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There are four main components in an average
septic system. These are the pipe running from the house, the septic
tank, a drain field and the soil.
The soil is very important to the operation of your septic system
because microbes found in the soil help digest or remove most
contaminants from the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater.
The pipe running from your house to the septic tank carries all waste
water and waste products to the septic tank.
Septic tanks are buried and watertight and are usually made of concrete,
fiberglass or polyethylene. The purpose of the septic tank is to hold
the waste water until the solids settle creating a sludge and the oils
and grease float to the surface creating a scum film. The tank will
allow for partial decomposition of the solid waste while compartments
and a t-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from exiting the tank
and entering the drain field. Screens can also be used to prevent this
from happening.
The drain field is an area located slightly away from the septic tank.
The wastewater is deposited into the drain field as it leaves the tank
for treatment by the soil. When a drain field becomes saturated with too
much waste water you will notice flooding around the drain field or
backups in plumbing fixtures in your house.
Having a reserve drain field, which is required in many states, can help
in the event that your main drain field fails.
Once the wastewater leaves the septic tank and enters the drain field it
will begin percolating into the soil where final treatment begins by
removing bacteria, viruses and nutrients. You must have good soil to
allow for successful wastewater treatment.
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