Septic tanks are a necessity in much of the world and are especially common in much of the South, including Central Florida. With so many local homes requiring septic tank systems, our professionals at Sauer Septic are ready to handle your septic tank needs. Septic tank plumbing that is well-maintained and properly installed is critical for a working system that doesn’t overflow or fail on you.
But what goes into septic tank plumbing?
- Whenever you flush a toilet, the waste goes into the septic tank.
- All of the watery waste, known as effluent, fills up much of the tank and bacteria begins to break down any organic matter.
- The sludge (inorganic solids and some bacterial matter) descends to the bottom of the tank. Scum, which includes thicker materials like fats, oils, or grease, ascends to the top of the tank.
- The filter then stops the solids from flowing into the outlet pipe.
- Any effluent matter flows outward into the drain field. The drain field contains pipes that allow the effluent to seep into gravel or rocks nearby. The bacteria in the nearby soil and rocks then let the waste further decompose, and clean water eventually seeps downward into the groundwater.
To help protect your septic tank plumbing, there are some measures you can take. Avoid heavy household cleaners or anti-bacterial soap, as they can kill septic tank bacteria. Don’t overuse the garbage disposal. Be careful about what you send down your kitchen sink drains. Never drive over your drain field, and watch out for roots and shrubs that can grow roots near your septic tank. Septic tank plumbing can last for decades with proper use.
