Septic tanks are most commonly used all over the world. It is an underground chamber that is used to store wastewater coming from a building. Septic tanks are usually made of plastic, fiberglass, or concrete. The septic tank contains a pump that is used for the pumping process. This article mainly explains the septic tank working, types, size, and installation.
What is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is an underground storage container that is used to treat domestic wastewater (sewage) in areas where there is no direct connection to a municipal sewage system. It is usually made of plastic, fiberglass, or concrete.
The tank contains a pump that is installed in a separate chamber outside the main tank or in the last chamber of the septic system. This pump is also known as a sewage ejector pump or sewage pump. The main function of the septic pump is to pump the waste from the septic tank into the drain field.
Septic tanks have different types. These tanks differ in composition and size but perform the same function: to store waste and offer primary sewage and sanitation treatments until the company (offering septic tank pumping service) empty the tank.
The septic system has an effluent filter. This filter separates solids from liquid wastewater and transfers the liquid wastewater to the drain field through drainage pipes. Wastewater has organic materials that drain into the soil. The organic materials fertilize the soil and increase its power and productivity.
How does a Septic Tank Work?
A septic tank works in the following way:
- Wastewater from bathrooms, sump pit, and kitchens go into the septic tank via the main drain pipe.
- The underground septic tank starts collecting sewage. It holds this sewage so that greases and oils float at the surface and solid particles settle down in the tank bottom.
- An effluent filter is installed at the outlet of the tank. This filter separates solid waste and liquid waste. This filter stops the entry of solid waste into the drainage area.
- When the wastewater level in the tank reaches a specific level, the float switch activates and turns on the pump.
- As the pump starts working, the pump impeller rotates and pushes the wastewater into the drain pipes linked to the pump.
- The pump impeller forces the liquid waste from the outlet pipe into the drainage area.
- As the soil of the drainage area penetrates the ground, it absorbs the sewage, treats it, distributes it, and finally discharges it into the groundwater.
- Eventually, the sewage penetrates into the soil and naturally removes dangerous nutrients, viruses, and coliforms.
- A manual method is used for the pumping of the solid waste that remains in the septic tank.
Read also: Septic Tank Cleaning and Repairing cost for 2023
Septic Tank Design
A septic tank system contains one or more 3900 to 7600 liters (1,000-2,000 gallon) plastic or concrete tanks. One side of the tank is attached to the drain field, while the other side is attached to the effluent pipe. The effluent pipe usually has a T-shaped design that allows wastewater to flow in and out without disturbing the housing surface.
Nowadays, the modern tank has two chambers. Each chamber has an inlet and a cover divided by a partition with an opening between the top and bottom of the tank.
The piping networks are generally placed in stone-filled trenches, and effluent is distributed across the field through multiple drainage holes in the network.
The septic system may be operated solely by gravity, but a septic pump can also be included if the terrain requires it. Some designs of septic tanks include siphons or other devices to raise the amount and speed of wastewater.
The capacity of a septic tank varies according to its maintenance, age, and number of users. You should normally remove the sludge from your tank every two years. The tank usually has a liquid capacity between 125 liters and 170 liters per head. If your family is small, then 130ltr per head tank is best for you.
Types of Septic Tanks
Septic tanks have the following major types:
- Concrete Tank
- Steel Tank
- Plastic Tank
- Fiberglass Tank
- Aerobic Tank
1) Concrete Septic Tank
A concrete septic tank is one of the most famous and common types of septic tanks. It has high durability and long service life. However, there are high chances of leakage.
If the concrete cracks, the wastewater may leak from the tank, and groundwater can seep into it. The clog can affect wastewater discharge if backflow occurs in the concrete tank.
2) Steel Septic Tank
The steel has high durability. Therefore, it is also utilized to make septic tanks. You can use steel tanks for up to 25 years. Rust may damage these tanks. Therefore, these are not the most commonly used tanks.
If the cover of the steel tank becomes corroded, it becomes too weak that it can’t support the weight of the soil on its surface. In such a situation, people and animals can fall into the tank.
3) Plastic Septic Tank
These tanks have low cost and low weight than other types of septic tanks. They have high durability and long service life. They are less likely to rust than steel tanks or crack than concrete tanks.
