Septic tank effluent is wastewater from a septic system that needs proper treatment before release into the environment. The system consists of a tank and drainage field, where bacteria break down solids. Regular pumping is important to avoid backflow and overflow of improperly treated effluent.
Septic tank effluent is wastewater that is discharged or flows out of a septic system. Wastewater is any liquid or water that a building produces and can contain waste from sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers that use water. Wastewater can contain contaminants harmful to humans, animals and plants; therefore it is important that wastewater is properly treated before being released into the environment. A septic system is a simple but effective means of treating wastewater.
A septic system consists of two main components, the septic tank and a drainage field. A septic tank is a large waterproof container that is generally located below ground level, although some locations may require an above ground system. The septic tank serves as a holding area for wastewater produced by a home or business. When water enters the tank, the bacteria in the tank begin to break down the solids present in the wastewater.
When the solids in wastewater are broken down, the wastewater in a septic tank breaks down into three main parts. The first consists of solids, called sludge, which sink to the bottom of the tank. The second component is particles and foam floating on the surface of the water, which are typically known as foam. Between the foam layer on the surface and the mud on the bottom is a layer of partially treated water.
When a septic system is functioning properly, water is released into the drainage field while solid matter remains in the tank. The drainage field is the area where the effluent from the septic tank is released. As new water enters the tank, it displaces the water already in the tank and pushes it out into the waste field. A drainage field typically consists of a series of buried, perforated pipes through which septic tank effluent flows. The small holes in the pipe allow the effluent from the septic tank to slowly drain into the ground, where the treatment process continues as the effluent seeps through the soil and back into the groundwater supply.
Over time the solids in the tank will build up, so it is of paramount importance to the overall functioning of the septic system and the well-being of anyone near the septic system that the contents of the tank are pumped out and removed on a consistent basis. An improperly maintained septic tank system can lead to a backflow of waste into a building or wastewater flowing into the drainage field at a faster rate than the field can effectively absorb. When this occurs, the area above the drainage field can be inundated with improperly treated septic tank effluent.
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