Understanding How a Septic Tank Works and the Importance of Septic Pumping in Strafford County, NH

If you have a septic tank at your home or business, you want to be sure that it is working effectively. In order to understand how best to maintain your septic system, it’s helpful to first understand how it works. Knowing exactly how your septic system functions to remove waste from your home and treat it can give you a better understanding of why septic system maintenance is necessary and why you should keep up on septic pumping in Strafford County, NH.

The basics of the septic tank

While people might spend lots of time trying to rid their homes of bacteria, these little organisms are indispensable within a functioning septic system. Bacteria break down the waste that is collected in the septic tank and leave water clean enough that it can safely seep down into the earth. A septic system is designed as a place where bacteria can thrive and efficiently decompose waste.

• At the most basic level, a septic tank works because all of the waste from a home or business flows into it. Pipes lead from the building or home underground into the septic tank, where the waste accumulates.
• Generally, there are three layers of waste inside a septic tank. The first layer, commonly referred to as effluent, takes up the majority of the tank. This layer of watery waste begins to be broken down by anaerobic bacteria within the tank. At the top of the tank, a scummy layer collects that’s made up of grease, fats and oils. Meanwhile, sludge sinks to the bottom, creating a layer of inorganic solids and bacterial digestion byproducts.
• The septic tank acts as a settling pond for these different layers and components. Greases and fats float to the top, while heavier solids sink to the bottom. The middle effluent layer flows into the drain field and a filter prevents any of the solids from entering the outlet pipe.
• The purpose of the drain field is to facilitate the bacterial processing of wastewater. There are holes in the ground that allow treated water to seep through and into surrounding gravel.
• There is gravel placed around septic pipes that allows water to flow into the soil and oxygen to reach the bacteria necessary for the septic system. The aerobic bacteria in the gravel and the soil go to work decomposing the waste and the clean water seeps down into the groundwater and aquifer.

Reliable septic pumping in Strafford County, NH

A septic system works wonderfully to handle waste, but it must be kept in good condition. Septic pumping in Strafford County, NH is important since it gets rid of the sludge and scum that can collect in your tank and slow down the natural bacterial decomposition process. If you need professional septic pumping in Strafford County, NH, or any other septic services for that matter, give B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC a call. We have been providing effective and affordable commercial and residential septic solutions to our customers for years. Contact us today to find out more!

Categorised in: Septic Pumping

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