Septic System Info from BEST Septic & Rodding ~ We do our BEST for You!

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Septic System Information

A Septic System is an on-site sewage treatment system. Although there are several different types of septic systems, (mechanical, mound, multi-flow, gravity feed), most are based on the same principles. The majority of systems installed are gravity feed and will be the type explained below.

A septic system treats the household wastewater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where heavy solids and lighter scum are allowed to separate from the wastewater. This process is known as the primary treatment. The solids stored in the tank are decomposed by bacteria and later removed, along with the lighter scum, by a professional septic tank pumper.

The major components of a gravity feed septic system are the Septic Tank, Distribution Box, and Drainfield. These three main components are connected together with pipes. The picture below provides a view of a gravity feed system. The larger white box with two circles on top is the septic tank. The small white box with the five white pipes coming out of it is the distribution box. The drainfield consists of the five white pipes and the ground surrounding the pipes.

Overview of how a Septic System Works

The process starts when wastewater leaves the house and enters the Septic Tank. Since the septic tank is airtight, the same volume of wastewater that enters the tank is forced out of the tank at the other end.

After leaving the septic tank, the wastewater travels to the distribution box, which separates the flow evenly into a network of drainfield trenches.

Drainage holes at the bottom of each line allow the wastewater to drain into gravel trenches for temporary storage. Finally, the wastewater is slowly absorbed into the ground where it is further treated and purified.

Overview of How a Septic Tank Works

There are three layers of material in a septic tank. At the top of the tank is the scum layer, the sludge layer is at the bottom of the tank and the middle layer is the liquid effluent.

Wastewater that enters the septic tank is retained for a short period of time. During this time it breaks down into scum, sludge and liquid effluent. Most of the solid matter will fall to the bottom of the tank and buoyant materials such as grease and hair will float to the top. Between these two layers is the liquid effluent, which flows into the drainfield.

Picture of Septic Tank
Cross-section Picture of a Septic System Tank

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Septic System DO's and DON'Ts

DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system

Repair leaky faucets and toilets.
Space out laundry loads over the course of a week.
Install low usage water fixtures
DO use a toilet tissue that breaks down easily

High wet-strength tissues are not suitable
We recommend SCOTTS brand
DO have your septic tank cleaned out at appropriate intervals

Cleaning intervals are based on several factors and range from one to five years
DO divert other sources of water away from the septic system

Roof drains and sump pumps should not drain near the septic system
DON'T plant anything over or near the drainfield except grass

Roots can clog and damage drain lines
DON'T deposit cooking fats, facial tissues into the septic system

Non-decomposible materials such as these and others can clog the inlet or outlet pipe
DON'T use automatic toilet bowl cleaners

The continuous slow release of chemicals can kill the bacteria needed to treat the wastewater in the tank
DON'T cover the drainfield with a hard surface

The area over the drainfield should be grass cover only to help remove excess water

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The Best Septic System Info Site

Septic System Owners Guide from the University of Minnesota

This site offers an in-depth explanation of Septic Systems including high quality illustrations that visually explain the various components of a septic system.

The site also provides the following information: