Beginner's Guide to Septic Tanks and Systems

If you plan on living in a rural area chances are you will have a septic system. Many people are apprehensive of the idea of having a septic tank, but with regular maintenance new systems have few problems. However, knowing the basics of how your system works can help you avoid any problems.

A septic system is a private method of processing waste. This includes any liquids or solids that leave your home from plumbing fixtures including sinks, toilets, and dishwashers. A system is made of three parts: drainfield, the area beneath the drainfield, and the actual septic tank.

The septic tank holds the waste and is buried near the house. Capacity varies depending on the number of bedrooms within the home. The minimum septic tank size will be specified by the building code, but can be larger. This is an important consideration if you plan on adding onto your home or converting one of the rooms into an extra bedroom.

In the septic tank, the solids settle to the bottom of the tank and the liquid waste drains from the top of the tank. There the liquid is carried through distribution pipes and into the drainfield.

A septic drainfield consists distribution pipes that filled with holes that allow the liquid to gradually seep out into the area around the pipe. The area around the pipe consists of gravel trenches that allow the liquid waste to flow into the ground. It is important that the trenches are placed at least a foot above the groundwater table prevent dirty water from entering the water supply.

Instead the water is cleansed by going through the soil. Most soils have components that break down chemicals and bacteria before it enters the water supply. The best type of soil for these systems is not filled with water, but contains large amounts of oxygen instead. Some types of soil cleanse the water more quickly, so the actual depth of the drainfield may vary. Once the drainfield is installed it is covered with soil.