How Does a Septic System Work and Why It Matters

Inside a septic tank, there are three distinguishable layers of content: scum, liquid, and sludge. This brings the total of heavy macro organic and inorganic particles, which are transported to the bottom of the tank while the lighter classes, if any, are floating on top in the form of scum. A liquid layer then flows out through the outlet pipe into the drain field. The layer of sludge at the base of the tank is pumped out from the tank using a septic tank pumper. The sludge has to be disposed of before it interferes with the sewage treatment procedures.

Drain Field

The drain field is the area where the liquid effluent from the septic system soaks into the ground. This component is usually less than six feet from the septic tank. The mixture of gravel and soil in the trenches that the perforated pipes lay in allows for good drainage without the pipes settling.

How Does The Drain Field Work?

It receives the effluent released from the septic tank and spreads it out. In the end, the treated wastewater is soaked up by the ground and infiltrates below. The efficiency of the septic system as a whole depends greatly on the drain field. Therefore, it is wise to invest in the periodic service of a drain field to help it achieve its intended function of wastewater treatment.

Among the common leach field problems is overloading; this occurs when there is too much water coming out at one time into an absorption area. Similar to the septic tank, a drain field requires time to disperse effluent before taking more is needed. Our professionals recommend keeping the roof drains away from the absorption area as much as possible, along with minimal water usage. Additionally, it is pertinent to keep trees away from the drain field and avoid root damage. Most of the septic professionals would agree upon placing your trees at a distance of 10 to 20 feet from the drain field.

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