Septic tanks are big, concrete, underground tanks that hold household sewage and wastewater. A septic system works when microorganisms digest the sludge and scum layers in your tank and then the liquid effluent percolates through the soil to treat the wastewater.

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All wastewater from your home’s toilets, showers, bathtubs and garbage disposal flows into the septic tank. Wastewater contains disease-causing germs and environmental pollutants, along with solid materials from your household. These are separated into sludge and scum in the septic tank. Heavy solids sink and form the sludge layer, while lighter fats and oils float to the top and form the scum layer. The liquid portion of the wastewater, called effluent, leaves the septic tank through the outlet pipe and into a buried drain field or leach field.

The septic system’s drain field is designed to further treat the wastewater. It is a series of perforated pipes or slotted panels, typically surrounded by a trench filled with clean, gravel-like soil. This soil acts as a filter and breaks down any remaining germs and other contaminants in the wastewater.

A baffle or sanitary tee located at the tank’s outlet prevents solids from leaving the septic tank with the effluent. Newer systems also include an effluent filter at the tank’s outlet to further separate solids from the sewage effluent.

If the septic tank is not pumped regularly to remove the sludge and scum, these solids can wash out of the tank into the drain field, clogging it. If this occurs, the entire system will need to be replaced.

To keep your septic system running properly, add a bacterial treatment to the tank on a regular basis. Bacterial treatments come in both powder and liquid form, with each having its own benefits. Liquid treatments are much easier to use because you don’t have to measure and can just drop them in. Powders require some work, but they are effective and don’t have to sit for long to get to work.

Never dump hazardous wastes, such as paint, cleaning products and oils into the septic system. These chemicals kill the bacteria that help break down sludge and scum. Instead, choose natural septic tank cleaners like Cabin Obsession’s Septic Tank Treatment, which comes in a dissolvable pod and supports the bacteria that keep your septic system working.

Drain Field

The drain field is the next step in the sewage treatment process. It consists of perforated pipes that distribute wastewater evenly throughout the soil. These pipes are usually made of PVC or other hard resins, with a layer of gravel that acts as a buffer to allow the liquid effluent to trickle out into the soil, while keeping larger solids contained.

As the liquid sewage leaves the tank and enters the drain field, aerobic bacteria do the final phase of sewage treatment in the subsurface soil. As it percolates, the bacteria break down organic waste into simple nutrients. These are then absorbed by the surrounding soil and groundwater.

Over time, the drain field can become clogged by debris. Insufficient pumping or the improper disposal of septage can cause sludge particles to wash out into the drain lines and leach field, blocking the absorption of waste water.

Regular inspections and timely septic system pumping keep solids from building up to the point where they can be washed out into the drainfield. In addition, proper disposal of household products and judicious landscaping practices keep the drain field healthy.

A septic system drain field that is not functioning properly can lead to expensive damage to the lawn, home and surrounding environment. Foul odors and septic tank leaks are sure signs of a poorly performing drain field. Liquid sewage that backs up into the home is another ominous warning sign.

Proper care of the drain field will help to extend its service life. It is important to plant only grass or shallow-rooted shrubs and keep trees at a distance away from the drain field. It is also vital to maintain the required setback distances* when adding buildings or other improvements to the property. Diverting surface water runoff and avoiding unnecessary irrigation will also minimize excess flooding in the drain field. Keep detailed records of septic tank and drainfield pumpings, repairs and maintenance. This will provide important information for future maintenance and to verify that the septic system is up to date with state regulations. Keeping records also helps in establishing a timeline for when the septic tank needs to be pumped.

Pumping

The septic tank is a large underground container that holds wastewater and solid waste. The heavier solids sink to the bottom of the tank and undergo bacterial digestion to reduce their volume. The lighter scum waste floats to the surface. A professional septic tank pumper removes both the solid and sludge waste from the tank. Keeping up with regular pumping ensures that the septic system is working properly.

The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on how much wastewater enters the system. When a household uses more water than usual, the septic tank will fill faster. The sludge layer that forms at the bottom of the tank will also become thicker. If this layer becomes too thick and blocks the inlet pipe that leads to the absorption field, it’s time to have the tank pumped.

While it is possible to go a few years between septic tank pumping, this should be avoided as it will cause the bacteria in the septic system to die off. To avoid destroying the bacterial ecosystem, homeowners should use water wisely and take steps to prevent clogs and other issues. Homeowners should also avoid using caustic drain openers, commercial septic tank cleaners, or yeast.

Once a homeowner contacts a septic service, the technician will inspect the tank and determine if it’s time for pumping. He or she will look at the size of the sludge layer and how full the tank is. The technician will also inspect the inlet and outlet tees, ensuring they’re clear of obstructions.

When it’s time to have the septic tank pumped, the technician will use a specialized truck to empty the contents of the tank. This process takes a few hours and involves the technician climbing into the tank to remove the sludge. He or she will then clean the tank and flush the lines with a high-pressure water jet. The technician will inspect the septic tank again to make sure it’s ready for operation.

To facilitate future cleanings and inspections, a homeowner should keep their septic system and tank clearly marked. Place a marker or other easily visible landmark near the septic tank to help family members locate it when it’s time for pumping. The drain field should be kept clear of playgrounds and other buildings. It’s also a good idea to divert downspouts and other surface water away from the drain field.

Maintenance

A properly maintained septic system works well for years. Regular inspections and frequent tank pumping help prevent clogs, leaks and failure, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. It is best to follow simple maintenance guidelines to protect the health and safety of your family, friends, pets and neighbors.

The septic tank is a settling chamber that allows time for sewage solids and scum to separate from the clear wastewater, which then flows into the drain field. Sludge and scum must not get too close to the inlet and outlet baffles, or they will block the pipe to the septic tank and cause a costly clog in the drain field.

A septic tank should be cleaned, or deslugged, every one to three years, depending on household size and use. To check when a septic tank needs cleaning, place a towel over the top of the tank (Mark A), wait a few minutes, then slowly lift it straight up to see how thick the sludge layer is. If the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet, or more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge or scum, it’s time to call a septic tank professional for a cleaning.

Keep chemical cleaners, bleach, disinfectants and other harsh chemicals out of a septic system. They can kill the bacteria needed for septic system function and increase the risk of a clog. There are biological additives available that promote bacterial growth, which helps to break down solids in the septic tank. However, they should never be flushed down a toilet or drain because they can enter drinking water supplies and cause groundwater contamination.

Keeping heavy vehicles, machinery, livestock and plants away from the septic tank and drainfield helps prevent erosion that could compact the soil and damage the pipes. Diverting downspouts and surface water — especially irrigation sprinklers — away from the drainfield is also important. Planting grass or native shrubs over the drainfield area can help prevent erosion and water runoff, too.

Learn where your septic system is located, and mark its location with an easily recognizable landmark – such as the lid or marker post. It’s also helpful to draw a diagram or map of the septic tank, drainfield and replacement area and keep it with your septic tank records.