Septic Basics
How Septic Systems Work
The idea that your home is on a septic system may be a scary one, but there is no need to panic. Septic systems are safe and most problems can be avoided with proper maintenance. It is important to be well informed and educated about your septic system and we hope you can find answers to your concerns here on our site. If you ever have any questions drop us a line anytime.
What is a septic system?
Septic systems are private sewage disposal systems used to treat and dispose of waste water and prevent contamination of underground water (drinking water) springs, lakes, and wells. A septic system consists of (2) parts:
1. A septic tank
2. A drain field.
Commonly used drain fields are seepage pits or leach lines.
What is a Septic Tank?
Solid, watertight, buried tank made of concrete, plastic, fiberglass or metal. This tank has a way in (inlet), and a way out (outlet).
The septic tank serves the function of a filter, seperating solids from liquids. Although it is only "one" tank it is divided in two by a wall, called the baffle wall. All waste first enters the septic tank through the inlet tee into the primary chamber. All the heavy sludge and solids sink to the bottom of the tank while the grease and oil (from the kichen and bath soap) float to the top. Once all the contents settle in the tank there will be an area of "water" called effluent water between oils and dirt. The effluent water will eventually drain into the secondary comparment of the septic tank through a pipe in the baffle wall. Once the waste water reached the second chamber it is mostly effluent water. The water then travels through the outlet tee to a drain field.
What is a Drainfield?
Drainfields are the most important part of a septic system. The term drainfield refers to a septic system component exclusively designed to manage the excess water from the septic tank. There are various types of drainfields; amoung them the most common are: Leach lines (sometimes written leech lines), and seepage pit (also known as cesspools). Since drainfields are only desogned drain water into the soil, they are not meant to handle solids. Solids will clog the pores where the water naturally drains into the soil causing premature failure. Seepage pits are described in detail below. A leach line is demonstrated attached to the septic tank, above.
What is a Seepage pit? ( Also known as Cesspool)
A seepage pit is built the same way as a well. In fact, if you look into one it looks just like a well. Seepage pits typically are 5-7 ft in diameter and depending soil conditions anywhere between 15-40 feet deep. The actual walls of the pit are only 4' in diameter, and the surrounding areas is filled with gravel. The gravel allows for better draining and helps limit clogging due to excessive dirt contact with the walls. As seen below the pores in the pit allows the water to drain into the gravel, which is then dispered through the gravel and is filtered into the soil. With proper septic tank maintenance, pits can last up to 40-60 years. Typically, pits last about 15-20 years but this is due to abuse and improper maintenance. Both compartments of the septic ank must be pumped every 2-5 years to limit the amount of solids entering the seepage pit. This will ensure a long life for your septic system. Another good idea is to add enzymes, or Bacteria which will break down and eat up solids in the tank. The idea is to NOT let solids enter the pit.
What is a Leach Line?
Leach lines are another form of drainfield. They are constructed using 4" perforated pipe which lays on a gravel bed 3' wide. Lines can extend any lenght up to 100ft. many times 100 feet of leach line is not enough to support the water usage in a home. In this case, various lines are installed. The lines are then connected together using a Distribution Box which allows the effluent water to be evenly distributed amoungst many lines in one system. An example of a leach line can be seen here. To maximize the life of a leach lines, it is important to regularly maintain your septic tank. Take a look at a leach line image above. The leach line is connected to the septic tank.
What is the difference between Quick Connect Infiltrator (R) chambers and Leach lines?
Infiltrator chambers are the modern form of leach lines. They are dome like chambers that connect to form a line. They replace the traditional leach line because they are a lot easier to install. Infiltrator chambers do not require the gravel and use less pipe than traditional leach lines. On average, drain fields designed using infiltrator chambers are 20% smaller than leach line. (Example 80' of infiltrator chambers for every 100' of leach line). Disadvantages to infiltrator chambers is there are not apt for all soil types. Allthough they are more convient to install they are not effective in all soil conditions.
