What Does A Septic Tank Work
                     What Does A Septic Tank Work?
The important role of septic tanks in residential waste management can't be understated. 
They ensure  proper  sewage disposal  in  locations  that  aren't  connected  to  municipal 
sewer  lines.  Rural  and  suburban  areas  mostly  rely  on  septic  tank  systems  due  to 
restricted access to centralized sewage treatment facilities. 
However,  as  a  private  septic  tank  homeowner,  paying  special  attention  to  the 
maintenance  of  septic  tanks  is  substantial.  Despite  regular  maintenance,  unexpected 
plumbing problems can arise. In case of unforeseen emergencies, seek assistance from a 
reliable  emergency  plumber  in  Reno,  NV,  to  restore  your  system's  efficient 
functioning. Additionally, understanding how a septic tank works is vital to keep your 
systems running smoothly and avoid costly repairs later. Let's explore this blog to learn 
all about how septic tank systems work.  
How Does a Septic Tank System Work?
A septic  tank  system  is  primarily  an  expansive  underground  tank  constructed  of 
concrete,  fiberglass,  or  plastic  located  near  the  property  it  serves.  The  mechanism 
functions in a relatively straightforward yet effective way, explained  below:
Waste Collection
First  and foremost,  the  prime responsibility  of  a  septic  tank is  to  collect  household 
wastewater that flows through plumbing lines.
Separation
After the waste is collected, the solid waste settles in the tank's bottom, forming a layer  
of sludge, while lighter materials such as grease and oil float to the surface, producing a 
layer of scum. Meanwhile, liquid waste or effluent stays in the intermediate layer.
Anaerobic Digestion
Naturally presented beneficial bacteria in the tank degrade solid waste through a process 
known as anaerobic digestion. This procedure aids in decomposing organic materials by 
reducing the solid volume and converting it into sludge.
Filtration and Digestion
The liquid effluent, which is considerably clearer after the separation process, exits the 
tank via an outflow pipe and reaches the drain or leach field. This location contains 
perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches, allowing wastewater to soak into the 
surrounding  soil.  The  soil  serves  as  a  natural  filter,  cleaning  the  wastewater  by 
eliminating hazardous germs and contaminants.
Natural Treatment
As the effluent passes through natural filtration and biological processes in the soil, it is 
treated and finally returns to the groundwater, completing the cycle. Additionally, to 
ensure this procedure goes smoothly, it's important to invest in septic pumping in Sparks 
every 3-5 years from professional plumbers. 
Significance of Regular Maintenance
While septic tank systems are built to last numerous years and perform efficiently, they 
need periodic maintenance to maintain their optimal functionality. Investing time in their 
upkeep may help you avert malfunctions and prolong their lifespan.
Septic Pumping
Since solid waste accumulates over time, it requires periodic pumping to avoid nasty 
clogs  and  backfills.  Hire  professional  plumbing  services  that  offer  septic  pumping, 
guaranteeing the tank is drained at prescribed intervals, typically 3-5 years. However, 
the frequency of pumping a septic tank depends primarily on tank size, consumption, 
tank type, and more. Thus, it's best to have a professional inspect your house and advise 
you on how often you should pump your septic tank. 
Inspections
Routine inspections by skilled plumbers or septic system specialists help to discover any 
indicators  of  damage,  leaks,  or  other  problems  that  might  jeopardize  the  system's 
performance.  Early detection enables  quick repairs,  avoiding costly  issues down the 
line.
Proper Waste Disposal
It's  important  to  take  care  of  what  you  put  down  the  drain.  Treating  your  drains 
appropriately  may  help  minimize  excessive  accumulation  of  solids  and  non-
biodegradable  items  in  the  septic  tank.  Don't  flush  sanitary  products,  wipes,  paper 
towels, grease, and chemicals since these are detrimental to the septic tank and may 
disturb the system's equilibrium and cause clogs.
 
Final Thoughts
A well-maintained septic tank ensures proper wastewater management in areas lacking 
municipal  sewage  systems.  Understanding  how  these  systems  work  may  assist 
homeowners in better taking care of their septic tanks and increase their longevity and 
peak  performance.  Invest  in  periodic  septic  tank  pumping  to  avoid  unnecessary 
plumbing disasters and expensive repairs.
Source:
How a Septic Tank System Works