Septic Tank Armadale prevents waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery by treating wastewater before it is returned to the ground. They are an effective and cost-efficient way to treat sewage produced by homes and businesses.
A septic tank usually resembles a large, underground box with baffles and inspection ports. Lids cover these for access during pumping and maintenance.
A septic tank is a large, buried container designed to hold household waste and where a small amount of sewage treatment takes place. It is typically made from concrete, although newer models are often made from plastics such as polyethylene. The size of the septic tank will vary depending on the number of toilets, sinks, and bathtubs in the house and the average volume of wastewater produced each day.
The wastewater enters the septic tank through a series of pipes connecting to all home drains. As the wastewater flows into the septic tank, solid waste settles at the bottom while fats and greases drift to the top. Liquid waste, called effluent, is then pumped through an outlet baffle into the leach field or drain field, which is a shallow area of uncovered soil where untreated wastewater seeps through rocks and sand to naturally remove contaminants from water.
As the septic tank slowly fills, a healthy population of anaerobic bacteria digests the organic waste and breaks it down into smaller molecules. This process also helps keep the septic tank from overflowing and clogging. The septic tank may also contain a vent that allows gases to escape, and a baffle that prevents solids from entering the drain field.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, a septic system is very cost effective, especially if the homeowner does not have sewer service. However, a septic system does not eliminate the need for regular maintenance such as cleaning out the inlet and outlet drains and having the septic tank pumped out.
If you are planning to purchase a home with a septic system, it is important to have the system professionally inspected before closing on the sale. This will ensure the system is functioning properly and has a long lifespan.
In addition to having the septic system inspected, homeowners should have the tank pumped out every three to five years. If the tank is not emptied in time, the sludge layer can clog the outlet and backup the drains in the home. It is easy to tell if the tank needs to be pumped out when you notice that drains are slower or backed up, or if there are puddles of water in the yard near the septic tank.
How does a septic tank work?
Wastewater from household plumbing flows into the septic tank. It may contain liquid and solid waste, and bacteria inside the tank break down those particles. Heavy solids sink to the bottom of the septic tank and form a layer of sludge. Oils and grease float to the top and create a layer of scum. Wastewater between those two layers flows through the outlet pipe into a distribution box or absorption field.
In conventional systems, the wastewater flows from the septic tank to the distribution box via perforated pipes. The distribution box splits the flow evenly to several leaching trenches or soil absorption fields. The trenches or fields are partially filled with washed gravel and crushed stone into which perforated pipes are inserted. The septic system then discharges the pre-treated wastewater into those areas of the soil.
The septic tank must be pumped at regular intervals to remove the buildup of sludge. The septic tank also needs to be inspected periodically for cracks, corrosion and leaks. Bacteria inside the septic tank produce gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (which smells like rotten eggs), that need to be released. A vent in the septic tank lid has a mushroom shape and is fitted with a charcoal filter to reduce odors.
A failing septic system can contaminate nearby drinking water wells and local waterways with pathogenic bacteria that cause illness to humans and animals. Excess nutrients can also lead to toxic algal blooms that use up oxygen in the water, affecting fish and other aquatic organisms.
You can help maintain your septic tank and system by avoiding excessive use of toilet paper, detergents, disinfectants and other chemicals. You should also plant grass and other shallow-rooted vegetation around the septic tank, distribution box and drainfield to minimize disturbances during routine maintenance activities or when working on your home. You should also avoid driving or parking vehicles or equipment on the absorption field to prevent compacting or damaging the soil. You should also keep pets and livestock away from the septic tank and surrounding area. Lastly, you should map out or locate your septic tank and other system components so that you can easily access them when doing yard work or doing home repairs.
What are the benefits of a septic tank?
Having a septic tank allows homeowners to avoid costly city sewer system hookup fees. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of sewage backups and other wastewater-related health risks.
The septic tank treats household wastewater, which includes toilet, kitchen, washing machine, and dishwasher waste. It does so by allowing the wastewater to undergo a process of settling. Solid waste and sediment sink to the bottom of the tank, while fats and oils float to the top. The liquid waste drains out of the tank through an outlet baffle, which should have a screen or filter to block large particles.
Once the wastewater leaves the septic tank, it flows into a drainage field, also known as a leach field. The wastewater is further treated by filtration and chemical reactions in the soil, as well as decomposition by ground microorganisms. The result is a clean, potable water that is released back into the environment.
A septic tank can save home owners money on energy bills as it is more environmentally friendly than traditional methods of waste disposal. This is because it reduces the amount of freshwater that is consumed to dispose of household waste, as well as reduces the energy required for pumping.
Septic tanks are durable and require little maintenance, as long as they are not abused or neglected. They can last up to 40 years or more if properly maintained.
It is recommended that a homeowner empty the septic tank every 3 to 5 years. This helps to prevent the sludge layer from reaching the outlet baffle and clogging the drainage pipe. If the septic tank is not emptied regularly, sludge can overflow into the drainage field and pollute surrounding soil.
Some septic systems feature siphon or other devices to increase the volume and velocity of outflow from the tank. This allows the drainage field to fill more evenly, extending the life of the drainage field and improving septic tank performance. Other designs, such as the Imhoff tank, include a separate digested sludge chamber to avoid mixing sludge with incoming sewage.
Proper maintenance of a septic system can prolong its lifespan and prevent problems such as clogs and leaks. Homeowners should use only septic-safe toilet paper, not solid waste, and should avoid parking on the drain field or planting anything that could compact the soil.
What are the disadvantages of a septic tank?
Septic tanks are not a perfect solution for every home, and prospective buyers should consider the pros and cons carefully before buying a house with a septic system. If a house with a septic tank is not maintained properly, it can result in costly repairs and even sewage pollution on the property. The good news is that septic systems are usually less expensive to maintain than centralized municipal sewer systems.
Septic systems also reduce water pollution by separating all solid waste from the water that goes down the drains. This prevents contamination of groundwater from sewage leaks or backups that are common with other wastewater systems.
Like other types of septic systems, the tank must be sized according to the number of people living in the house and daily water usage. A septic tank that is too small can overflow and cause a sewage spill, while a tank that is too large can overflow and clog the drain field.
A septic tank can be damaged by heavy vehicles that park on the driveway or by landscaping plants that grow too close to the drain pipes. It is also important to not use chemicals, paint thinner, or other toxic substances near a septic tank or drain field.
Another disadvantage of a septic tank is the odor that can occur when sludge or sewage leaves the tank and travels to the drainfield. This smell can be unpleasant and may indicate that the septic system needs to be pumped out.
Finally, a septic tank can be damaged by flooding or earthquakes. If a septic tank is located under the ground, floodwaters can wash out the waste and sludge and enter the home through the drain pipes. In the case of an earthquake, the soil can shift and damage the tank and the drain field.
Although there are some disadvantages to having a septic tank, the majority of these problems can be avoided with proper maintenance and careful planning. Regular septic tank cleaning and pumping every 3 to 5 years will keep the tank in good working condition. Using smaller laundry loads, shorter showers, and avoiding the disposal of items that are not supposed to go down the drains will also help to prevent problems. For example, hair, food, grease, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet.