Your septic system removes disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and nutrients from household wastewater so drinking water and nearby surface water aren’t contaminated. A properly functioning septic system protects your family’s health and increases your home’s value. Septic tanks, distribution boxes, and soil absorption fields make up an on-site sewage treatment system (or septic system). This system can last for decades, but only if regularly evaluated and maintained.

Leach Field

When solid waste enters the septic tank, bacteria break it down into sludge and liquid. Liquids float to the top while solids sink to the bottom. The resulting wastewater passes through the perforated pipes in the leach field and seeps into the ground to be naturally filtered by the soil. Over time, microscopic debris can build up in the leach line pipes, making them too narrow for sewage to flow through. Plants with deep roots that grow into and around the pipes can also cause damage. Eventually, even with proper maintenance, the leach field will reach its natural end-of-life point. An excellent way to prevent this is by only flushing human waste and degradable toilet paper, practicing water conservation, and getting your septic system checked annually by Foothill Sanitary. Early signs of a failing leach field include sewage backups into the home, wet, soggy areas, or spongy, bright green grass over the drain field. If you see these symptoms, call a septic service professional right away!

Septic Tank

Many people consider septic systems obsolete, but these buried tanks are essential for homes in rural areas and areas without centralized sewer systems. A septic tank uses natural and mechanical processes to treat wastewater before it enters the ground. Gray and black wastewater enters the septic tank, where solid waste accumulates as layers of sludge and scum on the bottom and the top. Bacteria in the septic tank break down these layers anaerobically. The resulting liquid effluent is then discharged into an absorption field (or drain field) where soil naturally treats it more thoroughly. Dealing with septic systems may be avoided by using porta-potties. The use of porta toilets is particularly appreciated by people who enjoy outdoor concerts, hiking excursions, and lovely picnics. Get more information about the many benefits of installing premium porta potties for your home, outdoor space, and more by getting in touch with Foothill Portables.  

Pump Station

Over half of the residents live in homes not connected to public sewers. Instead, they use on-site septic systems to treat and dispose of sewage. Like any other home system, they require routine maintenance and care. A septic tank plus a few drainfields that filter wastewater back into the soil make up the majority of septic systems. The waste goes from your showers, sinks, and toilets into the septic tank, where natural microorganisms digest the solids. Afterward, the liquid effluent flows into the leach field and percolates into the soil. A well-designed septic system is a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional sewer systems. However, septic systems that need to be appropriately maintained can leak and pollute groundwater and natural waterways. To keep your septic system healthy, don’t flush cooking oil, non-flushable wipes (including baby and makeup removal), cat litter, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, paint, or chemicals down the drain. Instead, dispose of these items at a household hazardous waste facility. 

Drain Lines

All drain pipes from a home with a septic system converge in the main sewer line, feeding wastewater to the septic tank. Inside the septic tank, liquid waste pumps out while solid waste forms a sludge layer that natural bacteria break down in the drain field. Once the septic system’s treatment process is completed, the wastewater percolates through a layer of gravel in the drain field into the native soil. Aerobic bacteria break down contaminants and lower concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, pathogens, and nutrient levels. The treated water then seeps into groundwater and eventually drains to nearby rivers, lakes, and streams. For a septic system to operate effectively, it needs to be maintained correctly. Covering the drainage field with impervious surfaces like paved driveways and parking areas can significantly reduce its effectiveness and lead to overflow or system failure. Keeping vegetation, play structures, and buildings away from the absorption field will also help it stay functional.