There are many different septic tank designs and although they may look different or be different shapes and sizes they all work basically the same way. Below you will see a picture of the basic internal design of a septic tank.

2 Compartment Septic Tank

The effluent comes in through the pipe on the left and is deposited into the main chamber of the septic tank. If the solids are denser than water they will fall straight to the bottom of the tank and the less dense solids and the greases will float at the surface. The solids that sink to the bottom right away are digested by bacteria and the same goes for the solids that float on top. Bacteria can digest most of the organic matter in human effluent but they cannot digest all of it. The materials that they cannot digest settle to the bottom of the septic tank and we call this material sludge. It is the sludge that is pumped during routine septic tank maintenance. Grease and other insoluble materials will stay afloat on the surface of the tank. The water in the tank is not pure water, it is called gray water because it still contains organic materials that need to be filtered out. As more water enters the effluent pipe coming from your house the water level inside the septic tank rises and gray water will exit through the sewage pipe on the right and head towards the drainage field.

There are generally three access ports at the top of the septic tank. The access port in the middle is what a septic pumping service would open when they are going to pump out the septic tank. The other two ports are located directly above the incoming pipe and the outgoing pipe. They provide easy access in case one of the pipes is blocked or clogged. Your septic tank may also have two different compartments. It is designed this way so that the sludge remains predominantly on one side of the tank so that it does not make its way into the sewage pipe that goes the drainage field. If the sludge builds up high enough so that it does enter the drainage tube and goes the drainage field, you are going to have some major septic tank problems in the near future.

Below you will see a schematic of a septic tank and a drainage field.

Septic System & Drain Field

As you can see in the diagram, the tube that leaves the septic tank goes to a pipe system which is called the drainage field. The pipe system is perforated to allow the gray water to exit and it exits into a specifically created soil bed of crushed rock and other ingredients. If the sludge from the septic tank makes its way into the drainage field it can clog these perforated tubes and end up causing major damage. This can lead to septic system failure which is something that you definitely want to avoid.

In the diagram below you will see what happens to the water when it leaves the drainage field.

Septic Tank Greywater Filter

The gray water that leaves the perforated tubing in the drainage field either goes up to the surface in small amounts and is evaporated or filters its way through the ground. As the water makes its way through the ground it becomes more and more clean and by the time it reaches the groundwater it is once again drinkable. You will notice in the diagram that there is a well and that is where the filtered water will end up. Anyone who lives on a well should have their water tested regularly for bacteria because if there is bacteria in the water that means your septic system is failing. If you discover that your septic system is failing you need to address the problem immediately.

Deals of the Day for Jun 20th, 2013

	Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook The concept of this book is to provide readers with a definitive guide to water more...		$86.08
	Site Characterization and Design of On-Site Septic Systems (Astm Special Technical Publication// Stp) more...		$319.50
	Constructing and Maintaining Your Well and Septic System more...		$111.52
	Wells and Septic Systems 2/E Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - more...		$10.25

Searching the web for the best product deals...

There are other septic tank designs, most notably an aerator septic tank. The design of the aerator septic tank is basically the same as a traditional septic tank. The major difference is that there is a mechanism that introduces air into the gray water inside the septic tank. This allows for aerobic bacteria to digest the human effluent rather than anaerobic bacteria that are found in traditional septic tanks. The reason this is important is because aerobic bacteria work a lot faster than anaerobic bacteria. See the diagram below for an example of a basic aerobic septic system design.

Aerobic Septic System

Essentially the septic tank is just a holding area for human affluence while it is being degraded. So it could even be in the shape of an airplane, as long as it does what it is supposed to do; the shape and actual design of the septic tank does not really matter. The design of the standard septic tank is usually a concrete box because that is the easiest to build and cheapest to manufacture and it works. Considering the job it is supposed to do and the fact that it is buried in the ground the actual look of the septic tank is of no consequence.

