Understanding How Your Septic System Works

It’s quite normal for homeowners not to think about their septic systems before a problem occurs, and it's necessary to check the tank. But is it right? Noway! You can call septic pumping in Albuquerque and other services to repair your septic system, but learning how it works can save you a lot of money. How so? If you know about septic system parts and how they work, you can prevent system failures and avoid costly repairs. 

What is a Septic System

In areas where houses are not yet connected to the public sewer, a decentralized wastewater treatment system is used. This is called a septic system. There are two different types of septic systems at present: conventional and advanced.

 

A conventional septic system has a sewer line, a septic tank, an outlet pipe, and a septic drain field. An advanced septic system has all the parts of a conventional system, but additionally has an advanced treatment system and an outlet pipe from the advanced treatment system.

Explaining Parts of the Septic System

As mentioned above, septic systems primarily include 4 parts. Let’s scroll down and learn about these parts. 

Sewer Line 

A sewer line is generally made of plastic pipe with a 4” diameter and slopes towards your septic tank. The wastewater from your house passes through the sewer line, entering your septic tank. 

Septic Tank

A septic tank is an underground container constructed of polyethylene, concrete, fibreglass, or steel, which naturally treats wastewater with bacteria that break down solids and organic material. This septic tank then sends effluent downstream for dispersal.  

Outlet Pipe

The 4” diameter outlet pipe made of plastic sends liquid to the drain field or an advanced treatment. 

Advanced Treatment System 

An advanced treatment system, also called an engineered septic system, is a secondary treatment unit in advanced septic systems. Various advanced treatment systems are available in the market. 

Outlet Pipe From the Advanced Treatment System

It’s the outlet pipe used in advanced septic systems that sends treated wastewater for additional purification or dispersal. The pipe is made of plastic, and its diameter can differ based on the system and wastewater dispersal technique. 

Septic Drain Field

A drain field, or a leach field, is an underground network of perforated pipes that receives wastewater from the septic tank. Wastewater goes through a last treatment in the drain field and then returns to the groundwater. 

How Does a Septic System Work?

Both conventional and advanced septic systems function differently and are used in different situations.

Conventional Septic System

We break down the steps on how a conventional septic system works in the points below. 

• Wastewater enters the septic tank using the sewer line. 

• Solids sink to the bottom and create sludge in the tank.

• Fats, oils, and greases float to the top of the tank, making scum.

• Then, Liquids pass through a filter.

• After this, filtered liquids flow through the outlet pipe and enter the drain field.

• In the drainfield, wastewater seeps into a layer of gravel.

• Oxygen-using bacteria clean the wastewater further as it travels through gravel and into the soil, respectively.

• Any remaining impurities, including parasites, viruses, harmful bacteria, etc., are removed in soil.

• Treated wastewater reaches groundwater and drains into nearby streams, rivers, etc.

Advanced Septic System

An advanced septic system is generally used if the homeowner has a limited space, shallow soil and bedrock in the field, a sensitive environment, and strict regulations. Let’s learn how it works from the following points.

• Wastewater enters the septic tank through the sewer line.

• Solids settle at the bottom, and oils, fats, and grease float to the top.

• Natural bacteria break down the solids.

• The wastewater enters the advanced treatment system.

• Air is pumped into the liquid, so bacteria can grow.

• These bacteria break down harmful substances in the wastewater.

• The cleaned water is finally sent to the drain field through the outlet pipe.

• Water slowly seeps into the soil, which acts as the final filter, removing any last impurities.

What Not to Flush or Pour?

You have learned how a septic system works. However, that’s not enough to take care of your septic system. You may not know, but several household items result in major septic problems when flushed or washed down the drain. This even includes products labeled “flushable.” Let’s learn what these products are:

• Baby wipes

• Paper towels

• Feminine hygiene products

• Cooking grease or oil

• Harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners

• Cat litters

• Cigarette butts

• Dental floss

• Medications

Maintaining a Septic System With Professionalism

You have attained a great knowledge of your septic system, which will help you maintain it properly. However, if you still face septic problems, which is pretty common, call a professional septic service provider immediately. 

We are 505 Portable Restrooms, a quality septic service provider, working in the industry for several decades. Our services range from septic pumping and porta-potty rentals to RV pumping and portable sinks. Call us for professional-quality septic services at reasonable costs.