An Overview of How Your Septic System Works
Septic systems play an essential role in the cycle of water usage. All wastewater from your home, whether from the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, flushes out of your house into your septic system. The system separates and provides treatment of the wastewater so that it can be safely dispersed or treated further somewhere else.
Once the wastewater has been consolidated through the plumbing in your house, it is centrally collected in your septic tank. This is the first stage of treatment. The septic tank is a large, watertight container that is buried underground and typically has a 1,500 gallon capacity. Larger homes or commercial structures often require a larger tank to accommodate the higher volume of wastewater.
Separation and Decomposition
As wastewater sits in the septic tank, it begins to separate as heavier solids sink to the bottom and lighter materials float to the top. Helpful bacteria, which are a crucial component of the treatment process, begin to break down solids, and liquid waste begins to filter into the drain field. Modern septic tanks often have two compartments, which makes the separation process more thorough and efficient.
Drainage and Pumping
Baffles or tees filter the wastewater that flows out of the tanks, keeping heavy solids and scum from the lighter solids inside. The liquid wastewater is naturally filtered and processed by microbes in the soil. The solid waste that remains will continue to be dissolved by bacteria, but some of it will remain. This waste must be pumped out as a part of regular septic tank maintenance. All septic tanks need to be cleaned and pumped out at least every three years in order to keep working properly.
A-1 Septic Tank Service provides top-notch service for septic system inspection, pumping, and maintenance. Call us today at (888) 478-0730 to schedule a time for your San Francisco-area septic to be cleaned and pumped, or visit us online to read more about septic tank maintenance and our other services.
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