The Parts Of A Septic Tank System And How They Function
Septic tanks treat wastewater in areas without centralized sewer systems, and because of the prevalence of septic tanks, Middleburg homeowners often have to call on a septic service to perform septic inspections, either for maintenance or emergency purposes. In a septic system, nature and technology combine to form a process that digests organic material and separates floatable matter and solids from wastewater.
A Septic System’s Four Main Components
- The Pipe – The pipe transfers wastewater from the household (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.) to the septic tank.
- The Septic Tank – The septic tank is buried, watertight, and usually composed of fiberglass, polyethylene, or concrete. Within the septic tank, solids are separated from the wastewater and form partially decomposed sludge. Oil and grease float to the surface of the tank as scum. The scum and sludge are prevented from leaving the tank by a T-shaped outlet and several compartments in the tank.
- The Drainfield – The wastewater travels from the septic tank to the drainfield when new wastewater enters the tank. The most common type of drainfield is a collection of trenches with perforated pipes that are surrounded by gravel and covered with dirt and mesh. Some of the wastewater evaporates, and some is absorbed into the soil. If the drainfield is overwhelmed by too much wastewater, it will flood, and the sewage will travel to the ground’s surface and back up into drains. If this situation occurs, Middleburg homeowners should call a septic service immediately.
- The Soil – The wastewater finishes its treatment process in the soil where microbes digest or remove its contaminants before it travels to the groundwater.
Call a Septic Service If . . .
- You spot green, spongy grass on the drainfield
- You notice a strong odor emanating from the septic system area
- You observe muddy soil or pooling water around your septic system
- You detect wastewater backing up into drains
Regular septic inspections can prevent a septic emergency in the future, so call Champion Septic, an experienced Middleburg septic service, and have your wastewater treatment system examined by septic professionals.