Septic tanks treat wastewater from homes, villages, and rural schools when they can’t be connected to the municipal sewer system. Wastewater undergoes a settling process where heavy solids sink and bacteria digest them into sludge. The lighter solids, such as oils and grease, float to the top of the tank, which is commonly called a scum layer. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

Absorption field

The absorption field of a septic tank, also known as the drain field or leach field, is where septic system wastewater is further treated by bacterial action and filtered by soil. This process is designed to reduce disease organisms and other harmful materials in the waste and return clean water to groundwater sources. The absorption field is a series of pipes placed in gravel trenches underground that connect the septic tank to the soil. If you have an on-site septic system in your home, it’s important to understand how the absorption field works and what steps you should take to prevent its failure.

A septic tank holds the wastewater long enough for solids to decompose and settle. The liquid effluent then exits the tank through a distribution device into the absorption field. The septic tank should be large enough to hold all the household waste, and the inlet baffle and outlet tees should be constructed of durable material resistant to corrosion or decay. In addition, the tank should have six-inch inspection ports to allow checking for scum and solids buildup.

Regularly pumping the septic tank prevents raw sewage from flowing directly into the absorption field and reducing its lifespan. The septic tank should be pumped out when the sludge layer reaches 3 feet from the bottom of the tank and when the scum layer reaches 2 feet from the surface.

The inlet and outlet pipe connections to the septic tank should be constructed of 4-inch diameter Schedule 40 PVC, cast-iron or other durable material. These should have protective baffles or tees that are constructed of acid-resistant concrete, cast iron, or plastic and extend above the ground surface. These should be protected from traffic, vehicles and animals to prevent damage. In addition, these lines should be routed to avoid fast-growing trees and plants.

Don’t use the septic system to dispose of hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. These can disrupt the bacterial action in the tank and pollute groundwater or surface water. Don’t pour grease, cooking fats, chemical drain openers, paints, solvents, fuels, photographic solutions, or organic chemicals down the drain. Also, don’t add enzyme or yeast additives in the hope that they will improve bacterial action. These can actually cause clogs and reduce the life of the septic tank-soil absorption field system.

Distribution box

When a home has a septic tank, the most important component is the distribution box. This box is located between the septic tank and the leach field, and it distributes wastewater evenly throughout the drain field. This prevents one area of the leach field from overflowing. A well-functioning distribution box is vital for the long-term success of your septic system.

The septic tank is where all the waste from household plumbing is stored before it is processed through the absorption field. Solid wastes that are heavier than water settle to the bottom of the tank, and lighter fats and oils float to the top of the waste. The bacteria inside the septic tank break down these waste particles so that liquids can separate and flow away easily.

Once the pre-processed wastewater leaves the septic tank, it flows into the septic tank’s distribution box. This is a concrete or plastic cube with multiple openings that lead to different sections of the absorption field. Each opening is fitted with a device that rotates to control the flow of wastewater. This ensures that each section of the drain field receives an equal amount of effluent from the septic tank.

If you think that your septic tank distribution box is malfunctioning, it’s time to call for a professional to inspect the system. This could be due to heavy rain, tree root invasion, or other issues. If the distribution box is severely damaged, it will need to be replaced.

A septic tank’s distribution box can last up to 50 years if it is properly maintained. However, if you live in an area with heavy rain or frequent flooding, the septic tank’s leach field may flood, which can cause damage to the distribution box. It is also a good idea to check with your homeowners’ insurance to see if you have coverage for septic tank repair.

Septic tank problems like toilet paper blocking the septic tank or overflowing in the drain field are signs of a failing distribution box. A professional plumber can replace the box and restore the septic tank to its normal function.

Inlet and outlet tees

A septic tank is a buried, watertight container that holds sewage for a time. During this time, the solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, forms sludge and is acted on by anaerobic bacteria. Fats and oils rise to the surface of the septic tank and form a layer called scum. After the septic tank is emptied, wastewater exits through an outlet pipe. The inlet and outlet tees are often equipped with baffles or concrete tees that help regulate the opening. If these tees are missing, broken or not working properly, waste can enter the drain field and cause a failure of the septic system.

The inlet baffle slows the flow of wastewater as it enters the septic tank and directs it downward. This helps prevent turbulence that could disturb the segregation of the sludge and scum layers inside the tank. The inlet baffle also helps to keep scum from plugging the inlet pipe.

Outlet baffles are also located on the outlet pipe. They prevent sewage from leaving the tank too quickly, which could clog the inlet pipe or cause wastewater to short circuit through the tank and into the absorption field. The outlet baffles also dissipate energy of the incoming flow to prevent the agitation that would otherwise disrupt the sludge and scum segregation process in the septic tank.

In addition to the inlet and outlet tees, a septic tank should have an access port. This is a large opening that allows a certified septic tank pumper to access the tank interior and remove the sludge. The access port should be big enough to allow the septic tank to be pumped without having to dig or use a backhoe.

Another important part of a septic tank is the sanitary tee. This is a T-shaped pipe with one short leg and one long leg. It regulates the opening of the tank so that solid waste, grease and other trash can’t enter the drain field and cause septic system failure. The sanitary tee can also be used to vent stinky septic tank gases into the air instead of into the building.

Vents

As waste breaks down in the septic system, gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide are produced. These need a way out or they could build up, leading to septic tank problems and bad smells. The vent lets these gases move around and disperse, keeping them away from the house where people live.

A septic tank vent should be placed in a spot that lets it do its job but won’t bother neighbors. You can do this by placing it far from windows or areas where people hang out so it doesn’t disturb them with bad smells. A septic tank installation expert can help you pick the right spot for your vent, based on how air moves in your yard and where you want it to go.

Septic systems that aren’t properly vented can have problems ranging from constant bad smells to expensive repairs and even health risks. You can do a lot to make sure your septic vent is working well, including making regular inspections and clearing out blockages.

Vents can be blocked by non-biodegradable waste, a high water level in the septic tank itself, or an issue with the pump. A good septic tank company will let you know the best ways to keep your vents clear, and how to spot a clog as soon as it occurs so you can take care of it quickly.

Many septic tanks are set up in wooded areas, which can work against you when it comes to proper ventilation. The tree roots can grow into and block the ventilation pipe, preventing it from doing its job. You can avoid this by getting rid of any invasive trees near your septic tank, and by pruning nearby ones so they don’t block the dispersal of the ventilated air and gas.

It’s also worth remembering that the vent needs to be the right size. If you’ve installed a vent that isn’t the right size, it can get clogged easily or be too slow to ventilate, which can lead to septic tank issues. Vents that are too small can be plugged by the debris that gets sucked into your drains, and they can cause back pressure in the septic system itself.