Components Of A Septic System

In the 21st century, the environment is one of our primary concerns. We’ve reached a point where climate lingo has become mainstream. For decades, our natural resources have been exploited and polluted. Today, we converse more often and more consciously about the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the water we drink or use. One of the key dimensions to building a more sustainable human-nature relationship, then, is through the purposeful usage of water. That’s where the septic system comes in.

What is a Septic System?

In simple terms, a conventional septic system is a productive way of managing domestic or commercial sewage. The septic system involves a septic tank, a drainfield, and pipes (perforated) that allow water to leak into a soil-absorption field through holes made in it. 

Used widely in rural homes as an organic and efficient way of processing sewage locally, septic systems are growing popular. The tank in a system like this is designed to enable separate treatment for separate components in wastewater. It is connected on one end with the sewage pipe of the house or building. On the other end, it opens to the soil-absorption field so the relatively clean water can seep into the soil and replenish plants. 

Main Components of a Septic System

The different parts of a septic tank work together to ensure that contaminated water is utilised efficiently. Let’s explore what these septic system components comprise:

Septic Tank

A tank constructed out of concrete, plastic, or fibreglass is embedded deep in the ground in a septic system. The chunkiest component in the entire system, the watertight tank is divided into separate sections that serve their own unique purposes. They can enable or restrict the flow of liquids and solid particles. 

Inlet Pipe/Sewer Line

The starting point of the septic water treatment process, the sewer or conveyance line, is the plumbing that connects your home/building to the septic tank. It is generally placed close to the bottom of the tank and drains into a chamber. 

Outlet Baffle/Tee

While baffles are present at the respective junctions of both the inlet and the outlet pipe, the outlet baffle is significantly more important. Placed at a point where treated water from the tank passes into the drainfield, the outlet baffle serves a practical function. It bars solid particles or contaminants from entering the drainfield. 

Distribution Box (D-Box)

A box placed in the middle of the drainfield acts as a storage and supply mechanism for water exiting the septic tank. This is called the distribution box. It connects with the perforated pipes to evenly distribute partially treated wastewater from the tank into the field.

Drainfield (Leach Field)

As the name suggests, this part performs the leaching function among septic system components. Also known as a leach field, it is where the wastewater leaving the tank gets naturally stripped of remaining pollutants. When the pipes release effluent (treated wastewater), it filters through layers in the field to finally join the groundwater.

Let’s understand the leach field components better:

Perforated pipes

A lengthy series of unique pipes is fitted into layers of gravel and soil to release effluent from the tank. Numerous holes drilled in the body of the pipes are how they get their name, as perforated pipes.

Gravel/stone bed

When the trenches in a drainfield are constructed, they are layered with the gravel/stone bed lying between the soil and the perforated pipes. This gravel bed limits the speed of water flow from the pipes to the soil and holds pollutants. 

Geotextile fabric

A filtering layer made of polyester is placed on top of gravel in the drainfield. It separates the loam or topsoil from the gravel/stone layer below, preventing solid soil particles from trickling into the field and choking the system.

Soil absorption layers

The final among the leach field components, the leach field and leach bed, are together referred to as the soil absorption layers. They include the constructed trenches along with the perforated pipes and help filter solid impurities in the wastewater before it trickles deep into the field.

Soil/Absorption Area

The soil absorption area is the last component in the septic system. As filtered water seeps into the soil from the leach field, microorganisms and natural pathogens break down any remaining pollutants in the water. The groundwater supply is able to receive clean, safe water when the septic system functions well, right down to the soil absorption area.

How These Components Work Together

A septic system is effective when all the parts of the septic tank, along with the drainfield, work together to sanitise sewage into clear water for the environment.

Stage 1: The Septic Tank

• Wastewater from homes travels through the sewer/conveyance line and is transported into the septic tank through the inlet.

• Once inside the septic tank, the water is allowed to sit for 24-36 hours. This allows for particles of differing densities to either settle down or float to the surface. 

• The heavy and solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank and is called sludge. The grease, fats and oils, dissoluble and lighter, float to the top. They are called scum. The water between these two layers is called partially treated effluent.