Some people have said that this unit leaks, but that usually comes down to poor installation. Most food disposal units will last you for 5 years depending on how often you use it. Believe it or not, the unit in my kitchen has been working flawlessly for nearly 20 years.

Deals of the Day for Jun 20th, 2013

INSINKERATOR International 45.50 HP Disposer more...

$114.31

Searching the web for the best product deals...

InSinkErator 45 Specifications

• Continuous Feed – 0.5 HP
• 2 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
• Capacity of the Grinding Chamber; ¼ gallon
• “Single Sound” Baffle System
• Rotating Shredder with a Galvanized Steel Shredder Ring
• Fits into a standard 3.5 inch sink outlet
• Fast and Easy installation of the Mounting System

The InSinkErator 45 waste disposal unit will…

• Fit under pretty much all standard sinks
• Help empty your garbage can or compost heap
• Easily handle crusts, kitchen scraps, peelings, egg shells and much more
• Get rid of cooked food items that cannot be composted
• Reduce the amount of fluid in garbage bags
• Eliminate food waste smells usually associated with garbage cans
• Lower the amount of waste sent to the garbage dump and consequently lower CO2 emissions from landfills
• Help reduce the average amount of household waste by one-quarter

In conclusion, the InSinkErator 45 is a good choice for most house-hold kitchens. Even in houses that rely on septic tanks since all of the food that goes through this is disposal unit is septic tank safe. Get it here.

FULL DISCLOSURE: If you purchase from Amazon through any of the links on this page this website will receive a small commission; that’s what keeps the info you find here free

If you are a like most everyone in the world, you are keenly aware of human’s impact on the planet. The general consensus is that we are impacting the planet negatively and many people have started to consciously reduce their carbon footprint. Drip septic systems are part of an overall water conservation plan that is helping many people do just that.

First, we need to familiarize ourselves with what a drip septic system is. A drip septic system is composed of a regular tank plus a finger-like system that "drips" water into the septic drainfield. When the gray-water level (review basic septic tank design) makes it up to the baffle it will exit the septic tank and flow into the drip fingers. The fingers will then drip the gray-water into the soil for filtering and purification. Septic systems are a very crucial part in a rural setting. Mostly, it is a public trend to neglect septic systems which is may be an important aspect of their lives and many even lack basic knowledge about the functioning of their septic system.

Many people see a septic system as just a pipe that sends whatever you flushed down your toilet to the yard and is instantly turned into mulch. Owning and maintaining a septic system does require some basic knowledge and it is your responsibility as a homeowner to educate yourself. Drip septic systems are becoming an important part of rural living, so read up!

People who live in cities often have a cottage in the country or move to the country entirely. This is when they encounter the rural-living learning curve. The first thing you need to learn about is the hidden costs that may come with your septic tank installation. Installing your system in rocky ground can cost an average of $35,000 more than installing in soft soil.

Once your septic system is installed you have to care for it. Never flush anything non-biodegradable down your drains. That includes disinfectants, bleach, anti-bacterial chemicals, paint, oils, drain cleaner, solvent, pesticides, swabs, cat litter, cigarettes, sanitary products and cooking oils. The only things entering your septic tank should be water, toilet paper and excrement. Non-biodegradable products will fill your septic tank up in record time and require septic tank pumping on a regular basis. If you choose not to pump out your drip septic system then you run the risk damaging the system and the drain field which can cost tens of thousands to fix if it fails. Some signs of a failing septic system include:

• Patches of very green and rapidly growing grass above your drain field
• Spongy turf above your drain field
• Slowly draining toilets and sinks
• A septic tank smell floating around the neighborhood

A drip septic system is just the beginning of your water conservation strategy. In order to actually make a difference in your water use you will have to install low-flow water fixtures, install water-conserving dishwashers and washing machines, take shorter showers and turn the water off while you brush your teeth.

Another consideration is the need for regular maintenance of your drip septic system to keep it running smoothly. One of the things that really helps with that is septic tank risers because they allow easy access to your septic tank by septic contractors. Easy access means that you have to pay less for the work and paying less is always the way to go. You should have your drip septic system checked every 2 to 3 years and emptied with about the same frequency.

