In areas that are not served by a central sewerage system, septic tanks remain one of the popular types of sub-surface sewage disposal tanks. For the septic systems to be able to survive a long period and serve their purpose properly, the people using the systems need to understand how they work and take care of them to prevent any liabilities. An outline of components of septic systems for the homeowners is given here:

What is the purpose of a Septic System? The two principal groups that compose the septic systems are the drainfield or leach field and the septic tank.

Septic Tank: A watertight septic tank is used to hold waste water from the house or other construction. It’s commonly made with fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene. A three layer system is created when the waste water enters the tank from showers, sinks, and toilets.

All settlements and wastes including solids go below the tank and . – described as sludge.

Grease and greases including oil (referred to as scum) go on the top surface of the tank.

Effluent or liquid goes in the middle of the two layers.

However the tank restricts the particles from flowing out with the liquid effluent to the drainfield. The bacteria that are contained in the tank digests the solid waste in the tank which contributes to the reduction in the volume of sludge.

Drainfield (Leach Field): The effluent is expelled from and is discharged beneath the design soil and on the dirt within the drainfield through a network of perforated pipes. Before the wastewater penetrates into the ground water, soil acts as a natural filter and absorbs nutrients and harmful pathogens.

Maintenance Tips for Septic Systems

A proper septic system will work as intended with the appropriate and regular measures taken on the system. This is what property owners ought to do:

Timely Pumping: Depending on the size of the tank and the amount of use in the home, septic tanks need to be emptied not more than once every three to five years. Pumping is performed to extract the solidity of the sludge and scum from the septic tank in order to prevent any clogging of the system.

Cut Down on Water Use: Consistent uses of water can cause an overload of a septic system. Water efficient devices should be used, leaks should be repaired immediately, and washing machine drum loads should not all be done consecutively in order to avoid excessive water use at one period.

Right Waste Disposal: The drain should only be used for expulsion of body waste and toilet paper. Avoid disposal using these items – diapers, femine care sanitation towels, wipes, etc. Avoid pouring grease, oil and chemicals down the sink since this disrupts the normal microorganism population responsible for the biodegradation process.

Safeguard the Drainfield Area: Roots of trees that are too close to the drainfield can also damage the pipes installed there. In order to protect the drainfield from collapsing, it should not be loaded with heavy articles such as cars. Prevent stored surface water, such as from rain water pipes, from being directed towards the drainfield.

Common signs of septic tank failure

A septic system that is not properly taken care of may lead to its failure, which might result in costly repairs and harm to the environment. Homeowners need to watch out for these indicators:

Drains in showers, toilets, and sinks are quite slow.

Bubbling sewage sounds from the plumbing.

Wet places or sheets of water around near drainfields.

Foul odours around the drainfield and tank.

Even where there is little rainfall, there is green thick grass on the drainfield and this means too much water exists in the soil.

Any such signs therefore require that a professional should be called immediately.

Possible Hazards to Health and the Environment

Water from drinking sources and surrounding water areas is likely to be polluted when a septic system fails appropriately and wastewater seeps into subterranean groundwater or surface water. This is a significant health risk: the risk of transmission of diseases. Untreated sewage can destruction to aquatic organisms and lead to the occurrence of algal blooms.

Improvements and Substitutes

Homeowners whose septic system is old and ineffective will benefit from upgrade alternatives. These include:

Advanced Treatment Units: Such units are best suited for environmentally sensitive areas with higher wastewater treatment.

Mound Systems: In mound systems, the drainfield is built above the level of the surrounding native grade and is useful where soil type is well drained.

Efficient septic tanks for homes, avoidance of costly repairs, and protection of the ecosystem can only be achieved by regular maintenance and vigilance.