Septic tanks are important for certain homes in our area. Instead of being hooked up to a sewage network, these homes must have a septic tank to allow for the safe disposal of their wastewater. Septic tanks are placed underground, about 50 feet away from a house, and they allow sewage to break down with the wastewater being leached out.

Septic Tank Design

The tank itself is watertight and is usually rectangular or round. Most tanks are made out of concrete. They have access covers on top so they can be periodically inspected and maintained. For a concrete septic tank, rebar is first welded together to add structural integrity. Then, a form is placed around the rebar structure. Steel inserts go in the structure for added strength, and next, wet concrete is poured into the mold. After this, the septic tank is ready to be transported and placed underground at a property.

There is usually a T-shaped outlet and inlet that prevents scum from leaving the tank. The inlet accepts sewage from the house, and over time, that sewage settles. Sludge accumulates at the bottom, the wastewater is left in the middle of the tank, and the scum floats to the top. Scum contains oils and grease, hence why it floats. Bacteria in the tank break down solid waste, allowing the liquids to separate from any solids. Eventually, the liquid drains out into the leach field, where a natural filtration process deals with bacteria and viruses that may be in the water.

Your Local Resource

At Drainworks Plumbing & Septic LLC in Columbia, CT, we’re ready to help people with installing or servicing septic tanks. We’ve been in the industry for more than 20 years, and we’re a locally owned and operated business that you can count on. Our services are varied and include septic tank services, sewer line and sewage pump repairs, basement waterproofing, and drain cleaning and installations. We offer free estimates online or over the phone, so feel free to reach out to our team. Call to schedule an appointment today!