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How a septic Tank Works

Septic tanks receive raw sewage from a property, which then separates into solids and liquids. The liquids (known as effluence) flow out, usually to a land drainage system.

Some of the solids float to the top of the tank where they form scum, including detergents, cooking fats, and other non-decomposable materials. The heavier solids remain at the bottom of the tank, where anaerobic bacteria (which doesn’t need oxygen to survive) produce methane and hydrogen sulphide and decompose them into a sludge layer. Inorganic materials such as plastic film, which neither floats nor decomposes should not be flushed down the toilet as it will only serve to block the pipes of the tank.

The tank should be cleaned every 1 – 3 years, depending on its size and the amount of solids which enter it. Anormal domestic tank with 3-4 people using it should be emptied annually. The effluent emptied from the tank still contains a large amount of pollutants and therefore needs further treatment at a sewage plant.

The size of a septic tank will depend on the number of occupants of the property and the rate of water flow on the land. Consideration should be given to future possible expansion of the property so that the tank does not become overloaded in later years.

Before installing a septic tank system, check with your local government office as you will undoubtedly require permission for such an installation and it will be necessary to ensure the chosen site is suitable.

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Do's & Don'ts about Septic Tanks

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