Septic Tank Armadale holds all household waste water and allows the weighty masses to sink to the bottom for bacterial digestion. Lighter masses float to the top and form a scum layer.
The septic tank includes baffle walls that separate compartments inside the tanks, as well as an inlet and outlet baffles that prevent solids from exiting and clogging up drainfield pipes. It also contains a distribution box that evenly distributes wastewater to absorption fields.
After wastewater travels down the toilet and drains into a septic tank, it undergoes a series of natural processes. Solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming a sludge layer, while fats, oils and greases float to the top, creating a scum layer. The liquid effluent flows from the first chamber into a second one for further treatment, where anaerobic bacteria decompose the organic material and convert it to harmless byproducts. The resulting liquid effluent then discharges into the septic system’s drain field, where it further filters and treats itself before dispersing into the soil.
While a traditional septic tank and drainage field are still the most common type of onsite wastewater systems, some areas require more advanced treatments. These tertiary systems are designed to remove even more pathogens and nutrients before the sewage enters waterways, protecting the environment and public health.
The most important step you can take to ensure your septic system works properly is to maintain proper home and business practices that minimize the amount of waste entering it. This includes not flushing non-biodegradable materials down your toilets, such as cigarette butts, cotton buds and swabs, condoms and menstrual hygiene products. These items can cause the septic tank to fill and clog quickly, reducing its efficiency and leading to costly repairs and replacements.
Regular septic tank pumping is also crucial for efficient operation. When the septic tank fills with solid waste, it reduces the space available for new wastewater to flow into the drain field. This can lead to clogs, backups and environmental contamination. By having your septic tank pumped regularly, you can avoid these problems and extend the lifespan of your septic system.
If you plan to sell your property in the near future, investing in a septic tank upgrade is an excellent way to increase its value. Modern septic tanks are more environmentally-friendly and meet stringent government regulations, making them an attractive option for prospective buyers. Moreover, they are more robust than older systems and will be better able to withstand future changes in sewage discharge regulations.
Maintenance
All homeowners know they have maintenance responsibilities, from refreshing the decor to clearing the drains. But what many people don’t realize is that a septic tank is also part of the home plumbing system and requires regular care. A septic system can become toxic to the environment if it isn’t maintained properly. And if this happens, the consequences are far-reaching for anyone who relies on the local water supply.
Several different types of septic systems are available, from simple storage tanks to advanced treatment units. Each one has its own maintenance requirements, but there are three things all homeowners can do to keep their septic system working properly:
Have the tank inspected and cleaned regularly. An experienced septic tank professional can inspect and measure the layers of sludge and scum in the tank. He or she will also check the baffles that prevent solids from entering the septic tank drain field. It’s best to schedule the inspection and cleaning at least every two years.
Make sure to have the tank emptied by a licensed septic tank pumping company. This is a big job, and the solids that have collected in the tank should be completely removed. If the solids aren’t removed, they can flow into the septic tank drain field and cause a costly blockage.
Don’t use chemical solvents to clean your plumbing or septic system. These chemicals kill the microorganisms that consume harmful wastes, and they can also contaminate groundwater. In fact, if you live in an area with a public water supply, the system could even pollute the drinking water!
Keep pets and children away from the septic tank and drainage field. The wastewater may contain germs that can cause disease. In addition, excessive water use can overload the tank and absorption field, causing wastewater to flow back into the house.
Map out the septic tank and other system components or mark them with permanent stakes. This will help you locate them and prevent damaging the tank or absorption system during yard work or home maintenance projects. Don’t drive or park heavy vehicles or equipment over the septic tank or drainage field. Don’t plant trees or other tall, deep-rooted plants over the septic tank or drainage field. And avoid building structures, such as playgrounds and storage buildings, over the tank or drainage field.
Installation
A septic tank is an underground container made of concrete, fiberglass or plastic that receives all household wastewater. It holds the waste until it’s ready to enter a drain field for further treatment and absorption into the soil. The septic system also includes a pump chamber that pumps the liquid waste from the septic tank to the drain field at measured or timed intervals.
Septic tank installation is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Homeowners should work with a professional septic system installation team to ensure that the process is carried out correctly and complies with all regulations.
During the septic tank installation process, installers must survey the property to determine the available space and any obstacles that could interfere with the project. This information will be used to design a septic tank that’s the right size for the household. A percolation test will also be performed to ensure that the soil can absorb the sewage.
Once the septic tank has been installed, it’s important to make sure that the drain field and tank are properly backfilled. The backfill should be free of clods, large rocks and frozen matter that could cause the tank to settle over time. Crushed rock or pea gravel of a minimum size of 1/2 inch should be used to backfill the area.
Finally, the septic tank and drain field should be inspected to ensure that all pipes are secure and functioning properly. The installers should also inspect the tank for cracks or other damage and ensure that it’s watertight before covering it with soil.
Once everything is inspected, the tank should be covered with soil to prevent water from seeping into the ground or entering the home. It’s important to have a final inspection conducted by a qualified inspector to ensure that the septic system complies with all local regulations.
A septic system is a highly efficient and effective alternative to traditional sewage systems. It can help protect the environment, reduce costs and keep families safe from sewage contamination and disease. It’s important for homeowners to understand the basics of septic systems so that they can take care of their septic tanks and keep them in good condition.
Replacement
A septic system is a good way to treat wastewater from your home, but it has its drawbacks. You must be careful what goes into your drains, because some items disrupt the biological breakdown and can clog pipes or pumps. This includes things like hair, dental floss, sanitary products, diapers, napkins, fat, grease and cigarette butts. Other potential issues include slow-running drains, a septic tank that smells, and a clogged ventilation system. If you experience any of these problems, it could be a sign that your septic system is leaking or overflowing.
If you have a septic tank, it’s important to have it pumped regularly to keep your system in good condition. A septic tank that doesn’t get pumped will overflow and cause sewage to back up into your home. It will also prevent the healthy bacteria in your septic tank from being able to digest and remove pathogenic waste.
Another sign that your septic system may need to be replaced is if you notice a foul odor around your septic tank or drain field. A foul odor is usually caused by a clogged vent that traps gasses such as methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. If these gasses reach your home, they can be very dangerous for young children and pets.
Lastly, a septic tank that is overflowing will eventually contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater. This can make your water unsafe to drink and will put nearby recreational sites at risk of contamination. If your septic tank is overflowing, it’s important to contact a professional right away.
Some septic tanks need to be replaced completely instead of just pumped out and repaired. This is usually due to the deterioration of the dividing wall that separates the two compartments. If you’re considering replacing your septic tank, it’s important that you consult with an experienced professional. This is not a project that you should attempt on your own, as it’s very expensive and requires heavy equipment to dig and move the new tank. It’s also important to understand that a replacement septic tank will require a new leach field as well.