Tip #1

If it has been over 4 years since your septic system has been professionally pumped out then call a service to have it cleaned. No matter how well you maintain your septic tank you still have to have it professionally cleaned to remove all the solid waste.

Tip #2

Add a cleaning product to your septic system. This is one is really easy, just buy 10Q Microbe-Lift Septic & Cesspool Treatment from Amazon, follow in simple instructions on the box and you’re done. For under $15 per treatment you can’t go wrong.

Tip #3

Remind everyone in your family of what can be flushed down the toilet and what can’t. Here’s the list:

1. Coffee grounds
2. Dental floss
3. Disposable diapers
4. Cat-box litter
5. Sanitary napkins
6. Tampons
7. Cigarette butts
8. Plastics
9. Facial tissues
10. Paper towels
11. Fat, Grease, Oil
12. Household chemicals including harsh cleaners and bleach
13. Leftover paint
14. The head of a Barbie doll (kids will be kids)

Don’t worry, you don’t need to memorize this list. I have a handy-dandy rule that you WILL have to memorize: “If you’re body didn’t make it don’t flush it!” It’s not as a catchy as I would like it to be, but it works.

Exception: Toilet paper is allowed even though it’s not produced by your body. It’s designed to dissolve in water.

If you apply even just one of these tips it will go a long way towards keeping your septic system in good health.

Even though building septic tank is firmly controlled due to ecological and health risks, building septic tank on your own isn’t a very hard task.

Probably the most essential elements of a house would be the septic tank. It has wastes from your home and stores it in selected locations to be broken down by different kinds of organisms.

The primary step to building septic tank possible would be to complete all permit demands and develop a plan. You should consider asking assistance from experts to guarantee good results on the project.

SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR BUILDING SEPTIC TANK

The types of materials that is needed are sand, gravel, PVC glue, PVC piping and ends, string, pen and paper, measuring tape and paint brushes.

EQUIPMENT

The equipment necessary are backhoe, a shovel, assessing equipment, measuring pole and stakes.

WAYS TO BUILD SEPTIC TANK

Obtain the required permits through your local health and municipal officers prior to starting with your assignment. Create a an initial drawing of your whole property and present it to your local building and health officers for authorization of the test holes that you will make.

The sketch also needs to include all of the structures within your house and also the precise quantity of rooms, fences, transformers along with the geographic structures within your property to know the best place in which you will place it.

Make test holes as requested by the local building authorities in your place. Pick an expert contractor to get this task done for you. Let the inspectors to look at the hole when you are done making it. You must also make sure that the soil is tested. Build a plan to complete building prerequisites in your neighborhood.

From then on, you can start building septic tank the authorization coming from your local building officers will determine the entire size and location of the tank. Utilize a backhoe to make the hole in the tank. See if the tank fulfills the requirements set by local building and health officers.

Put the stone and sand within the area. Set up the tank, drainage system and circulation area in accordance with the layout plan. Connect the set-up to the plumbing system of your home.

Ask a septic tank examiner to see if things are in accordance along with your project and confirm if all forms are completed for examination before closing the hole.

With the invention of septic tank filters their came a significant improvement in the operation as well as longevity of the septic system. so much so that some States such as Arizona made it mandatory that septic tank filters should be installed on all new septic tank installations. For additional reading please see MEDIA FILTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS for septic designs that pose a problem.

There are several variations of septic and waste water filters that can be found on the market however the most basic is the septic effluent filter. This basic effluent filter is a tee and filter that is installed at the septic outlet.  The installation must be done by a septic contractor or skilled home owner. It cost less than $100.00

Where A Septic Tank Filter Is Installed

Simple septic filters such as washing machine filters, grey water filters and effluent filters are all designed so to protect the effluent absorption field/ leech field.  The septic filter is placed either at the outlet tee, in the septic tank, or in a separate chamber outside the septic tank.

