If you're being curious, "How does a septic tank work?" you're not alone. This is one of the most commonly asked questions and the answer is reasonably straightforward: science. In a traditional system, Mother Nature does most of the work, herself, though the design of a system can help encourage the process as well.
How Does a Septic Tank Work and Septic Systems Install Atlanta GA: Understanding the System
The reservoir is only one part of the system, though most of the work is done there. All the wastewater from a building joins up in a centralized line that exits to the tank. This integrates water from the sinks, toilets, showers, washing machine, dishwasher, and anything else you may have that drains. The reservoir's job is to render an initial clarification stage for the wastewater. When it's clear enough, it gets discharged into a leach field or drainfield, where the bacteria in the soil finishes cleaning it.
How a Septic Tank Works with Septic Tank Repair Atlanta GA: Understanding the Reservoir
Most modern reservoirs have two compartments, but some of the older ones have a single space. They're commonly made of cement, fiberglass, steel, and plastic. When the wastewater gets in from the main line through an "inlet," it connects with a "baffle" which motivates it to split up into three layers. Dense materials, such as waste, sink to the bottom. This layer is referred to as "sludge." Buoyant materials, like toilet pa per and oil, float to the top and make a layer of "scum." The water in the middle is called "effluent." It's mostly clear of particles, and it either moves into the second chamber for further clarification or it leaves the reservoir through a filtered "outlet" and goes to the leach field.
How Do Septic Tanks Work: Understanding the Leach Field
The effluent needs to be discharged somewhere and there are numerous ways to do this, though the most common is called a leach field. It's a series of underground pipes with holes that allow the effluent to trickle out, so it's evenly circulated into the soil. Most leach fields have rocks or gravel around these pipes so that dirt doesn't pack the holes shut or slow the flow.
How Does a Septic System Work: The Role of Bacteria
The goal of the unit is always to clear up the water well enough that it can safely return to the environment. Bacteria naturally enters into the reservoir with the waste and tha t bacteria goes to work digesting the solids. As much as 50% of the solids can be converted into liquid and gasses in the reservoir. Bacteria also creates a layer of biomat on the soil of the leach field as well as in the lines. The biomat lessens the flow of effluent even more, but it gives the bacteria more time to eradicate any remaining particles and pathogens. Lastly, the top layers of soil also have bacteria. So, as the effluent infiltrates the soil, Mother Nature completes the job. By the time the effluent reaches the water table, it's clean.
How Septic Tanks Work with Septic Repair Atlanta GA: Care and Maintenance
The last part that needs to be addressed on our "How does a septic tank work?" page is how to care for your unit. Most units last decades. Cement reservoirs often endure for 40 years or more, with some still in use after over 100 years. However, the bacteria doesn't ever totally clean out the reser voir, even if you try to provide more bacteria to it, so the remaining solids have to be cleaned out every 3-5 years. If you have a traditional unit, this may well be the only care it ever needs, though it should be inspected for wear and damage every time it gets pumped.
If you need a unit installed, maintained, or repaired, Atlanta Septic Tank Pros' experienced partner technicians can help. They handle every aspect of your unit, with precision, expertise, and top-rated customer service. Call us at (404) 998-8812 today.http://atlantaseptictankpros.com
No comments:
Post a Comment