The plastic tank has easy installation because of its lightweight. However, it is so light that it can easily be damaged during installation. Also, improper installation can cause the plastic tank to float on the water’s surface.
4) Fiberglass Septic Tank
This type of septic tank doesn’t rust like a steel tank or crack like a concrete tank. These tanks have low weight than other types of septic tanks. They have an easy installation and are easy to move when the surrounding soil converts into saturated.
5) Aerobic Septic Tank
They are electrically driven tanks. The aerobic tanks are most commonly installed when other tanks in the facility fail. They have three times high prices than other types of septic tanks.
One of the main advantages of the aerobic septic tank is that it requires less pumping and has more efficiency than other types of tanks. However, it requires more frequent service, but it has a long service life.
Read Also: Working of Aerobic Septic System
Components of Septic Tank
The septic tank has the following components:
- Filter
- Pump
- Chamber
- Septic pump alarm
- Float switch
1) Effluent Filter
The effluent filter must be mounted as close as possible to the pumping station. These filters are an effective and simple means to protect your pump. They stop the solid sewage from going into the drain field.
As the sewage moves into the pump tank, small solid particles trap and retain in the sewage filter. The filter must place in a 110mm/4in T under the maintenance hole to easily remove and clean once or twice a year.
Read also: Effluent Filter Working and Replacement Cost
2) Septic Pump Alarm
Your septic tank must have a pump alarm to ensure optimum performance of your tank. This usually includes float switches connected to a small alarm panel. If the pump fails, no water pumps out, and the water level in the tank also increases.
Alarms for septic tanks give an early warning of the failure of the pump lock and can react immediately in the event of flooding or backflow of the sewer
3) Float Switch
It is one of the most important parts of the septic tank. The float switch is also known as a water level detector. As the water level in the tank reaches a specified level, the float switch activates and turns on the pump to pump the wastewater into the drainage area.
4) Pump Chamber
The pump chamber is one of the most vital parts of the septic system. Concrete, polyethylene, or fiberglass is used to design the chamber. This chamber uses to catch the waste from the septic tank. It has a pump, pump control detector, and water level detector (or float).
The tank has multiple control detectors or float switches used to detect different system problems to pump a specific volume of wastewater.
When the wastewater in the chamber reaches a specific level, the float switch turns on the pump, and the pump discharges the wastewater to the leach field. This pumping process will continue until the wastewater level becomes lower than a low level on the “off” float.
The pump chamber has the responsibility to discharge the wastewater to the drainage area.
As the pump chamber fails, the entire septic system doesn’t work properly. Therefore, proper maintenance of the chamber is very important to resolve these problems. You must inspect it annually. You should also inspect all the electrical components for symptoms of corrosion.
If you want to stop clogging issues, install a wastewater filter or pump strainer in your system. These filters help to stop the entry of solid particles into the discharge pipelines and pump.
Read More: How to use a Trash Pump?
How to Maintain a Septic Tank
The tank maintenance is tightly integrated with general septic system maintenance. Do not clean or drain the following common household parts in your septic tank to extend the septic system’s life:
- Dental floss
- Grease, oils, or fats generated by or utilized in cooking
- Cat litter
- Baby wipes
- Q-tips or other cotton swabs
- Personal care products
Other maintenance procedures are not utilizing waste disposal methods as they fill septic tanks faster and get water inside the tanks. If a high amount of water gets into the septic system, solids can enter the septic tank and block the pump or drainage area.
Read Also: Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
Maintenance Tips for Septic Tank
To maintain a septic tank, follow the below-given important tips:
- Check the septic pump and tank regularly (at least once a year).
- Evade excessive water consumption (the tank may fill up or overflow with treated water during filtration).
- Use efficient appliances such as dishwashers, showerheads, faucets, toilets, and washing machines.
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet, excluding toilet paper and human feces. Think to utilize a child safety device on the toilet
- Evade unnecessary draining of cooking oil and chemicals into the sink (it kills the organisms that break down the left-over in the water tank).
- Do not limit or use chemical pipes and sewage purifiers.
When to Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?
The septic tank pumping interval depends on the tank size and the number of users. You should normally inspect your septic tank every 2 to 3 years. You should normally remove the sludge from your tank every 2 years. The septic tank generally requires a mechanical pumping process to pump or clean the tank every 3-5 years.