Graywater filters are generally placed at the inlet to the drywell or graywater disposal system.  Washing machine filters are installed at the outlet hose.

In contrast to graywater and septic effluent filters, media filter septic systems use a conventional septic tank along with several methods to further treat and filter the septic effluent after which it is then discharged into the soil, waterway or soil surface.

The septic effluent filter protects the leach field from clogging.

To offer added protection to the septic absorption system, you should add a greywater or septic effluent filter at the septic tank or outlet tee.

If there is not enough room to install this filter they you can opt to install a small filter and chamber outside of the septic tank however it should be done upstream from the drain field.

Even though most large solids and grease which enters the septic system is usually retained where they then turn to floating scum at the top of the tank or settled sludge at the bottom. The effluent of the septic system generally contains smaller particles suspended solids and debris when passed through the soil absorption increase the rate at which the absorption system clog thus reducing its life span.

Trapping these suspended solids in the we pass clarified septic effluent to the absorption system increases its lifespan.  You should not worry about starving the biomat when filtering septic effluent, as there is still a large amount of nutrients which pass into the absorption system.

There are many companies which sell such devices which will increase the life of your drain field as they reduce the level of suspended solids which leave the tank.

Deals of the Day for Jun 20th, 2013

	Odorhog Vent Pipe Filter (2.0 Inch) The ODORHOG is an activated charcoal vent pipe filter that eliminates unpleasant odors from house more...		$47.49
	Odorhog Vent Pipe Filter (1.5 Inch) The ODORHOG is an activated charcoal vent pipe filter that eliminates unpleasant odors from house more...		$33.49
	Watts Premier 531130 Filter-Pure UF-3 3-Stage Water Filtration System more...		$133.00

Searching the web for the best product deals...

By Definition cesspools are covered holes that are designed to store sewage and/or waste materials. In the not-so-distance past cesspools where the preferred choice for storing waste in many parts of the world, before they were replaced with aerobic septic systems and municipal sewer systems.

Cesspools, commonly called cesspits, are still being used in some parts of the world today. Due to sanitary issues, more and more regions are developing building codes that prohibit or discourage the construction of cesspools.

Cesspool Definition

Since the conditions of a cesspool are quite distasteful inside the word "cesspool" has become synonymous with all sorts of undesirable things such as filth and decay. That is why you will often hear trashy apartments being called cesspools. The origin of the word is still a topic of debate, but some people believe that the word originates from the Latin term Secessus which mean a place of "retirement" or "privy". Others believe that the word "cesspool" comes from the phrase Suspiral drainpipes which is based on the Latin suspirare to "breathe deeply". Or it may even have originated from various dialects in Europe which refer to certain bogs as "cess".

Deals of the Day for Jun 20th, 2013

Roebic Laboratories, Inc. K-47-4 32-Ounce Cesspool Treatment A combination of bacterial strains containing spore bearing aerobic bacteria. Specifically produce proteolytic and other more...

$7.10

Searching the web for the best product deals...

Construction Of A Cesspool

The traditional construction of a cesspool sees a pit being excavated and lined with materials brick or concrete. This design is basically a large tank that is constructed underground. This design traps the liquids as well as the solids. When the sewage levels rise to a certain level it must be emptied in order to make space for more.

Leaching cesspools can also be built in order to delay the empting of the cesspool. This design will allow the liquids to escape while keeping the solid portions in place.

This is the basic construction of a cesspool. It simply stores effluent until it is pumped out a later date

Cesspools As An Archaeological Tool

For an archaeologist who stumbles upon a cesspool it is an extremely interesting find. Cesspool sites will reveal to archeologists what people in the past ate and also how they lived when they analyze the contents of the abandoned cesspool. They do this by analyzing the dried up contents of the cesspool.

Negative Aspects Of A Cesspool

In the modern era cesspools are used in areas where there are no sewer systems. This presents a risk to the public if they are not constructed properly. The fluids stored inside can leak from the containment area and contaminate the ground water as well as the soil.

