How septic tank works

When we need to install or add something new to our home, it’s completely normal that we want to know how it exactly works. When I talk about installing something, I actually refer to a septic tank to be more specific. If you are new to a rural area or your new property isn’t connected to the main sewage network, you probably have or need a septic tank for your wastewater.

You probably heard about it already, however, do you know how it works? What people will tell you is that it treats the wastewater that comes from your property, but they won’t explain anything deeper although it isn’t as complicated as most people think. Therefore, let me explain to you in a few words how it works:

The wastewater flows to your septic tank

Every wastewater that comes from your toilet or other pipes goes to the septic tank through a pipe as well.

The septic tank is a settling pond

When the wastewater fills the septic tank, it holds the wastewater for quite some time to allow the solids to settle at the bottom of the tank forming sludge, and the oil and grease from the water float as scum to the top of the tank.

After the solids settle, the wastewater exits the septic tank into a drain field

When the wastewater is in the drain field, the drain discharges it onto porous surfaces, which helps the pretreated water filter through the soil. Basically, the holes in the drain field pipe allow the pretreated wastewater to seep into surrounding gravel.

The water percolates into the soil

Once it is completely treated, the gravel around the pipes allows the water to flow into the soil. The clean water seeps down into the groundwater and aquifer. This means the treated water exits the drain field since it frees her. It isn’t too complicated as you can see. All septic tanks work the same way.

What you need to keep in mind so it can keep working properly is that they also need maintenance, pumping, and cleaning, but only every two to five years depending on the size and how much the tank needs it after someone inspects it every two or three years.