Septic tanks process waste from your home if your community does not provide a municipal sewer system. One quarter of U.S homes use septic systems, which disperse more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater below the ground's surface every day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Regular pumping and maintenance of your septic tank can prolong the life of your septic system and prevent costly malfunctions.
Septic Tank Function
Wastewater flows from your home to your underground septic tank through a pipe. Septic tanks may be constructed of polyethylene, fiberglass or concrete. When waste reaches the tank, solid waste settle to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer of sludge. Grease and oil rise to the top of the wastewater, forming a layer of surface scum. A pipe placed into the wastewater removes the water to the drainfield.
Drainfield Function
The drainfield is a system of underground trenches that receive the wastewater from the septic tank. Perforated pipes distribute the water throughout the field. The drainfield serves as a natural filter for wastewater. Microbes in the soil remove or digest most contaminants from wastewater before it reaches the groundwater, according to the EPA.
Maintenance
Over the years, the sludge layer at the bottom of the tank will grow. If the sludge is not pumped out by a septic system company periodically, sludge buildup could damage the pipes leading to the drainfield and cause a backup of your septic system. The pumping schedule for your septic system will depend on the size of your household, the amount of wastewater you generate, the amount of solids in the wastewater and the size of your septic tank. Sludge levels should be checked every year to determine if pumping is needed. The University of Georgia recommends pumping out your septic tank every five years if you don't perform annual sludge level checks.
Considerations
Newer septic tanks feature openings at the ground level that allow easy access to the contents of the tank. Old tanks may not have ground access and if you are not the original owner of the home, you might not know exactly where your tank is buried. You may be able to locate your tank by reviewing building plans for your lot, if available. If plans aren't available, a septic system company should be able to locate your tank.
Warning
Damage can occur to the drainfield if tree roots grow into the pipes or if you drive over the drainfield. For the drainfield to work correctly, it must be covered with soil. Placing a concrete or asphalt driveway over the field can interfere with its ability to process wastewater. Signs of drainfield failure may include black, smelly liquid on the ground surface or areas of lush grass growth due to wastewater reaching the surface of the soil.
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