Do's of Maintaining Your Septic System

If your septic system isn’t properly maintained, you could have serious problems in your home. Of great importance is knowing the do’s and don’ts of maintenance, which we’ll explain below:

• Do: Inspection and Maintenance – Routine care can extend the system’s life. Gravity systems should be serviced every three years while pressure distribution systems must be maintained annually. Aerobic treatment units, membrane bioreactors, and drip irrigation systems should also be maintained annually.

• Do: Pump the Septic Tank – How often you should pump the tank depends on how much water you use. The higher the water flow, the faster the septic tank will fill. It will thus need to be pumped more frequently.

• Do: Keep Tank Lids Closed/Secured – The lid should always be closed and screwed shut. Otherwise, people could fall into it! Periodically check access lids for cracks or deterioration. Also, tank lids should be accessible; a riser makes pumping and monitoring easier.

• Do: Conserve Water – Water conservation is good for many reasons, including increasing the life of your septic system. Using too much water can make it fail prematurely.

• Do: Improve Drainage to Direct Water Away from the Drain Field – Too much water in one place can overload the drain field. It will then not work properly and can contaminate the ground or even your home. 

Don’ts of Septic System Use and Maintenance

• Don’t: Flush Items Other than Toilet Paper – Paper towels, cleaning wipes, facial tissue, or even “flushable” wipes should not be flushed down the toilet. They can clog up or damage your septic system.

• Don’t: Use a Garbage Disposal – Solids and grease that pass through the disposal can build up and cause clogs in the drain field. Limit the use of your garbage disposal to as little as possible.

• Don’t: Use Drain Chemicals or Septic Tank Additives – Chemicals in household cleaners and other products kill off the bacteria that break down solids. Additives should be avoided because they add extra solids that can clog the drain field and pollute groundwater and surface water.

• Don’t: Park Vehicles on the Drain Field or Tank – Soil is compacted and pipes can break if vehicles, carports, decks, patios, storage sheds, sports courts, and landscaping elements are placed on top of the septic tank/field.

• Don’t: Drain from Hot Tubs into the Septic System – The volume of water will be too high for the drain field and chlorine can destroy helpful bacteria. Hot tubs should be drained away from all septic components.

Contact Nexgen Today

At Nexgen, we provide professional plumbing services by fully licensed and insured technicians. Serving much of Southern California, we’re relied upon for pipe, drain, water heater, garbage disposal, and septic system services. If you need more information on how a septic system works, to schedule maintenance, or request 24/7 emergency service, call us at 833-729-9735.