A Homeowner's Guide to Understanding How Septic Systems Work

A septic system functions as a decentralized wastewater treatment system that is a solution for areas without access to central sewer systems. They're more common in rural areas, but you can also find them in residential and commercial properties. If you have a septic system, it's important to understand how it works to identify issues.

What Is a Septic System?

A septic system treats wastewater by separating liquids and solids, letting liquid waste flow through pipes and seep into the soil. The liquid waste is filtered, treated and dispersed into the earth and eventually back into the groundwater. These systems allow for development in areas without central wastewater treatment.

Key Septic System Components

Components of a traditional septic system consist of:

• Pipes: These include the inlet, outlet and drain field pipes.

• A septic tank: This tank is a watertight container located underground to contain wastewater.

• Drain field: This area has a network of perforated pipes running through it, allowing liquid to seep into the surrounding gravel and soil.

• Baffles: Located at inlets and outlets, they ensure that only liquid exits the tank.

• Access riser: An aboveground access point.

• Soil: Gravel is usually packed around the drain field pipes to filter the effluent liquid before it drains into the soil.

How Do Septic Systems Work?

Here's a brief step-by-step septic tank process:

1. Wastewater leaves the home through the main drainage pipe.

2. It enters the tank via the inlet pipe.

3. Waste then settles into three layers: solids at the bottom, liquid in the middle, and oil and grease at the top.

4. The liquid will exit the tank through the outlet baffle.

5. It will flow into the drain field.

6. It will percolate through the surrounding gravel and soil, where natural organisms filter and treat it.

7. Finally, this treated water reenters the groundwater system.

Why Regular Maintenance Is Important

The solids in the tank will eventually fill it up, so you must maintain your system through regular cleaning and pumping. If you don't get your tank pumped every three to four years, you might suffer from sewage backups, pools of wastewater near the drain field or septic tank, foul odors, and costly repairs.

Signs Your Septic System Needs Servicing

If you notice signs such as bad smells, slow drains or sewage backing up into your home, these are indications that your tank is full and your system needs service.

Schedule Your Cleaning and Maintenance With Us Today

When you need a reliable septic system company that is highly communicative, will get back to you quickly, offers emergency support and convenient online scheduling, Bolton Septic is here to help! We provide services to residential, commercial and municipal properties. Get a trusted partner for your septic system today. Schedule online to get started!