How Septic Systems Work
United States Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems
Texas A&M Publications
https://ossf.tamu.edu/educational-materials-2/
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How Septic Systems Work
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A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drain-field (or soil absorption field). The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter (e.g., oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater. In conventional, or soil-based systems, the liquid (known as effluent) is discharged from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a leach field, chambers, or other special units designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil. This area is known as the drain-field. Alternative systems use pumps or gravity to help septic tank effluent trickle through sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants like disease-causing pathogens, nitrogen, phosphorus and other contaminants. Some alternative systems are designed to evaporate wastewater or disinfect it before it is discharged to the soil.
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How a typical conventional septic system works
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All water runs out of your house from one main drainage pipe into a septic tank.
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The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drain field area.
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The liquid wastewater (effluent) then exits the tank into the drain field.
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The drain field is a shallow, covered, excavation made in unsaturated soil. Pretreated wastewater is discharged through piping onto porous surfaces that allow wastewater to filter through the soil. The soil accepts, treats, and disperses wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater. If the drain field is overloaded with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups in toilets and sinks.
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Finally, the wastewater percolates into the soil, naturally removing harmful coliform bacteria, viruses and nutrients.
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How a typical Aerobic System works
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Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) use many of the same processes as a municipal sewage plant, but on a smaller scale. An aerobic system injects oxygen into the treatment tank. The additional oxygen increases natural bacterial activity within the system that then provides additional treatment for nutrients in the effluent. Some aerobic systems may also have a pretreatment tank and a final treatment tank including disinfection to further reduce pathogen levels.
The benefits of this system are that it can be used in homes with smaller lots, inadequate soil conditions, in areas where the water table is too high, or for homes close to a surface water body sensitive to contamination by nutrients contained in wastewater effluent. Regular life-time maintenance should be expected for ATUs.
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Slaughter Pumping
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When it comes to keeping your septic tank in good shape, you can count on Slaughter Septic Pumping to help you keep you system clean. You can reach Luis of Slaughter Septic Pumping at (903) 870-8807 to schedule an appointment.
