Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures, commonly used in areas without
centralized public sewer systems. They use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat
wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains and laundry. All water
runs out of your house from one main drainage pipe into a septic tank. A typical septic system consists
of a septic tank and a drain-field or soil absorption field.
A large, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene is buried in the
ground. It collects wastewater from your home. The septic tank will hold the wastewater long enough to
allow solids to settle down to the bottom of the tank. This forms sludge while the oil and grease float to
the top as scum. The septic tank digests organic matter and separates float-able matter (oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater.
The liquid wastewater then exits the tank into the drain field.
Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent sludge and scum from traveling int the drain-field.
Soil based systems discharge the liquid (effluent) from the septic tank.
The liquid moves into a series of perforated pipes buried in a leach field, leaching chambers or other
units. The design of the leach field enables the slow release of the effluent into the soil or surface water.
The soil accepts, treats, and disperses wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately
discharging to groundwater.
Overloading the drain field with too much liquid, could cause it to flood, allowing sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups in toilets and sinks. Lastly, the wastewater percolated into the soil, naturally removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients. With proper maintenance, your septic system should last for many years! Call us, we are experts in all areas of septic system repairs and installations.
818-706-1790 or 310-839-2686
