Understanding your Septic System

If you are like most people, you know very little about your septic system. This is understandable. In urban and suburban areas there are sewers to carry household waste to municipal wastewater treatment plants. In more rural areas, however, septic tank systems provide the functions of both sewers and treatment plants. Webster’s Dictionary defines the septic tank as “a tank in which waste matter is decomposed through bacterial action”. If you could look inside your septic tank, you would find three layers. The top layer is the “Scum” layer where organic material floats to the surface. Bacteria in the septic tank biologically convert this material to a liquid. The middle layer is the “Effluent” layer where mostly clear water will be found. This clear water is the only layer that should enter your absorption area. The bottom layer is the “Sludge” layer. This layer is where the inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion sink to. All household waste is disposed of through the septic system. The proper operation of the septic is essential to health, property value, and the ecology. A small commitment to the care of your septic system will protect you from the nightmare created by a failing system.