A couple of weeks ago I started to notice a foul-smelling odor outside my home in Seminole County. I finally traced the strong smell to the septic tank. Reluctantly I started digging until I finally found the cover to the septic tank. Things got worse when I removed the cover, it was completely filled with wastewater!
That’s when I started calling Septic Services in the Orlando and Seminole areas. I heard a lot of things like, ‘you will probably need a new system’ or ‘we can schedule a service call but it will cost you’ and my favorite, ‘you’re lucky it lasted this long.’
This is when I realized, I don’t know anything about my septic system! This what I learned and I hope it can help you.
How the Septic System Operates
Though there are a few different variations and designs, septic systems basically perform the same function. They process raw sewage and waste water into a cleaner effluent which is distributed under the ground and is eventually blended in with the ground water. For instance, when you flush the toilet, 3 gallons of water goes into the inlet pipe, then into the septic tank, then in a couple of days it goes into the outlet pipe and finally into the absorption component in the ground.
How the Waste Water is Treated
The waste water from the house goes into the septic tan and is held there for approximately 2 days. During this time the anaerobic bacteria does its job of breaking down organic material. The waste water eventually makes its way down to the outlet pipe, at this time it still contains about 60% organic matter. The water goes into the drain field for more treatment. A layer of biomat is formed in the gravel bed; this is make up of anaerobic backer and a black slimy substance.
This biomat is a living organism that slowly digest the other 60% of organic matter. The black slimy substance keeps the biomat from coming into contact with oxygen; if it does the biomat quickly dies. Eventually the water is clean and returns to the ground water.
Check back with us next week to learn what can go wrong with your septic system, why and how to fix it. In the meantime if you’re having any issues with your septic system contact Orlando Septic Service.
