how does a septic tank work?
Answers:
Two effects (at least):
bacteria in tank break down raw effluent, by digesting it, into simpler organic compounds. Some pathogens dont survive this cooler-than-the gut fermentation.
It is designed so that solids cannot run out of the tank but liquids can. Most of the solids are broken down into liquid over time.
The solids that dont break down and therefore accumulate are pumped out periodically. Some septic tanks have better cultures of bacteria than other: some break down **** more quickly and completely than others.
The liquid effluent overflows into soakaway channels, and then soaks downwards towards watertable. Depending on the nature of the rock (subsoil) and the depth of the watertable, this can take a long time, up to fifty (yes) years (check Rothampstead Research Station, Herts.) Water gets filtered, pathogens dont survive the journey to watertable. However, the increased level of nitrates, phosphates etc. does reflect in the water table minerals profile. Biologists and biochemists please add to this, or amend if necessary
Other answers:
crap gose in the tank water gose out the back. it holds your waste water.lol now i got to ask why you need to know?
crap gose in the tank water gose out the back. it holds your waste water.lol now i got to ask why you need to know?
A septic tank is a very big concrete container that hold all the waste from the house. After years of use it must be vacumned out to empty the container. Around here in Illinois they are called Honey Wagons
What nightworker says is correct.
Wastewater goes into a baffled tank. The fats, oil & grease float to the top of the tank while the heavier solids settle to the bottom. The solids are broken down by anaerobic bacteria and the effluent (water leaving the tank) is relatively clear.
The septic tank should be inspected annually and cleaned out when the total accumulation (grease + sludge) = 50%. For most households this is every 3 to 5 years or longer.
University of Missouri - Columbia website has fact sheet with pics that is helpful.