Septic Tank Facts
A septic tank system contains two major components: a septic
tank and the absorption field. The septic tank is usually
made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic and is buried and
watertight. All septic tanks should have baffles (internal
slabs or tees) at the inlet and outlet to insure proper flow
patterns. Most septic tanks are single compartment, but some
states require multi-compartment tanks or two tanks in a
series.
While typically designed to
hold 1,000 gallons of liquid, the size of the tank varies
depending upon the number of bedrooms in the home plus state
and local requirements. The primary purpose of the septic
tank is to separate the solids from the liquids and to
promote partial breakdown of contaminants by bacteria. The
solids, in the form of sludge that collects on the bottom of
the tank, and scum, which floats on the top of the water,
remain in the tank and are pumped out periodically (septic
tank maintenance).
The wastewater is passed on
to the absorption field through a connecting pipe. The
absorption field is also known as the soil drainfield, the
disposal field, or the leachfield. The absorption field
contains a series of underground perforated pipes that are
commonly, but not always, connected in a closed loop system.
The wastewater is distributed
to the entire absorption field through the perforated pipes.
The absorption field which is located in the unsaturated
zone of the soil, treats the wastewater through an aerobic
(oxygenated) digestion process and removes the remaining
impurities (germs and chemicals) before the wastewater
returns to the groundwater.
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The wastewater
(effluent) coming out of the septic tank is a cloudy liquid
that contains many disease-causing germs and pollutants.
When this water flows into the perforated pipe in the
absorption field, the effluent exits through the holes in
the pipe and trickles through the rock or gravel where it is
stored until it is absorbed by the soil.
In some systems, subsurface chambers store the effluent. As
the effluent enters and flows through the unsaturated soil,
many of the bacteria that can cause disease are filtered
out. Some of the other smaller germs, such as viruses, are
trapped and held by the soil molecules (absorbed) until they
die. The soil can also retain certain nutrients such as
phosphorus and some forms of nitrogen.
Summary
In summary, do not dispose of items that will destroy the
natural digestion process of your septic tank, or overtax
the drain field with excessive water. Have your septic tank
inspected regularly (every two to three years) and pump out
the sludge as necessary for good septic tank maintenance. If
you adhere to these few simple rules, your septic tank
system will prove to be a safe and economical onsite method
for disposing of your wastewater.
All information was taken directly from "So... Now you
own a septic tank", published by National Small Flows
Clearing House, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WA
26506-6064. Winston Company is not affiliated with National
Small Flows Clearing House in any way.
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What to Put In, What to Keep Out
• Put all wastewater from your home into the septic tank.
This includes all sink, bath, shower, washing machine and
dishwasher wastewaters, and toilet flushings. Any of these
waters can contain disease-causing germs or environmental
pollutants.
• Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other
rain water or surface water drainage systems away from the
absorption field. Flooding of the absorption field with
excessive water will keep the soil from naturally cleansing
the wastewater, leading to groundwater pollution.
• Do not use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain.
Instead use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs.
• Use potentially system-damaging commercial bathroom
cleansers in moderation. Many people prefer to clean their
toilets, sinks, showers and tubs with a mild detergent or
baking soda.
• Check your local regulatory agency if you have a garbage
disposal to make sure that your septic system can
accommodate this additional use.
• NEVER use your septic tank system as a trash can. Do not
put grease, disposable diapers, plastics, latex paint,
pesticides, solvents, oven cleaners, degreasers, or any
hazardous chemicals into your system.
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