The septic
system is a natural method of treatment and disposal of household wastes for
those homeowners who are not part of a municipal sewage system. A septic system
works by allowing waste water to separate into layers and begin the process of
decomposition while being contained within the septic tank. Bacteria, which are
naturally present in all septic systems, begin to digest the solids that have
settled to the bottom of the tank, transforming up to 50 percent of these
solids into liquids and gases. When liquids within the tank rise to the level
of the outflow pipe, they enter the drainage system. This outflow, or effluent,
is then distributed throughout the drain field through a series of subsurface
pipes. Final treatment of the effluent occurs here as the soil absorbs and
filters the liquid and microbes break down the rest of the waste into harmless
material.
Most
septic systems are conventional systems that use gravity to distribute the
effluent from the tank. When site conditions are not appropriate for a
conventional system, other types of systems, such as low pressure distribution
or mound systems are sometimes used.
Septic
systems cannot dispose of all the material that enters the system. Solids that
are not broken down by bacteria begin to accumulate in the septic tank and
eventually need to be removed. The most common reason for system failure is not
having these solids removed on a regular basis. When the holding tank is not
pumped out frequently enough, the solids can enter the pipes leading to and
from the tank. This can cause sewage to back up into the house or cause the
drainage system to fail as the pipes and soil become congested. These problems
are often costly to fix, pose a danger to public health, and are a significant
source of water pollution. Seepage from inadequate or failing septic systems can
contaminate both ground and surface waters. The industry recommends having a licensed company clean your septic tank every two years to perform preventative maintenance.
