A septic tank is a sewage treatment plant that can be installed in a backyard. In a typical system, wastewater enters a septic tank where microbes break it down into solid sludge (that settles at the bottom) and liquid effluent (also known as grey water). Grey water flows out of the tank into a distribution box or directly into a series of perforated pipes that run through the septic drain field. Sludge settles to the bottom of the tank and must be pumped out every two to three years. In Eco-Flow systems where the sewage treatment system relies on moss, water is filtered through the moss mixture then leaches into the soil.

An image of a typical septic tank is shown below.

Call us and one of Épursol’s tank trucks will quickly be dispatched to empty your residential or commercial septic tank. Your tank will be completely emptied and septic wastes will be transported to our plant for complete treatment.

Wastewater from the house flows through the inlet pipe, hits the inlet deflector wall and is forced to go under the wall to enter the tank. Septic tanks usually contain two chambers: one for solids, and the other for grey water. The solid chamber is where the inlet pipe comes in (shown on the left in the picture above) and the grey water chamber contains the outlet pipe.

These chambers are separated by a dividing wall, which extends from the tank floor to its roof, and which includes openings to allow water to move from one chamber to the other. The dividing wall prevents solids from entering the grey water chamber. The outlet deflector prevents scum that resides on the surface of the grey water chamber from entering the outlet pipe and clogging the drainage field. Grey water then exits through the outlet pipe and into the drainage field. Simple, eh?

Once wastewater enters the tank, solids fall to the bottom and are slowly dissolved by bacteria. If the deflector (or baffle) is missing, a replacement is necessary to prevent pipes from getting clogged with solid debris. This is done using a 3-way T-junction that allows water to flow while ensuring solids remain in the tank. This is shown in the image on top.

Understanding Septic Tank Systems: 

A septic tank is an essential component of a home’s wastewater treatment system, especially in areas without municipal sewage services. Typically installed in the backyard, a septic tank processes household wastewater by separating solids and liquids. Solids settle to the bottom forming sludge, while the lighter liquids, known as grey water, flow out to a drain field. It’s crucial for the septic tank to function properly to prevent environmental contamination and maintain household sanitation.

How Septic Tanks Work: 

In every septic tank system, wastewater from the house enters through an inlet pipe, striking a deflector that guides it under a wall into the first of two chambers. Here, solids are allowed to settle, while liquids move to a second chamber through openings in a dividing wall. This simple yet effective two-chamber design helps prevent solid waste from clogging the grey water outflow, ensuring that only liquid enters the drain field. Regular maintenance, including pumping the tank every two to three years, is essential to prevent buildup and ensure the system operates efficiently.

Maintain Your Septic Tank: 

Keeping your septic tank in optimal condition involves more than just routine maintenance; it requires careful daily use. To extend the life and efficiency of your septic system, limit overall water usage, stagger laundry and bathing, and avoid flushing inorganic materials or using harsh chemicals. These measures help prevent the overloading of your septic tank and reduce the risk of malfunction. Remember, a well-maintained septic tank is key to a safe and healthy home environment.