How Does My Septic Tank Work?
A septic tank is an active biological digester with healthy biological life the bacteria can use the waste as a energy supply to reproduce.

So...Is Bacteria Good?
For a septic tank, yes! A septic tank can provide the perfect environment for the bacteria to digest the waste from 75% or more its original weight. Remember this is in a perfect septic world.

How Do I Keep a "Perfect Septic World"?
Far too many times harmful non-organic waste is flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain nowadays. What this creates is septic tank full non-productive bacteria, in some worst case scenarios the digestion rate goes from 75% to 0%. This means the waste the waste will only collect in the septic tank and cause failure of the entire septic system within as little as 3 to 5 year. Minimize, to the best extent possible, the use and disposal of all chemical products!

What Goes Into the Septic Tank?
Everything that's poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet is collected in the drainage plumbing in your home or business and flows by gravity out to the septic tank.

How is it Made?
The septic tank is usually a concrete structure, which has a capacity of 750 gals for some older systems and up to 2000 gals for some of the newer residential homes. Most septic tanks installed after 1975 have two compartment with a two foot square access on either end which both need to be open to properly service when cleaning is needed. It's main parts include;

The Inlet

- on the end of the tank closest to the building there is a shroud in front of the pipe entering the tank extending one foot below the wastewater surface. The main function of this baffle is to slow down the flow and direct it straight down this controls any stirring action.

The Outlet

- on the opposite end of the tank another baffle is in front of the pipe exiting the tank, which extends approx. 18" below the wastewater surface. The function of this baffle allows the cleanest wastewater to be expelled to the leaching field.

Both of these baffles need to be inspected each time cleaning is necessary without either or both of these baffles premature failure may occur. The main safety concern of an aging septic tank is the condition of the concrete cover.

The Tank

- usually 5 to 6 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet long. It should be noted that corrosive gases collect in the air pocket between the under side of the cover and the surface of the wastewater or scum layer. If these gases cannot vent from this area, severe corrosion may occur. This may cause the tank to collapse in on itself; these tanks usually have a depth of 5 feet, which could lead to a hidden pittfal in your own back yard. It is for this reason that we recommend this area be inspected when having your tank pumped.