What Is A Septic Tank ?
You waste a lot of water daily in flushing toilets, bathing, washing hands, washing utensils and in many more things. But what happens to this waste water? This water further goes to a septic tank where it is treated to be used further.
A septic tank collects waste water from toilets, showers, sinks, etc. A septic tank is simply a rectangular shaped, big concrete or steel tank that is buried in the yard. The tank might hold 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of water. Waste water flows into the tank at one end and treated water leaves the tank at the other.
Sewer line is the line through which your home’s waste water reaches the septic tank. After receiving this waste water, septic tank treats it and divides it into different layers.
Septic tank is divided in three layers. Solid waste exists in two forms – a top layer of grease referred to as scum and a bottom layer of solids more commonly known as sludge. In a septic tank, the liquid that is separated from solid waste is called effluent and forms the middle layer. It contains chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorous that acts as good fertilizers. The bacteria present in tank breaks down the waste to make it less harmful.
Now the middle layer water is moved to a drain field. There in the field, soil acts as a biological filter. Oxygen and organisms in the soil combine to break down any remaining toxins, bacteria or viruses in the waste water. The water can be absorbed by plant roots or can go into ground.
The water is slowly absorbed and filtered by the ground in the drain field. The size of drain field determines how soon the water will be absorbed. The large sized drainage field is required if the ground is hard clay that absorbs water very slowly.
Septic plant should be big enough to handle the waste. If it would be small, the waste water will keep on coming in the tank and water will not get sufficient time for treatment. As a result, polluted water will reach the grounds and will spread pollution.
A septic system is normally powered by nothing but gravity. Water flows down from the house to the tank and further from the tank to the drain field. If you become little careful, you can extend the life of your entire septic system. Just take care that what you are putting in your drains and toilet. Minimize the amount of solid, non-degradable particles and scum forming compounds.
Scott Rodgers is a noted writer who has been providing ample guidance on plumbing works all across the nation. His splendid knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from Hurlburt Field Plumbers to Chowchilla Plumbers .
