Most people have city sewage systems, so they don’t have to deal with septic tanks. However, some people who live in areas where city sewage systems don’t have access or people just want an external sewage system, they opt for septic systems. So, how do they work? Well, here is everything you need to know about them.
What To Know About A Septic System?
A septic system is a network of different parts that allows proper disposal of waste from your house, all the way to the dumping ground, away from the home and everything is done strategically.
A septic tank is a very common external sewage system that is used by a lot of people. Either they don’t want to use the city sewage system or they don’t have access to it, but they still can produce a lot of waste and it needs to be dealt with properly, otherwise, your house will be surrounded by a very unpleasant odor.
This is why septic systems are here to save the day. They are mostly underground tanks and the whole assembly is out of sight and very mechanized, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
If you live in a remote area where you want your waste to be dealt with, and you want to do it at your expense, without involving city sewage systems, then a septic system is perfect for you, because other than the initial investment, you’re pretty much getting rid of waste for free.
Parts Of A Septic System
A septic system doesn’t just consist of one part. There are a lot of parts that make up a septic system. Here are the key components of a septic system.
Pipes
The first part of the septic system is pipes that connects your house and the septic system. The main job of these drain pipes is to ensure that the waste of the house is being directed towards the septic tank and this is a very crucial part of a septic system.
Septic Tank
The next part is the septic tank itself. Also known as the heart of the septic system, the septic tank is an underground tank where all the waste is stored. In the tank, the waste is accumulated and it also gets displaced by its state. The tank is either made out of concrete, fiberglass, or steel.
This tank is responsible for breaking down the waste with the help of bacteria to make it flow easily. It turns the semi-solid waste into a watery consistency, so it’s perfect for the next step that follows.
Drain Field
The next part is the drain field. When the watery waste from the septic tank is discharged, it goes into a series of perforated pipes. Also known as a leach field, the drain field is the place where the septic waste gets properly disposed of.
The pipes are wedged into the ground and the waste goes into the ground where it is absorbed. It is a very convenient process that is great for increasing the ground’s fertility too.
So, wastewater is natural manure that can be disposed of into the drain field and then into the ground the water goes. That’s pretty much how a septic system works.
How Does A Septic System Get Rid Of Waste?
You might have some sort of idea as to how the septic system works, but there is more to it than meets the eye.
A septic system mainly gets the work done in the septic tank. That is the main place where all of the waste gets dealt with. As soon as the waste is collected into the septic tank, that’s when the magic happens. There are natural bacteria in the septic tank, so it breaks down the waste.
But you might be thinking: for how long? Well, the main job of the septic tank is to hold the water in the tank until it separates into three major parts.
First Layer
The first layer of the septic tank contains the lightest of components. It can be natural gases, fluids, or any sort of lightweight sludge that makes it to the top of the tank.
Second Layer
The second layer of the tank is where the main wastewater is. This is the main thing that is directed towards the septic drain field and this is what is disposed of. This was once solid waste, but it got broken down because of the bacteria.
Third Layer
The bottom-most layer is the solid layer. This is the part where all of the waste that is not broken down and is still in a solid state, can settle at the bottom of the tank. It is alright to have the solid layer of the waste down below, but after a couple of years when this layer starts to build up more and more, it’s necessary to scrape it off by scheduling septic tank cleaning Maugansville so that the capacity of the tank doesn’t decrease. This is a routine maintenance tip for a septic tank and it is going to keep it running smoothly at all times.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Septic System
Even though a lot of people love the idea of a septic system, it’s still not perfect. So, here is everything you need to know about septic tanks, from the good to the very bad.
No Monthly Cost After Installation
Septic systems are great because they’re essentially free, once you get them installed. You don’t have to pay monthly bills, you don’t have to wait for anyone to come in and fix anything. It’s all up to you and if you take good care of it, then you won’t run into any problems.
Installation Is Expensive
As great as septic systems are, they can be expensive. Think about it – you’re having an underground sewage system installed in your home. While it may not be a problem for you, for some, it might be the mother of all problems. So, if you think that you can’t take over such a big responsibility, then you might want to reconsider getting something else that deals with your sewage.
Sustainable
A septic system is very sustainable and environmentally friendly. It is one of the best things you can do for your house and the most amazing part is that it is very versatile. If you want a smaller tank, then you can go for it and if a bigger tank is what you need then you can select that. It is very easy when it comes to use and there’s not a lot that can confuse you.
Maintenance Is Difficult
Lastly, maintaining a septic system can be hard, especially if you don’t have any experience doing things on your own. So, if you think that maintaining a septic system is going to be hard for you, then you might as well just opt for city sewage systems if it’s possible for you.
Conclusion
A septic system is an amazing way to get rid of waste and it is essential in almost every household that doesn’t have a sewage system. If you’re considering septic system installation Clear Spring, hire a team of experts.