A septic system is a small-scale sewage treatment system, which is common in rural and suburban areas with no connection to major sewage pipes provided by either local government or private corporations. A typical septic system consists of four components: a house sewer drain, the septic tank, distribution box and soil absorption field. Note that a septic tank is a key component of the septic system. A septic tank is simply a big concrete or steel tank that is buried in the yard for collecting the unwanted waste that comes from the home.
How the septic system works
The whole process begins with the waste water leaving the house through the house sewer drain (plumbing network in the house) to the pipe leading to septic tank. The septic tank collects all the discharge from the household plumbing network and provides the needed time for the waste to settle or float. Heavy solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank where bacteria decompose them to form sludge. Lighter waste, on the other hand, rises to the surface to form a layer of scum. The partially treated waste water is released to the absorption field through a network of perforated pipes. The sludge and scum are left in the tank. This is the main reason for needing to regularly maintain you septic tank.
Septic tank maintenance
Septic Tank Pumping Eustis, FL is required periodically to remove the sludge and scum from the tank. This should be done after every 2-3 years. However, some pump out their septic tanks annually. Note that if the sludge and the scum are allowed to build up in the tank, they can clog the tank and impede drainage from the septic tank and the drain field. A septic system will serve a household longer if it is suitably designed and located as well as well maintained. Nevertheless, even a well installed septic system will, in the end, fail if it is not properly maintained.