A septic tank is an underground chamber that treats domestic wastewater by settling and anaerobic digestion. Learn about the different types of septic tanks, how they work, and how to empty them periodically. · At their core, septic tanks function as a biological treatment system. They rely on natural processes to break down solid waste materials and separate them from liquid effluent. This process involves the use of bacteria, which digest organic matter, reducing it to simpler substances. · The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as scum. · What is a Septic Tank? A septic tank is a watertight receptacle that’s buried in the ground. A two- to three-bedroom house usually requires a minimum of a 1000-gallon capacity tank. It’s connected to the house’s waste drains by a pipe that feeds into the tank inlet. A septic tank is an underground, watertight container designed to collect and treat wastewater from your home. It’s most commonly made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic and is usually buried in your yard. · Septic tanks are a basic but reliable way to deal with wastewater, especially in areas where homes aren’t connected to the public sewer system — typically rural or remote areas. They let households use their plumbing like normal while safely managing what goes down the drain. · They consist of a septictank that collects and separates solids from liquids. Once the wastewater is treated in the tank, the effluent flows by gravity into a drain field, where it’s further treated by the soil.
