Most people who are living within the city limits usually make use of the unified sewer systems. However, people who are living beyond the city limits most probably don’t have access to these sewer systems and so they have to build their own septic tanks for managing the waste water produced at their home. A septic tank that is functioning properly can treat all the waste water generated in a household be it your kitchen drains, laundry or bathrooms.
How does a Bealeton, VA, septic tank work?
Have you ever wondered how a septic tank system works? To understand how a septic tank works, we should first understand the way it is constructed. A typical septic system can be divided into two sections. The first part is the septic tank itself, and the second is a drain field.
Now, let us have a closer look at how does a Bealeton, VA, septic tank works. The wastewater treatment begins when all the wastewater your household produces enters the septic tank from one main drainage pipe.
Sludge is formed when solids settle down to the bottom of the septic tank. If oil or grease is present in the wastewater entering the septic tank, they will float inside the tank forming a top layer called scum. The liquid sewage will remain in between the sludge and the scum.
Septic tanks typically have two chambers. The first chamber is where the scum and sludge get formed. Between these two layers is a layer of comparatively clear wastewater called the effluent. This compartment has a T shaped outlet which prevents the scum and sludge from entering the next chamber. It only allows the effluent to be released to the next chamber. The effluent will be further allowed to settle in the second compartment.
As the sewage from the household fills the first chamber, effluent from it will be automatically pushed to the second chamber and consequently flow out to the drain field. The drain field is usually a covered, narrow pit made in loosely bound soil. It usually consists of rock-filled gutters or a sequence of spaces where effluent slowly gets absorbed, treated, and dispersed into the soil.
When this happens, the harmful coliform bacteria present in the human feces and viruses in the wastewater are removed naturally. However, keep in mind that if the drain field can flood if is burdened with too much wastewater at once. This will cause the sewage to flow to the ground surface and make your yard sloppy. It can also create backups in sinks and toilets.
If you want to know more about septic tank systems or are looking for a septic tank service provider in the Bealeton area, give SES Mid Atlantic a call. We would be glad to help you.