What is a Conventional Septic System?

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue of Lakeland, we give you a brief rundown on the conventional septic system. If you ever need a reputable septic company to take care of installations, replacements, repairs, or maintenance, then consider the uniformed septic specialists at Septic Blue.

The conventional septic system

A septic system is essentially an on-site wastewater treatment facility. It’s responsible for safely containing and treating household wastewater and ultimately dispersing the filtered liquid effluent into the soil.

Conventional septic systems usually consist of two main components: the septic tank and the drain field (also known as the leach field). Each component plays a vital role in keeping your water and environment safe.

How the conventional septic system works

When waste and wastewater flows from the toilet, shower, kitchen sink, or laundry machine, it travels down the drain line and into the septic tank buried out in the yard. This tank, typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, is where the waste and wastewater begin to be broken down.

Inside the septic tank, the wastewater separates into three layers: a top layer of scum, a middle layer of wastewater, and a bottom layer of solid waste. Helpful bacteria in the tank break down the scum and solids into space-saving sludge.

Meanwhile, the partially treated wastewater flows out toward the drain field where it is dispersed through perforated pipes. Here’s where the soil’s natural filtration properties come into play. Beneficial bacteria in the soil break down any remaining contaminants.

Caring for your septic system

Even this basic information has probably opened your eyes to potential maintenance tasks. For instance, you can imagine how even the dense sludge will accumulate. Regular septic tank pumping is essential to restore capacity and prevent overflow.

Moreover, the soil in the drain field area can become overwhelmed if you flood it with wastewater. You must stagger water-heavy activities like laundry, dishwashing, and long showers to prevent the drain field from becoming oversaturated.

Some other maintenance tips include:

• ONLY flushing toilet paper, pee, and poo. Anything else, such as hygiene products, cotton swabs, toothpicks, wet wipes, and kitty litter, belong in the trash!
• Do NOT allow chemicals down the drains. Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners can kill off the helpful bacteria in the septic tank.
• AVOID driving over or parking on or around the septic tank and drain field. Do NOT plant trees or install heavy structures here either.

These simple measures can help you avoid preventable septic tank repair, but damage is almost impossible to dodge completely. Extreme temperatures, wear and tear, and incidental damage can take their toll on your septic system.

When to call septic professionals

Routine maintenance like septic tank cleaning is advisable once every three years, but there are red flags to keep an eye – and nose – out for. Watch out for these red flags:

• Water pooling around the drain field,
• Patches of overly lush and green vegetation in the yard,
• Foul odors near the septic tank or drain field,
• Slow drainage or backups in MULTIPLE or ALL drains, and
• Pest and rodent infestations.

Residents in the area can call Septic Blue of Lakeland to hire a uniformed and trained septic specialist. We’re happy to schedule an appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch for as soon as possible.