As your Dutchess County NY septic tank repairs experts, here at Jones Septic, we know you have many questions regarding the way in which your septic tank functions. And we’re ready to answer them all and explain to you how exactly your septic tank works. The more knowledge you have about this, the better care and maintenance you can give to your septic system, avoiding future complications.
A drain field combined with a septic tank form a septic system. These systems can vary in size but their function remains the same. The septic tank is basically an underground rectangular recipient for your home’s wastewater. These tanks are made of concrete, are waterproof and are divided into sections or chambers.
The first section is twice as big as the second one and most of the solid organic matter settles here. The second section purifies the wastewater before releasing it back into the environment through the drain field.
The septic tank receives water from W.C. units, showers, tubs, laundry machines, dishwashers, sinks, etc. Due to the lack of a draft solid, waste sinks in and settles at the bottom of the tank rather quickly. The bacteria in the tank and the solid waste generate methane and carbon dioxide stabilizing the solid matter. The stable particles of solid waste stay in the chamber whilst other particles float in the surface.
The septic tank should be built in a way in which there will be the maximum contact possible with the microorganisms in order to make for a better processing of the solid matter. The semi-purified water moves to the second chamber or section of the tank where the retention time is shorter. Then, the treated wastewaters go to the drain field, where the remaining impurities are filtered and broken down naturally. This water is absorbed by roots, plants or, in some cases, they go to form part of the underground water system.
The size of the drain field depends on how porous the soil is, and the system can work with or without a pump depending on the topographical challenges of the location of the septic system.
