SEPTIC 101

HOW DOES YOUR TANK OPERATE?

The tank's job is to protect your drainfield or other components from becoming clogged by solids suspended in wastewater.
Lighter solids such as grease, oils, and toilet tissue form the scum layer.
Heavier solids and decomposed waste fall to the bottom to form a sludge layer.
A solid outlet baffle and regular cleaning ensure a nominal amount of solids enter your drainfield.
Above is a cross section of a septic tank that is due for service based on the level of scum and sludge.
Above is a cross section of a tank that has been neglected. Sludge is able to move from the tank and into the drainfield leading to failure.
How does my drainfield operate?
Drainfields are constructed in permeable soils.
Trenches are excavated and filled with stone. Perforated pipe is laid on top of the stone and is then covered with a few more inches of stone.
Geo fabric is used to cover the stone so that dirt and debris does not infiltrate the drainfield when it is backfilled.
Grey water leaves the tank, flows through the perforated pipe, filters through several feet of stone, and then percolates through the soil that lies beneath the stone.

Drainfields are constructed in permeable soils.
Trenches are excavated and filled with stone. Perforated pipe is laid on top of the stone and is then covered with a few more inches of stone.
Geo fabric is used to cover the stone so that dirt and debris does not infiltrate the drainfield when it is backfilled.
Grey water leaves the tank, flows through the perforated pipe, filters through several feet of stone, and then percolates through the soil that lies beneath the stone.