Septic Tank System Functions

Soil based systems discharge the liquid known as effluent from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a.

Septic tank system functions.

Septic tank systems are a type of simple onsite sewage facility ossf. The tank s function is to receive the wastewater from the house separate the solids from. The heavier solids sink to the bottom forming the sludge layer the lighter solids fats oils grease etc rise to the surface and form the scum layer. A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete fiberglass or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic treatment.

A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield or soil absorption field. The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter e g oils and grease and solids from the wastewater. Just about 25 percent of north america residents rely on septic tanks. The line exiting the tank takes the water out to the secondary treatment area which could be a filter bed or leach trenches depending upon the age of the system.

Septic tank users usually live in areas where that is not an option. First it acts as a holding tank and allows the solids to settle out. Settling and anaerobic processes reduce solids and organics but the treatment efficiency is only moderate referred to as primary treatment. How a septic tank functions.

But septic systems don t have to be scary with a solid maintenance record and a good inspection a septic tank and the associated parts can easily last for decades.