They will also attract rats and other pests such as cockroaches, which can carry deadly diseases. In addition to these factors cesspools are extremely smelly.

Public health officials in developing nations usually support laws that aim to eliminate cesspools. After all it makes no sense that a government would invest in the digging of a well when they know it will probably be contaminated by an upstream cesspool.

So, the question of the day is, "what is a French drain?". In short, a french drain is used in areas where excess surface water is common. These conditions will usually flood your house, but with a French drain you provide the invading water a path of least resistance that bypasses your house or yard.

The Invention Of The French Drain

Despite the name, it was actually developed in the United States. The idea of the drain is to protect a building or a low area of the lawn from invading water. It does this by providing invasive ground or surface water with an easy path away from the house or yard. They can also be used for the draining off liquid effluent from septic tank systems.

The drain receives its name from a New Hampshire man Henry Flagg French who in the 1980s published a book titled Farm Drainage The Principles, Processes, and Effects of Draining Land with Stones, Wood, Plows, and Open Ditches, and Especially with Tiles. That book brought inner workings of the French drain to the masses.

Deals of the Day for Jun 20th, 2013

Farm drainage The Principles, Processes, and Effects of Draining Land with Stones, Wood, Plows, and Open Ditches, and Especially with Tiles This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS series. The creators of this series are more...

$32.58

Searching the web for the best product deals...

Cases In Which You May Need A French Drain

When you experience problems with flooding it is usually caused by the sloping of the earth around your house or yard or by clay soil. There are also occasions in which both factors will cause flooding.

The grey gravel is covering the french drain which keeps water away from the foundation of the house

An example of this is when your property is on a slope and your immediate neighbor’s house is on a lot that is higher than yours. If there are heavy rains it can move down the slope and rush onto your property. If your soil is not capable of absorbing the water it may cause damage to the foundation of the house, the water may also find its way through a crawl space into the basement below the ground floor.

This is where a French drain can help!

Construction Of A French Drain

A French drain, in its most basic form, is a gravel-filled trench. Even though this is a simple design it needs to be properly executed in order to work properly.

Installing a linear French drain is a very simple and cost effect way to solve a ground water problem. In this scenario the drain will act as a moat protecting the house by intercepting the rushing water coming down the slope and directing it away from the foundation of your house.

If you are a big fan of doing it yourself a linear French drain is as easy as it gets. All you’ll need is a lot of elbow grease or some machinery to dig the trench. It will also help to have the right tools including round washed gravel (the amount will depend on the length and width of your French drain), a trenching spade and 4 inch diameter PVC pipe. If you do want to use machinery then a power trencher and builder level will fit the bill.

Notice and Procedure for Making Claims of Copyright Infringement Pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

If you believe that you hold a claim of copyright infringement against DamnSeptictank.com/, submit notice of your claim to the following Designated Agent:

Service Provider: DamnSeptictank.com/

Email Address to Which Notification Should Be Sent: support (at) DamnSeptictank.com/. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

To be effective, the notification of your claim of copyright infringement should be written and should include the following:

A statement that you are the owner of the exclusive right you claim has been infringed, or a statement that you are authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that has allegedly been infringed.

A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate.

Your signature. (The signature may be electronic.)

The identification of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed. (If you claim that multiple copyrighted works have been infringed you can submit one notification with a list of the allegedly infringed works.)

Identification of the material that you claim to be infringing and information reasonably sufficient to permit DamnSeptictank.com/ to locate the material.

Information reasonably sufficient to permit DamnSeptictank.com/ to contact you, including your address, telephone number, fax number and, if available, an electronic mail address.

You can provide contact information for the owner of the exclusive right that you claim has been infringed if you are not the owner, but rather authorized to act on behalf of the owner.

A statement you have a good-faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

DamnSeptictank.com/ will respond to any DMCA complaints in a timely manner. Should you be the copyright holder of a specific piece of content featured on this site without your permission, DamnSeptictank.com/ will remove it in a timely manner once notified.