Parts of a Septic System
If a building has an on-site septic system, the waste from the drains in the building flows directly into the septic system. The main parts of the system are the septic tank and the leeching system. The septic tank stores the solid waste and the grease, and the leeching system distributes the liquid waste over a large area of land. If a septic system is properly designed, it is sanitary and will function well. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Sewer Line
-
The sewer line, also called the main waste line, connects the home plumbing system to the septic tank. It gathers the water that comes through the plumbing--from toilets, sinks, dishwashers and bathtubs--and directs it toward the rest of the septic system.
Septic Tank
-
The septic tank, which is usually located not far from the foundation of the house, receives the waste from the sewer line. Its job is to retain the solid waste and grease from the sewer line. The solids, called sludge, sink to the bottom of the septic tank. A layer of grease floats at the top level of the tank. Baffles at the entrance and exit of the tank slow the flow of the liquid flowing through the tank.
-
Effluent Distribution Pipes
-
The word "effluent" is used to refer to the liquid wastewater. The effluent distribution pipes direct the liquid waste from the septic tank to the distribution boxes. Because the distribution pipes are spread out in different areas, there is a network of distribution pipes to direct the effluent into each one.
Distribution Boxes
-
A septic distribution box is usually made of concrete or plastic. Its job is to make sure that the wastewater spreads out even more over the area. To do this, it contains a number of openings that house septic pipes, which spread the waste over a large area.
Leaching System
-
The leaching system, also called a drain field, is a system of trenches in permeable land. The land must pass a "perc" (percolation) test in order to ensure that it is permeable enough. The trenches are usually dug by a machine, such as a backhoe or trencher. The trenches are usually dug in the shape of a fork's tines, with the head of the fork represented by a distribution box.
-
