Septic Tank Diagram

A Septic System is a small wastewater treatment system designed to dispose of household, biological sanitary waste. Wastewater from the home flows into the septic tank who's primary purpose is to separate solids (which settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge) from the wastewater before they reach the drain (leach) field.

The lighter waste particles (such as hair or grease) form a type of scum which accumulates at the top of the tank until purged.

Septic tanks are normally full of liquid and waste all the time. Most septic tanks have three basic layers of waste, as shown in the diagram to the left.

Scum, which includes debris such as grease, settles at the top and floats on the liquid. Liquids will settle in the center, while heavier solids settle to the bottom.

As shown above, the influent and effluent pipes are designed so that their openings are in the area of the tank normally containing liquids - this helps to keep solids and scum from entering the septic drain field.



Previous Article : Septic Tank Replacement - - Next Article : Septic Tank Pumps

Featured Articles
Providing Quality Service...Guaranteed In the Greater Austin Area of Travis, Hays, Williamson, Burnet, & Bastrop Counties , Bee Caves, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Dripping Springs, Buda, San Marcos, Cedar Park, Taylor, Liberty Hill, Misc Locations, Bell County.
Call (512) 338-1804 for fast, dependable service.
Aerobic System Pumping Aerobic Treatment Units (ATU) generally require more frequent pumping than do septic tanks of comparable size. There are 2 reasons: The...
Alternative Septic System Regarding your Home Aerobic Treatment Unit: The components in your home plant should be serviced at least twice per year. The tanks must be...
Unhappy With Your Septic System? Why do so many customers end up dissatisfied with their septic systems? We feel it starts with nobody asking or even considering the owner's opinion before...
  • Why Do You Have An Aerobic System? Often its simply because it makes the designers, installers, builders, and manufacturers of these systems more money, frankly....
  • Septic Tank Problem The most common symptoms of a problem are either the flow from the house is slowed or septic...
  • Septic Installation You may be interested to know that we recently testified to a legislative committee in response to their...
  • Septic Tank Service Outline of Inspection Agreement Service Procedures:The Service Technician will: 1.Be driving a company vehicle with signage identifying company...
  • Septic System Perk Perk tests is a short form of the term "percolation test," which is a test to determine the...