What is a Septic Systems purpose?
A. Removal of solids. As sewage enters the septic tank, its rate of flow is reduced so that the larger solids sink to the bottom or rise to the surface. These solids are retained in the tank and the clarified effluent with suspended and dissolved solids is discharged. Bacterial action. The solids and the liquids in the tank are partially decomposed by bacteria and other natural processes. These bacteria are called anaerobic because they thrive in the absence of free oxygen. This decomposition of sewage under the anaerobic conditions is termed ‘septic’ , hence the name of the system (and the cause of the odor). Sludge and scum storage. Sludge is the accumulation of solids at the bottom of the tank, while scum is a partially submerged material of floating solids that may form at or near the surface. Space must be provided in the tank to store these residues during the intervals between cleaning. Otherwise, the sludge and scum will eventually be scoured from the tank and will clog the lea
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