A septic tank is a type of on-site sewage treatment chamber normally used in rural areas where there is no access to a centralised system. It’s a small-scale sewage treatment system that is installed under the ground on which a property is built.
How does a septic tank work?
A septic tank works by collecting and treating wastewater from toilets, sinks, kitchens, and other household fixtures. The tank allows solid waste to settle at the bottom while allowing liquid effluent to flow out into a drainage field for further treatment in the surrounding soil.
The solid waste that settles in the tank undergoes bacterial decomposition. Over time, this material at the bottom breaks down, and the partially treated liquid effluent flows out for further treatment in the soil. House Digest has some information on the types of plants you should avoid growing around your septic tank covers.
Should septic tanks be maintained?
It’s important for septic tanks to be regularly maintained and emptied to prevent the accumulation of sludge. In the UK, there are regulations and guidelines in place to govern the installation, use, and maintenance of septic tanks to protect people’s health and the environment.
Should your septic tank drain pipe become damaged, this will require a swift repair. If you require drain lining in Oldbury, there are a number of professionals you can turn to. The process of drain lining Oldbury is a method carried out by experienced professionals to repair broken pipes of varying degrees of severity.
What are the warning signs that your tank is full?
If your drains are backing up, your pipes are making gurgling sounds or your water drains slowly, this suggests that your tank is full. You may also find that your toilet doesn’t fully flush or flushes very slowly.
Living with a septic tank day to day
There is no single emptying schedule that suits every septic tank. How often yours needs emptying depends on the size of the tank, how many people live in the house, how much water you use and the age of the system. A professional can assess this and suggest a sensible interval; keeping a record of each service makes it easier to spot changes.
What goes down the drains matters a great deal. The tank relies on bacteria to break down waste, and that balance is easily upset. Only human waste, toilet paper and water should go down the toilet. Wipes, sanitary products, cooking oil and fat, food scraps and strong chemicals can all cause blockages or kill off the helpful bacteria. Remember too that the liquid leaving the tank soaks into the ground through the drainage field, where the soil completes the treatment. A failing system can therefore pollute groundwater, so problems should be dealt with promptly, not just put up with.
The pros and cons of living with a septic tank
The main appeal of a septic tank is independence. There is no sewerage charge to pay to a water company, running costs are low, and a well-sized system treats household waste naturally on your own land. Looked after properly, a tank can last for decades.
The trade-off is that the responsibility is entirely yours. The tank needs emptying regularly, usually every year or two depending on its size and how many people live in the house, and the drainage field must be kept clear of tree roots, heavy vehicles and building work. A tank is designed for ordinary household wastewater only, so fats, wet wipes, sanitary products and strong chemicals should stay out of it, as they upset the bacteria that do the work. If a system does fail, a backup can be far more unpleasant and costly than a blocked mains drain, which is why routine emptying and inspection are worth keeping up.