A 101 On How A Septic Tank Works

Did you know that your septic system is an important component of your plumbing system? Without it, you won’t be able to get rid of the waste materials and soiled water that you produce whenever you use your plumbing fixtures. In line with this, let us point out that a common septic system is compromised of four main components namely: the soil, the drainfield, the septic tank and a pipe from your property.  Read on to know more about how the system works together.

The Main Components Of The Septic System

 

a. The Drainage Pipe

 

All the drainage pipes in your property converge in one pipe and this tube is connected to the septic tank. Obviously, it’s the pipe that transports all the sewage to the tank.

b. The Septic Tank

 

The septic tank is a waterproof storage that’s typically made from fiberglass, plastic or concrete. It is buried underground and is responsible for storing the sewage. It holds the wastewater long enough to make the solid waste materials settle at the bottom and the grease and oil to float to the top. The tank also makes way for the decomposition of the solid wastes. When decomposed, the sludge and scum will be prevented from flowing into the drainfield.

c. The Drainfield

 

When the wastewater that has been filtered by the tank escapes the container, it is transported to the drainfield for treatment. Now you have to remember that the drainfield should never be overloaded. Otherwise, it will overflow and flood thus result to backups in your drains or sewage flowing right up the surface.

d. The Soil

 

The wastewater that flows to the drainfield seeps into the soil where it will be treated once again. Harmful bacteria, nutrients and viruses will be removed from the liquid. That being said, the soil should be appropriate for wastewater treatment.

The Importance Of Septic Tank Maintenance

 

Now you must remember that septic tanks are not installed and then neglected afterward. It should be properly maintained to ensure that property owners won’t experience backups, backflows and other related issues. You see, the tank can only hold so much. If you won’t have it pumped out regularly, you can expect a lot of plumbing issues to arise.

Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

 

1. Avoid parking vehicles right on top of the area where the septic tank is installed. Avoid any type of construction, too.

2. Never flush down diapers, condoms, cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, body wipes and other objects that should never get flushed down the toilet in the first place. They will clog the tank and disrupt the processes that occur inside.

3. If you see any sign of flooding or a consistently wet or soggy spot near the septic tank area, call a trusted professional to have it inspected. The drainfield may already be overflowing or the tank may have been clogged. Either way, only a professional plumber should take care of this problem for you.

4. Schedule septic tank pump-outs regularly. Consult a professional to find out when is the best time to pump your septic tank.

We hope that you now know how a septic tank works. If you need a new tank, just call the best Glenwood plumbing contractor for septic tank installation. Plumbers 911 Washington DC provides reputable plumbing services in Glenwood MD including septic tank installation, backflow prevention, mainline video, hydro-jetting, HVAC services, toilet repair and many more! Call us now at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!

Learn awesome plumbing maintenance tips! Watch our video now.