If you’re one of the millions of Americans who rely on a septic system for sanitation at home, you may have wondered in the past just how your system worked. It can come as a surprise to learn that these systems consist of just a few key components, all of which can be valuable to know about in case you need repairs or maintenance. Here are the basic elements every septic tank user should know about.

A Brief Guide to the Parts of Septic Systems

1. Pipes

Every toilet, sink, shower, and water-dependent appliance in your home is connected to the septic system through pipes attached to drains and outlets. When wastewater passes out of an appliance or fixture, it flows through the pipes to the septic tank for processing.

2. Septic Tanks

The main component of a septic system is the tank itself. Septic tanks are typically made up of two compartments. In the first, solid waste is allowed to settle to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge, while liquids and other forms of waste float to the top to form a layer of scum.

The wastewater then passes into the second compartment for further filtering before it’s allowed to flow through the outlet into the drainfield. It’s important to have the tank pumped every three to five years to clear out sludge and free up space for further waste processing.

3. Drainfields

Processed wastewater flows from the septic tank into a drainfield, a specially constructed area usually made up of trenches containing perforated pipes. Water passes through these pipes into surrounding layers of gravel covered in wire mesh and dirt for absorption into the surrounding soil. The soil removes any remaining contaminants and bacteria and breaks it down, thus rendering the water safe to reenter local streams and water tables.

If you want to learn more about your septic system or you’re in need of septic repairs and maintenance, get in touch with Baity Plumbing Co. Based in Thomasville, NC, these experienced plumbers offer a full range of septic services, including septic tank pumping and installation, to residents throughout Davidson, Randolph, and Guilford Counties. Call (336) 475-0921 to make an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.