What is a Conventional Septic System and How Does It Work?
The septic tank is one of the hidden wonders of today’s modern home. It’s the heart and soul of the sewage system and without it, it would be tough to keep a healthy cycle of water flowing in and out of nature. There’s a lot we don’t know about the conventional septic system and if you want to make sure that yours is working properly, then you need to read on.
Simply put, the septic system is responsible for filtering out and cleaning the water waste created by your household, This includes the waste that flows through the pipes from your laundry area, kitchen, and bathroom. It doesn’t just filter out the water, it brings back the water to the earth to kickstart the cycle once again.
It’s the most sanitary and safest way to dispose of water. As per septictank.com one of the common septic systems is called the conventional septic system. It’s typically found in small businesses and households. How does this standard approach to septic systems work?
The Conventional Process
The US Environmental Protection Agency properly details how this process works. The process begins when water runs out of your house. All of the water from your pipes will eventually lead to one main drainage pipe which directs all of the water and the waste into the septic tank which is buried beneath the yard typically.
Septic tanks are watertight containers made from various materials but most commonly, manufacturers use fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene. Aside from housing wastewater, septic tanks also contain bacteria colonies. Once the wastewater reaches the tank, the bacteria colonies will begin to dissolve the solid materials within the fluid.
The tank will hold the water long enough for the solid materials to dissolve and drop to the bottom of the tank in the form of sludge. At the top layer of the fluids are all the oil and grease. In the middle of the course, is the filtered water from the system.
To make sure that no solid wastes masses through the tank, most septic tanks are equipped with effluent filters.
Some compartments prevent the sludge and the grease from leaving the tank and reaching the drain field area. These fluids can contaminate the drain field, thus making the liquid wastewater useless because of the bacteria that comes out with it.
With the sludge and grease separated, the liquid wastewater, also called effluent, leaves the tank and goes to the drain field. Drain fields are described as a shallow and covered excavation in unsaturated soil. The soil will take in the effluent and treat it until it discharges as groundwater.
In the last step of the process, the wastewater percolates into the soil. This part of the process completely removes the coliform bacteria and viruses from the wastewater.
The septic tanks that come in the conventional septic system are large. As such, it’s not always the best option for households. Some homes already come built with a septic system. If you are about to buy a new property, make sure to ask the real estate agent where the septic system is.
Lots of young homeowners are opting for a more modern solution. The main reason is that Aerobic System Maintenance is easier and requires less work. Plus, you will be saving a lot more money in the long run. For example, the effluent filter needs to be cleaned out every two years. The pump tank on aerobic systems is only needing pumping from 3-7 years.
There are many ways to find your home’s septic system. For starters, you can check your home’s “as-built” blueprint to check for the existence of a septic tank. Another easy way to do so is by checking your yard for any lids or manhole covers. If you want to be really sure, you can contact a septic system specialist to help you find it properly.
A lot of homeowners don’t know about the existence of septic systems within their property. They only find out about it once the septic system is already clogged up.
Caring For Your Conventional Septic System
A lot can go wrong in a septic system. If the tank becomes clogged or full, the water in the drain field will often overflow. This will flood your yard with unsanitary water. Once the flooding begins, household drains like the one found in your sink or toilet will begin to back up and clog as well. As such, it’s highly advisable to have your conventional septic system checked and cleaned.
Ideally, you’d want to have your septic tanks pumped every three to five years. Some professionals offer septic pumping services. These will clear your septic tanks of all the fluids, sludge, and grease that have built up over the years. Apart from septic tanks, you also need to clean the parts that connect to them. Frequent grease trap cleaning ensures that your home’s septic system works optimally. Other parts of your home must also be maintained, like making sure to dispose of paper towels and other solid materials properly.
One of the things that you should avoid doing is to put any form of chemicals in your wastewater. Such chemicals can kill the bacteria inside the septic tank making it impossible for the solid waste to get dissolved. That being said, you should not let non-biodegradable materials flow through your pipes as well. These materials cannot be broken down by the bacteria.
Solid materials can clog up your pipes which in turn affect the ability of your septic tank to filter the wastewater properly.
In the kitchen, you should also avoid letting grease and oil flow down the drain. Dispose of these properly either by putting them in a container and throwing it in the trash can. Although septic tanks filter grease by turning into scum and placing it at the top of the wastewater, these can still clog your pipes over time. Moreover, an excess amount of grease in your septic tank will also make filtration harder than usual.
Paying for repairs for a septic system is more expensive as compared to maintaining it and having it cleaned. Make it a must to keep these guidelines properly followed as it can prevent issues from happening.
Your septic system requires as much care as any other part of your house. You may not directly see how the septic tank works but you have to understand that it does a lot more for you than you think. Aside from making your drains flow smoother, a septic tank also helps maintain your household free from unwanted bacteria. Make sure to take care of your septic system.