• This water is digested by bacteria through the breakdown of organic matter. A more formal term for this process is anaerobic decomposition. 

Stage 2: The Drain/Leach Field

• Once the effluent successfully undergoes decomposition, it is ready to be discharged through the outlet into the drainfield. Baffles in the outlet act as an obstruction during the discharge process. They prevent solids or sludge particles from travelling down the outlet and clogging the septic system.

• Treated effluent moves through a distribution box that ensures water is distributed proportionately throughout the leach bed. It keeps a check on the flow and prevents overloading of any part of the leachfield.

Stage 3: Soil Absorption

• In the leach bed, the perforator pipes release treated effluent, which gets filtered through layers of gravel and soil.

• As water percolates further into the soil, it is acted upon by bacteria and pathogens. This removes any residual contaminants and makes way for clean water to join the groundwater supply.

Signs If One of Your Septic System Components Is Failing

Spotting early signs of failure in your septic system can help ensure timely intervention and protect your system as well as your pocket. Common signs your septic system might be failing can include:

• Foul odour in and around where your septic tank is located

• Presence of the coliform bacteria, which are present in the human digestive tract, in water wells or sources around your home 

• Accumulation of standing water in the plumbing of your home

• Accumulation of excess water on a specific part of the soil bed 

• Slow drainage of water in your kitchen sink, bathrooms and pipes 

• Patchy moist spots in and around your septic tank

Look out for these early warning signs to stage an intervention and restore your septic system to proper functioning.

Maintenance Tips for Each Major Component

Caring for and maintaining your septic system properly prolongs its longevity. It reduces your dependence on a centralised sewage system and promotes sustainability. A few important tips to maintain your septic system:

Conveyance/Sewer Line

The sewer/conveyance line is a bridge connecting your home with the septic tank. Make sure no non-biodegradable items are being flushed down it. Plastics, sanitary napkins and other hard items can easily lead to blockages. In case of a blockage, call in a professional to get your plumbing cleared.

Septic Tank

Over time and regular usage, the accumulation of sludge and scum can become substantial. Regular pumping is advised to pump out the solid and greasy bits from parts of a septic tank. Timely servicing ensures your septic tank remains in top-tier condition while continuing to treat sewage properly.

Drainfield

A simple way to maintain your drainfield is by looking out for signs of water overloading. Moreover, avoid planting trees or gardens in or around the area, as roots can harm the perforator pipes in the drainfield. Use bio-accelerators to promote clearing in case of clogging in any of the pipes.

Conclusion

Understanding how the parts of a septic tank or system work can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of installing one. If you’ve already set up a septic system on your property, this knowledge aids you in gaining insights into how effectively your system might be working. You can also gauge the extent to which wastewater treatment can be improved in your system. Awareness helps detect deviations in the functioning of components as well.

In case of a clog or damage, you can quickly decide whether a DIY fix is enough or experts have to be called in. Minor clogs in the septic tank or drainfield can be removed by accelerating decomposition. They do not require professional help. For instance, the Dr Pooper Drain Field Cleaner contains powerful bio-accelerators for unclogging drains and tanks. It acts by multiplying the bacterial content, which in turn digests organic solid matter faster. This eliminates stubborn organic clogs in tanks and dispels your worries. Choose from bundles and cleaners on our website to keep solutions handy.

FAQs

1. What are the main parts of a septic tank?

A properly constructed septic tank includes an inlet connecting to the conveyance line of the house and an outlet to the drainfield. It also contains separate chambers and baffles to limit or promote the flow of water between different chambers in the tank.

2. How long do septic system components last?

Most components in a well-built septic system can last an individual or family for up to 40 years. The lower limit is generally around 15 years. Drainfields, however, can endure longer.

3. What causes leach field failure?

Leach field failures are easy to spot (or smell) and can happen due to multiple reasons. The plumbing in your septic system might be clogged, there might be sludge buildup, or any part of the field might be overloaded with water. Apart from these reasons, lack of maintenance can also lead to your leach field functioning below par.

4. How do I know if my septic tank needs pumping?

It is a healthy practice to pump a septic tank every five years. But if your septic system has begun stinking or there are visible signs of damage, it is best to call in the professionals to pump your tank out.