If the septic system is too small or used frequently, you should pump it every year. Some septic systems have check valves, wastewater level detectors, pumps, electrical float switches, or other mechanical parts that generally require more frequent inspections each year.
Before pumping the septic tank, you must inspect the following factors:
- Number of users: A large family house generally produces more waste than a small family house and quickly fills the tank.
- Size of the tank: A large tank has the capability to hold maximum solid waste. In this way, such a tank needs very low pumping.
- Solids in Sewer water: The septic tanks of homes that have many toilets or frequently use waste disposal fill up quickly.
- Amount of produced wastewater: The amount of effluent that flows into the septic tank affects the rate at which the tank fills.
Read Also: Septic tank Pumping and Cleaning Costs for 2022
What Factors Influence the Septic Tank Pumping Cost?
The following factors influence the septic tank cleaning or pumping cost:
- Septic tank size
- The geographical location (contractor cost varies by tank location)
- The volume of the waste in your tank or how much your tank is full.
- Age of your tank (from how much time your tank is in use)
- Conditions of the drain pipes
- Contractor service rate
How to Clean a Septic Tank Naturally?
Some people prefer their septic tank’s maintenance through the natural method. Natural cleaning uses a mixture of lemon, vinegar, and baking soda because it is less dangerous than pouring a robust chemical cleaner (such as bleach) into the pipe. It won’t kill any residue and natural bacteria in the decomposition tank.
How to keep clean your Septic Tank?
For the good health and long service life of your septic system, you need to clean it regularly. If you don’t properly clean your septic tank, you may face worse issues in the future, such as clogging, overflowing, and backflow of wastewater. Therefore, you should clean your tank every 2 to 3 years.
To ensure the cleaning and efficient working of your septic tank, follow the below-given instructions:
- Don’t flush the system fastly
- Don’t use additives
- Take care of drain field
1) Don’t Flush the System Fastly
Flushing the septic system too quickly will damage the functioning of the septic system bacteria. This process may also affect the solids and scum and is more likely to clog the different parts of the system.
2) Don’t Use Additives
You shouldn’t add biological additives and chemicals for the cleaning of your septic tank. There are many dispersible companies that are providing tablets for increasing the functionality of the tank.
However, these tablets kill the natural bacteria of the septic system and may lead to septic system failure. It is recommended don’t use such tablets or chemicals for your system.
3) Take Care of the Drainfield
Drainfield is the most important unit of the septic system. Therefore, do not build or plant on the drain field that may cause its clogging. It is also advisable that you shouldn’t park any vehicle in the drain area, as this may compress the soil and prevent sewage from draining.
How to find the Septic Tank?
You can find your septic tank by following the below-given methods:
- Check the municipal record
- Look for ups and downs
- Discover the tank lid
1) Check the Municipal Record
Many counties save records of septic tanks installed for different houses and buildings. This record has a drawing that shows the exact location and size of the property’s septic tank.
If your country also has a record for septic tank installations and you want your tank installation record, you should contact the office where your record is saved.
After getting your record drawing, you can easily measure and find the exact location of your septic tank. Note that the landmarks can change over time depending on when the tank was fitted. If there are a lot of trees and bushes around, do not count the location.
2) Look for Ups and Downs
Many septic tanks are installed unmarkable. After some time, the grass in the tank area starts growing. But if you fix some unexplained high or low marks, they will be helpful for you to find your buried septic tank.
If you are searching your buried septic tank, try to remember such unexplained marks that you fixed at the tank installation time and find your tank in that marked location.
3) Discover the Tank lid
A great way to search the lid is to look around until you discover the perimeter of the rectangle. If you have a septic tank that was installed after 1975, then on the opposite side of the perimeter, there may be two lids made of fiberglass or polyethylene.
The oldest tank usually has a 24 inches concrete lid in the tank center. Dig those marks to expose the lid.
Symptoms of Full Septic Tank
There are many symptoms that a full septic tank may produce, but the most common issues are given below:
- Extreme noise
- Wastewater backflow
- Faulty float switch
- Failed motor
- Unpleasant odor
1) Extreme Noise
Extreme noise coming from the septic tank is one of the clear symptoms of a full septic tank. In such a situation, you should immediately call a specialist for a proper inspection.
