Septic Tanks

What Are Septic Tanks?

Septic tanks are concrete and fibreglass underground chambers that treat wastewater without centralized sewer systems in rural and urban areas. By leveraging nature and proven technology, they treat wastewater from residential plumbing, such as bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry.

A septic system typically includes a drain field and a septic tank, also known as a soil absorption field. Organic waste is decomposed in the septic tank, and dissolvable organic materials (such as oils and fats) and particles are separated from wastewater. 

The effluent from the septic tank is discharged into several perforated pipes placed in a leach field, chambers, or other devices intended.

How They Work

Septic tank wastewater is pumped or gravity-fed through sand (e.g., peat and sawdust), designed wetlands, or other surfaces to eliminate or control environmental pollutants such as disease-causing bacteria and nitrogen phosphorus other impurities. 

Some alternate solution systems are designed to evaporate or disinfect whenever wastewater is released to the land.

Pros 

• Septic tanks are environmentally friendly since they naturally breakdown waste
• They are durable
• Septic tanks are generally inexpensive and cost-effective, just like detention tanks
• Septic tanks effectively purify wastewater so that the effluent may be repurposed for groundwater recharge
• The septic tank requires minimal upkeep
• It is highly preferred in remote regions

Types

A septic tank was once thought to be nothing more than a concrete tank buried in the garden.  It was not inexpensive, but it was not the most costly item individuals had to purchase for their homes. 

Many old houses still use wastewater management systems to purify water for domestic usage.

It is critical to know the septic tank design requirements as it varies from region to region. 

Based on their function, most septic systems may be classified into four types:

Standard Gravity 

Primary treatment systems rely solely on gravity to transport wastewater through the filtration system.

Pressure Distribution 

This septic tank uses external artificial pressure to drive wastewater through the filtration system.

Advanced Treatment 

These filtration systems are situated below ground level, offering better safety but necessitating more maintenance work.

Above-ground Advanced Treatment 

These filtration systems are situated above ground level, making maintenance easier but putting people working or playing near them at risk.

However, septic tank designs within these broad categories might vary depending on the materials used for construction. For example, some precast concrete septic tanks are available. Others are constructed of steel, plastic, and fibreglass. Steel may appear to be the most durable alternative, but it is the least popular. 

They are only meant to last 20-25 years, but they can rust much sooner. All septic tanks need to be pumped on regularly. However, the objective is not necessarily to pick a giant tank.  To avoid dealing with a leaking tank, make sure a robust tank is suitable enough for the location, type of land, and household requirements.

Septic Filtering Systems

After a septic tank converts the wastewater into effluent, it flows past a unit that filters the sand before being emptied into the trench. 

A sand filtration unit is typically a 9-meter-long enclosed device with grass growing on the upper surface.

Sand filters fall under secondary treatment systems that extract pollutants and encourage the growth of good bacteria that decompose waste and decrease contamination.

Water Transpiration And Evaporation Beds

These septic tanks are uncommon and only utilized when soil isn't ideal for absorption troughs.

Wastewater is converted to effluent in the septic tank and then discharged via perforated pipes onto a gravel bed. Water is drawn from the grass via evaporation and transpiration.

Wetland Treatment Systems

Wetland treatment systems and reed beds (an aquatic plant-based system) are typically found in big industrial sewage handling plants and are seldom (if ever) employed in a home setting.

After being converted to wastewater in the septic tank system, the wastewater flows out to an enclosed wetland, where reed and aquatic fauna and flora absorb the nutrients before being distributed into the leach field or absorption trenches.

How Much Does A Septic Tank Cost?

A septic tank's cost is determined by the kind one chooses, its locality, and the size of the home. For a house with four bedrooms, the average septic tank costs range from $10,000 and $20,000, including a one-time installation charge and monthly operating fees, as well as desludging every few years.

Design Consideration 

When collecting bids on the system, ensure that a cost estimate for maintenance and installation is undertaken. 

Aside from frequent pumping, a few septic tank systems relatively require little upkeep. Others, such as AWTS, require an individual to sign a typical maintenance agreement for maintenance every quarter, which the council may oversee.

A septic tank must contain at least two concrete or brick work-built chambers. Septic tanks made of prefabricated concrete rings, PVC, or fibreglass are also available and may be inexpensive in some situations.

Care And Maintenance 

A septic system's typical lifespan is 15 to 40 years, but it may survive much longer if maintained properly, in the following ways:

• Assess what is dumped down the toilet and sink and how it may affect the system
• Many ordinary home objects can choke a system or kill the microorganisms responsible for wastewater treatment
• Do not put too much pressure on the drain

If you need assistance to find the right septic tanks for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.