How a Septic System Works

If you live in a rural or suburban community, it’s likely that your home is connected to a septic system. For those homeowners who use septic systems for their wastewater disposal needs, it will be helpful to understand how these amazing systems work to properly treat and dispose of what goes down your drain. To highlight the importance of routine septic system maintenance, here is a closer look at how a septic system works.

Septic Tank
All of the water from your home’s toilets, sinks, and other faucets flows through the pipes and into your septic tank. The septic tank is typically placed at the back of a property, and is surrounded by a drainage field. Once inside the septic tank, the components of the wastewater are separated for easier storage.

Scum and Sludge Layers
As the wastewater sits inside the septic tank, it begins to separate into a scum layer and a sludge layer. Solid items sink to the bottom and form the sludge layer. Other matter floats to the top, creating the scum layer. In between the two layers, water sits until it is displaced by new wastewater. Any gases are released by a component called a P-trap.

Septic System Maintenance
Over time, the sludge layer in your septic tank will build up. During a septic system maintenance procedure, your plumber will pump out the sludge layer, leaving room for more wastewater to enter. Routine septic maintenance will ensure that your system is in proper working condition for many years to come.

When your septic system is in need of maintenance, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical. Our highly experienced plumbers offer expert septic system maintenance and repair services. To schedule your septic system service with our plumbing professionals in the Seattle area, give us a call today at (206) 452-4363. For more information, click on the link to visit our website.

How a Septic System Works Beacon Plumbing plumbing professionals in the Seattle area Plumbing Services Seattle