How Septic Tanks Work

Septic tanks are used for the containment and treatment of household sewage where a mains sewage system is not available (usually rural areas). Such sewage will essentially consist of everything you put down your sinks and toilets. The septic tank will hold the waste while it settles and is degraded by naturally occurring micro organisms already present in the waste. These organisms ensure that the waste is broken down, deodourised and liquefied before being released through the soakaway system.

A high performing septic tank should complete this process without the release of noxious smells and the need for frequent emptying.

When Septic Tanks Underperform

The main problems septic tanks face is the amount of non organic waste that is emptied into the tank. These will primarily consist of strong detergents, bleaches and grease. Such chemicals can greatly affect the performance of the bacteria (most are designed to kill them!) and hence reduce the rate of degredation and the control of strong odours.

This will typically result in:

  • The tank filling too quickly with waste thereby requiring frequent emptying
  • Blockages in the soakaway system leading to water-logging on the ground surface
  • Blockages in the inlet pipes sometimes resulting in waste coming back up the drains
  • Strong noxious odours coming from the tank and back up the drains

 

    
Septic Tank
  

 

To understand how Bio-Flush helps under-performing tanks, click here