People who do not have access to the centralized sewer system usually have a septic tank constructed in their property for treating the sewage generated at their home. Several activities people do daily, such as cleaning dishes, using bathrooms and doing their laundry continuously generate wastewater. Have you ever thought how a septic tank safely gets rid of all this sewage? To understand this, you will have to know the working of a septic tank system.
How Does a Catlett, VA, Septic Tank Work?
Septic tank systems consist of two parts. The first is the tank itself and the second is a drain field which helps to distribute the wastewater treated by the septic tank safely to the soil. A septic tank is usually made of materials such as polyethylene, fiber glass or concrete.
Now let us have a close look at how these tanks are constructed so that we can understand how does a Catlett, VA, septic tank work and how they treat wastewater. A septic tank usually has two compartments. All the wastewater from your household is received in the first compartment of the septic tank. The solid part of the sewage is allowed to settle in the first compartment as it enters it. This is called sludge.
At the same time, the greasy and oily waste present in the sewage floats and forms a top layer in the first compartment. This is called the scum. Now, whatever liquid part is present in the wastewater will be left between the scum and the sludge. The wall between the two chambers of the septic tank has a T shaped outlet towards its middle portion. This outlet makes sure that the scum and sludge which gets formed in the first compartment remains there and only the liquid part known as the effluent exits it.
Once the effluent reaches the second compartment, it is allowed to settle down further there. Now whatever the liquid part remains in the second chamber is let out to the drain field. The drain field further treats the wastewater received by it and distribute it slowly through porous pipes into the soil. Once it is released into the soil, it becomes free of harmful bacteria present in human feces, and it ultimately reaches the groundwater.
However, keep in mind that overpowering the drain field with too much wastewater can cause it to fail and lead to back up in your sinks and toilets. If you want to know more about septic systems, SES Mid Atlantic can help. We provide all septic tank related services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. All you have to do is give us a call, and we will be happy to help you.