How Does A Septic Tank Work: An Easy Breakdown Of How They Function

One of the primary components that are essential to treating wastewater is a septic tank. This type of septic system helps to dispose of sewage. Of course, another advantage of incorporating a septic tank within your home is that it requires minimal maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about frequent upkeep.

If you’re interested in learning how a septic tank works, this guide will provide information on what a septic tank is and resolve issues you might encounter.

If you’re having issues with your septic tank, – 0411 724 011

What’s a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a system that treats wastewater to eliminate bacteria and scum layers. Though it is used to treat wastewater, they also provide treatment by using bacteria to break down solids, fats, and greases. To understand how to diagnose issues with your septic tank , you have to learn about how a septic tank works.

How Does a Septic Tank Work in Australia?

Once wastewater flows through your sewer pipes, it will enter your septic tank’s first chamber. After it enters the chamber, it will cause the solids in the wastewater to settle, causing a crust to float to the top of the effluent’s surface, referred to as the scum layer. Then, it uses the bacteria to break down the solids, converting them into liquid, which will transfer into the second chamber, settling for a bit, only for the remaining liquid to be released into a drain field.

What’s a Septic System?

The septic tank is one of the primary components of the septic system. Typically, how a septic system works is that it’s a system that converts organic bacteria and sewage, also referred to as wastewater, into the effluent. Effluent relates to water treatment of sewage and wastewater. Aside from a septic tank, the primary elements that make up the septic system consist of the following:

• Absorption Trench: An absorption trench is one of the main elements of the septic tank system. It refers to a long piping system that releases wastewater and other sewage from toilets, your bathroom sink, and your kitchen.
• Drainage Pipes: Drainage pipes connect your shower, sinks, and toilet to the septic tank. One of the primary examples of this would be your kitchen sink’s drainage pipe, which is equipped with a grease trap to protect your septic tank from fats and greases.
• Disposal Area: A disposal area usually is a trench or sandy mound that disperses the liquid component of sewage. This is to ensure that no effluent is released above ground.

Handling your septic tank can be challenging to handle and so can managing your hot water system, pipes, and more. At Bayside Plumbing , we offer other services besides maintaining your septic tank. We also provide plumbing maintenance inspections, hot water system installation and repair, and pipe relining .

To learn more, contact us for a free quote!

Types of Septic System

So now that you know how a septic tank works and other primary components of a septic system, it’s essential to note the types of septic systems you can select for your home. Those include the following:

• Primary Septic System: A primary septic system is a standard option as it consists of a singular septic tank. Typically, when it comes to a primary septic tank, it breaks down wastewater, so it flows to the effluent disposal area all within one chamber.
• Secondary Septic Systems: In contrast to a primary septic system, a secondary septic system uses several chambers for water treatment. For instance, the first chamber acts as a single septic tank. Still it then transfers to a second chamber to mix the wastewater with air to strengthen the breakdown of solids. Finally, the third chamber allows the solids to settle.

Common Issues with Septic Tanks

When it comes to managing how septic tanks treat wastewater, you may encounter several issues. This is often due to septic tank failure when untreated wastewater is released back into your plumbing system. Several issues you might encounter with your septic tank include the following:

• House Piping System to Septic Tank is Clogged: This is one of the issues you may encounter with your septic tank. When your piping system is clogged, your shower, kitchen, and bathroom sinks won’t drain as quickly or won’t drain at all.
• Clogged House Inlet Baffle: This is another issue you might encounter. Compared to a clogged pipe, this issue is primarily caused by debris buildup.
• Clogged Effluent Filter: If your effluent filter is clogged, this might cause sewage to back up into your home. A clogged effluent filter might result from your septic tank receiving excessive water.
• Failed Drain Field: A failed drain field is another reason you might encounter sewage backup. When this occurs, you might see wet, spongy areas near your drain field. This is also a sign that your septic system needs replacing.

What to Do if You Encounter Septic Tank Issues

When encountering septic tank issues, some of these can be resolved on your own. Some of these issues that can be quickly resolved are a blocked house drain or if you have access to your inlet baffle. However, if your septic system or drain field needs to be replaced, you must seek professional help.

So, to review, how does a septic tank work? Typically, a septic tank is an underground septic system that wastewater transfers to for basic water treatment. A septic system is composed of four components: the absorption trench, the septic tank, drainage pipes, and a disposal area. If you require our services, please contact us today.

For more insightful plumbing tips, practical tips & news, see our dedicated plumbing blog ! We tackle a wide range of plumbing-related topics such as ‘ What Is A Rimless Toilet ‘, ‘ How To Clear A Blocked Drain ‘ & more!

Or, for any emergency septic tank plumbing issues, call us for 24-hour emergency plumbing services!