What is a Conventional Septic System and How Does It Work?
The septic tank system is a small, on-site sewage treatment and disposal system buried in the ground. The septic system has two essential parts: (1) the septic tank and (2) the soil absorption area. When household waste enters the septic tank the following occurs: 1-Organic solid material floats to the surface and forms a layer of what is commonly called “scum”. Bacteria in the septic tank biologically convert this material to liquid. 2-Inorganic or inert solid materials, those that are not biodegradable and will not decompose, and the by-products of bacterial digestion sink to the bottom of the tank and form a layer commonly known as “sludge”. 3-Only clear water should exist between the scum and sludge layers. It is this clear water, and only this clear water that should overflow into the soil absorption area. Solid material overflowing into the soil absorption area should be avoided at all costs. It is this solid overflow that clog soil pores and causes systems to fail.