2) Backflow of the Wastewater
The wastewater may start to backflow due to a full tank or damaged check valve. The main function of the tank valve is to stop the wastewater from flowing back. It produces a pressure gradient to maintain the flow of waste through the pump to the drainage area.
When the valve wears out or breaks, the sewage may move back into the septic tank, and the tank returns to the pipeline.
3) Faulty Float Switch
The float switch uses to start and stop the pump operation. It may damage due to the dirt entering the tank. The float may need to change immediately if the damage is severe.
4) Burnt Out Motor
If your tank is full and your pump motor is not able to pump more wastewater, it may burn out. You can usually solve this problem by installing a new pump.
5) Unpleasant odors
An unpleasant odor coming from the septic tank is one of the clear signs of a full septic tank. When you observe a dirty odor from your tank, locate the tank, open its lid, and check the wastewater level in it.
Read Also: How to use Sump Pump for Septic Tank Cleaning?
FAQ Section
What is septic tank pumping?
Septic tank pumping is a method to remove waste from the tank bottom. You must perform the tank pumping process before the collection of waste up to a tank level that will clog the leach field pipelines.
Why is Septic Tank Pumping Important?
A manual septic tank pumping method is used to remove the dirt that the anaerobic digestion process can’t decompose. If you will not clean the tank manually, the tank will ultimately overflow, and the sewage with undecomposed substances will discharge into the drain field.
If your septic tank overflows, it may generate many health diseases, increase the repair or maintenance costs, reduce the absorbency of the soil, and block the pipelines going from the tank to the drainage area.
What is the Cost of a Septic Pump?
Standard household septic tank pumps are not much expensive. The cost of a septic pump is usually from £ 140 to £180. If you can find a professional septic tank maintenance company to install the pump, they can charge the same fee again to install the pump. If you are using a large septic tank system or need to pump great distances or heights, you may need a larger pump.
Why is septic system maintenance so important?
The proper maintenance of the septic system is very important. If you do not properly maintain your system, the wastewater will start to flow back, which produces many harmful diseases. If you do not maintain your system, it may cause clogging of the septic pipes; due to that, you may face severe problems. Therefore, maintenance is very important to extend the lifetime and proper operation of your system.
What do I do if my septic system backs up?
The backflow of the wastewater occurs due to poor maintenance of the septic tank. In such a case, you and your family don’t touch or go near the wastewater because it may cause disease.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the backflow of the wastewater in your home may contain harmful bacteria and toxic pathogens; due to that, your family may fall into dangerous diseases. Therefore, instead of cleaning yourself, contact your local health department and let them know that your septic system is not working. It would be best if you employed a professional cleaner to clean this sewage.
How much does it cost to replace a Septic pump?
The average replacement cost of a septic pump varies according to the brand type and region where you live. The average replacement cost of the septic tank pump is from $390 to $610.
How long should a septic pump last?
A septic pump has a 10 to 15 years average life. This lifetime of the septic pipe varies according to the operation and pump maintenance. If you do not properly maintain your pump, it will be failed within a few years. However, the maintenance of the pump is very important if you want to extend your septic pump life.
What are the signs of a Full Septic Tank?
The following are the significant signs of the full septic tanks:
- Backflow of the Wastewater
- Overflow of the wastewater
- Muddy flooring on the tank surface
- Slow drains
- An excessively healthy lawn
- Nasty odors
How deep is a drain field?
A drain field is 18 inches to 30 inches deep and the drain field has a cover of maximum 36 inches.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
A leach field is one of the major parts of the septic system. It is compulsory for your septic system. The wastewater flows from the septic tank to the leach field.
If your drain pipes clog, your septic tank wastewater will not discharge into the leach field; due to that, your tank will overflow. If you do not have a leach field, your septic tank will be full quickly, and you may face different issues.
How to Install a Septic Pump in a Septic Tank?
Septic pumps can install in existing septic tanks or pumping stations after septic tanks. If the septic tank has a single chamber, we recommend not installing the pump directly on the tank.
When the pump is installed in a single-chamber septic tank, settled solids are pumped out of the tank. These solids can clog the immersion zone or the penetration zone.
If you have two or three septic tanks, you can build a submersible pump into the end chamber of the tank. We recommend installing a dirty water pump that can control small solids up to 30mm. Otherwise, the small solids can clog the pump.