What is a septic tank and what is the purpose of a septic tank?
The septic tank is nothing more than a large settling chamber where semi-solid materials settle to the bottom of the tank (sludge) and buoyant materials such as greases, fats and paper products float on the liquid surface of the tank (scum). The septic tank is constructed out of either concrete, steel, fiberglass or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). All new septic tanks sold in Oregon maintain a minimum liquid capacity of 1,000 gallons. The 1,000 gallon septic tank has sufficient capacity to process effluent flows from a one bedroom to a four bedroom single family residence. Larger capacity septic tanks with liquid capacities exceeding 1,500 gallons are installed where wastewater flows exceed the discharges that would typically be discharged from a four bedroom maximum single family residence. Septic tanks predating an installation date of 1980 may have liquid capacities of 500 gallons, 750 gallons or 1,000 gallons. The purpose of a septic tank is really quite simple. As previously stated, the
