Septic tanks are made of different types of materials, including concrete, fiberglass, steel, poly plastic, and more. Concrete happens to be one of the most popular septic tank materials, and for good reasons. A concrete septic tank can last anywhere from 40 to 80 years, depending on how well it’s installed and maintained. In addition, septic tanks made from concrete are resistant to corrosion, which translates to lower maintenance costs. If you’re considering installing a septic tank in your new home, you’ll never go wrong with a concrete septic tank. But how do these septic tanks work? How do they process wastewater?
Perhaps you’re looking to switch from a sewer system to a septic…
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Read MoreSeptic tanks are made of different types of materials, including concrete, fiberglass,…
Read MoreIn this article, Garrett Precast breaks down how a concrete septic tank works to help you understand the wastewater treatment process. Garrett Precast is a reputable concrete septic tank manufacturer and supplier. Read on to learn how these septic tanks work.
The wastewater from your toilet, shower, bathtub, sinks, and other drains flows into the concrete septic tank through an inlet pipe (main drainage pipe). The drains connected to various plumbing fixtures in your home all connect to the inlet pipe. The wastewater is retained in the tank long enough for the heavier solid matter to accumulate at the bottom of the tank, forming sludge. Anaerobic bacteria inside the tank break down the organic waste solids into water, methane, and carbon dioxide. The bacteria occur naturally as long as you practice healthy habits such as proper septic use.
The lighter waste comprising grease, fats, and oil rises to the top to form the scum layer. This layer may also consist of soaps, lint, hair, toilet paper, and lightweight debris. The scum layer should be kept below three inches to ensure optimal septic tank performance. If this layer grows too thick, it can hinder the effectiveness of the septic system and increase the risk of clogs or backups. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the condition of your concrete septic tank and schedule septic tank pumping when it’s necessary.
The middle layer, also known as effluent, is the liquid layer that flows out of the tank into the drain field. Effluent takes up most of the tank volume and may contain a few suspended solids. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into the drain field through an outlet pipe. The liquid waste is filtered using a cylindrical device installed on the outlet baffle to ensure solid matter does not clog the outlet pipe or flow into the drain field. Some concrete septic tanks may be equipped with a pump to help push the effluent uphill. However, not all septic tanks need a pump.
Looking for a durable concrete septic tank? Look no further than Garrett Precast. Installing a high-quality concrete septic tank can mean the difference between a long-lasting installation that will serve you for decades and one that will cause you endless issues. Garrett Precast is a professional concrete septic tank manufacturer that aims to deliver reliable concrete solutions.