When you flush a toilet, shower, or wash clothes, wastewater goes down the sewer line toward your septic tank.
An anaerobic bacteria population in the septic tank performs initial treatment on this wastewater, producing gases. Click the https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
These gases are released through a vent pipe to prevent a pressure buildup that could block or reverse wastewater flow into your drain field.
Inlet and Outlet Tees
The inlet and outlet tees of your septic tank are the parts that connect the septic tank to your home’s sewer system. The tees are designed to direct and control wastewater flow and prevent solids from entering the absorption field. It’s important to have your septic tank inlet and outlet tees inspected by a licensed professional and set at the correct height. Inlet tees that are set too high can lead to sludge layer buildup in the drainfield. An outlet tee that is too low can cause sewage and floating scum to exit the septic tank and clog your absorption field or plumbing.
The tees are also known as baffles or sanitary tees. Older septic tanks with concrete are likely to have wall baffles built directly into the walls, while newer septic tanks use plastic tees that are carefully shaped to reduce clogging risks. In addition to reducing the risk of clogs, baffles redirect wastewater flows to make sure solid waste moves efficiently through the three layers in your septic tank.
In the inlet tee, the baffle shapes incoming wastewater into a downward flow, making it easier for solid waste to separate from liquid wastewater. This also helps the sludge layer stay in place at the bottom of your tank. At the same time, this downward flow helps reduce turbulence within your septic tank so that all your waste is processed evenly and quickly.
At the tank outlet, the sanitary tee keeps floating scum from moving down the inlet pipe and into the absorption field or household plumbing. It’s a good idea to install an effluent screen at the tank outlet to further reduce the chance of solids moving out into your drainfield.
Ideally, the inlet tee will be about 6 inches lower than the top of your tank. This will allow the scum layer to rise up to about the same level as the bottom of the inlet tee. At the same time, it’s important that your inlet tee be at least 2 or 3 inches deeper than your septic tank outlet so that scum and sewage can’t push up against the baffle and clog the outlet tee.
Inlet Chamber
Septic tanks are the heart of your home’s onsite wastewater treatment system. They store and treat your household waste before directing it to the soil absorption field (drainage field) for final treatment and dispersal into the ground.
When sewage flows into the tank, it first enters the inlet chamber. A baffle wall, or partition wall, separates this chamber from the rest of the septic tank. This design keeps surface scum from clogging the inlet pipe and allows initial settling of solids. A septic tank inlet baffle is usually made from durable PVC or concrete.
The inlet baffle directs the incoming raw wastewater downward, which reduces agitation and makes it easier for solids to settle. It also prevents the sludge layer from reaching the outlet pipe, which would allow contaminated wastewater to flow out of your house.
After the inlet baffle, wastewater enters the second chamber of your septic tank. As it does so, it moves through a partition wall into the middle of the tank. The dividing wall allows a large area for wastewater to settle, but also prevents the sludge layer and surface scum from flowing into your drainage field.
Once the wastewater has settled, it leaves the second chamber through the outlet pipe and outlet baffle. This pipe should be about 3 inches below the inlet pipe to prevent scum from entering the drain field.
While many homeowners use septic tank additives to help with settling, a well-designed septic system relies on the naturally occurring bacteria within your feces to break down waste and eliminate odors. The anaerobic process of septic tank digestion removes all organic matter from the sludge and crust layers, leaving clean wastewater to flow to your drain field.
The septic tank is a vital part of your onsite wastewater treatment system, protecting the drain field from clogging and early failure. But like any other component in your plumbing system, it requires regular maintenance to function properly. If you are unsure how to care for your septic tank, or if you believe your septic system is in need of service, contact a professional plumber today.
Outlet Chamber
During septic tank operation, fats, oils, and grease float to the top of the liquid wastewater. Solid particles settle at the bottom of the tank, forming the sludge layer. Anaerobic digestion of the sludge layer occurs with the aid of helpful bacteria. The bacteria convert the sludge into liquid waste that exits from the tank through the outlet pipe and flows into your drain field.
A septic tank should be equipped with an inlet baffle and an outlet baffle. These prevent the sludge layer and floating scum from flowing with the wastewater to the drain field. The tank’s outlet should also be fitted with a filter to prevent solid debris from flowing into the drain field.
The septic tank is a watertight, underground container made of concrete, polyethylene, or fiberglass that provides primary wastewater treatment. It collects influent and holds it for a time so that beneficial bacteria can break down the organic material in the wastewater. It then pipes partially clarified effluent downstream for further treatment and final dispersal into the drain field.
All onsite wastewater systems have a septic tank as the first step in the treatment process. The septic tank is designed to receive and store the wastewater until beneficial bacteria are ready to break it down. The septic tank must be full of liquid in order to operate properly, so it is important that homeowners have their tanks pumped regularly by a licensed septic system professional.
The pump chamber is a small, round or rectangular watertight containment unit, usually constructed of concrete, polyethylene, or fiberglass. It is located under the septic tank and is connected to the septic tank outlet pipe on one end and the septic drain field piping on the other. The purpose of the pump chamber is to evenly distribute the septic tank effluent into the series of pipes that disperse wastewater throughout the septic drain field. Uniformly distributed wastewater in the drain field ensures that the whole field operates efficiently and reduces the likelihood of a problem developing in just one area of the field.
Drain Field
The drain field, also called an absorption field or leach field, is the final stop for wastewater in your home. It’s a network of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches. Effluent from the septic tank trickles through these pipes and into the surrounding soil, which provides further filtration and treatment.
The soil in your drain field must be able to absorb the sewage and water waste without being overly sandy or clay-like, as these types of soils may clog the system’s lines and distribution boxes. A percolation test is typically required to determine the proper soil type for your septic tank drainage field, and a licensed septic system professional can help with this assessment.
When a septic tank is not pumped on a regular basis, solids from the sludge and scum layers get sent to the drain field and overwhelm it with more wastewater than the soil can handle. This can clog the drain field and create sewage backups in toilets and sinks.
You can keep your septic system working properly by scheduling regular tank inspections and having it pumped every three to five years. You should also avoid sending septic system-unfriendly materials like non-flushable wipes, cooking oil, paint thinners and tainted cleaning products down your drains.
Installing a new septic tank or repairing an old one requires a professional who is licensed and insured. These professionals can assess the condition of your tank and its components and recommend any repairs or replacements that are needed to protect your property and health.
If you notice a strong odor in your yard or around drains in your home, call a septic professional immediately. This odor is caused by gasses released from a septic tank that have not been absorbed by the drain field, and it can be harmful to your family’s health.
Never plant trees or park vehicles over your septic system drain field, as this can damage the pipes and cause them to collapse. You should also refrain from running excessive laundry loads, as this can flood the drain field and overload it with wastewater before it has a chance to be treated.