Beyond the Tank: A Septic System Overview

When you hear septic system, you might envision the septic tank where all household wastewater goes to. However, the septic system includes more than just the tank. Discover all crucial parts of a septic system so that you can use yours successfully. 

Septic Tank

The septic tank is where household waste initially ends up. It is a large tank that can be made of concrete, steel, plastic, or fiberglass. Many septic tanks contain one or two compartments, though newer septic tanks contain two. A two compartment septic tank includes an extra area for solids to settle and waste to break down more.

The septic tank divides household waste into three parts: solid sludge, liquid effluent, and scum. Solids go to the bottom of the tank and become sludge. Material like oils and grease float to the top and become scum. Finally, what is left is liquid, or effluent, that leaves the tank and goes into the drain field.

The division of waste happens through bacteria and enzymes. They ensure that the breakdown process works. Enzymes work with scum and bacteria works with sludge.

Baffles

Baffles are what enable household waste to enter and leave the tank. An inlet baffle helps to bring everything to the septic tank, and an outlet baffle helps to take separated effluent to the drain field. These usually connect to the septic tank and can be made of concrete, PVC, or clay.

Access Lids 

Access lids allow septic professionals to get to your tank to pump and clean it. These are often underground, which might necessitate digging up parts of your part to get to them. However, this is usually the case with septic systems without risers or older septic systems. Based on the number of compartments a septic tank has, you might have one or two access lids.

Risers 

Risers connect an underground septic tank to the surface. Since access lids to septic tanks are often inaccessible without digging, risers allow quick and convenient access to the septic tank without damage to the yard and considerable time and effort in digging. 



Risers are usually a plastic or concrete pipe. They usually have a lid or cap of their own. Risers should be included for every access lid a septic tank has. 

Drain field 

Besides the tank, the drain field is the most important part of any septic system. After effluent leaves the tank via the outlet baffle, it goes into the drain field. 

The drain field comprises many parts. Most conventional drain fields have several trenches with pipes. The effluent goes into the pipes. Then, the wastewater seeps out of the pipes slowly into the gravel and soil that fill the trenches and surrounding area. 

The grave land soil play an important part as well. Since wastewater shouldn't contaminate groundwater, the gravel and soil filters and treat the wastewater. This involves removing any contaminants like bacteria, nutrients, and viruses. Once the wastewater is fully treated, it goes back into the groundwater supply for reuse. 

Septic Tank Professionals You Can Rely On 

Whether you want to install a septic system for the first time, replace a failing septic system, or pump and clean your septic tank, turn to Southern Sanitary Systems Inc. We can provide all the septic services you need for a long-lasting and well-performing septic system. Please let us know about your exact issue today for fast and affordable solutions you can count on.