Septic Tank System Functions
How a septic tank functions.
Septic tank system functions. A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield or soil absorption field. The septic tank performs two functions. Septic tank systems are a type of simple onsite sewage facility ossf. A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete fiberglass or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic treatment.
The tank s function is to receive the wastewater from the house separate the solids from. First it acts as a holding tank and allows the solids to settle out. Septic tank users usually live in areas where that is not an option. Just about 25 percent of north america residents rely on septic tanks.
Soil based systems discharge the liquid known as effluent from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a. But septic systems don t have to be scary with a solid maintenance record and a good inspection a septic tank and the associated parts can easily last for decades. Settling and anaerobic processes reduce solids and organics but the treatment efficiency is only moderate referred to as primary treatment. These residents tend to live in suburban areas small towns and rural areas with centralized sewer systems.
The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter e g oils and grease and solids from the wastewater.