How does a Septic Tank Work?
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There are several different types of septic tank systems, and they all work on the same basic principle; to separate the solids from the liquids and allow the liquid to flow through into a soakaway. The soakaway allows the bulk of the waste, which is mainly water, to 'soak away' into the surrounding ground, through an arrangement of pipes and drainage stone.
Traditional Septic Tank.
The first job of a septic tank is to allow the solids to settle out. A proportion of solids float and a proportion sink. The water in the middle then flows through the chambers via the dip pipes and out into the soakaway.
Just like everything else septic tanks need servicing from time to time. This involves regular de-sludging in order to remove the build up of solids. If this is not carried out the solids can build up in both tanks and then overflow into the soakaway. This will block the soakaway pipework and drainage stone, resulting in possibly expensive and messy remedial work. The condition of the dipper pipes should also be checked, and an inspection made for root infestation in the soakaway pipes.
Bottle Septic Tank.
Bottle type Septic Tanks work using the same principle but have different chambers that are stacked on top of each other, as opposed to being side by side. Septic tanks are slowly being replaced by small Sewage Treatment Plants.
You can download further information on the operation of Klargester Septic Tanks here:
Klargester Septic Tank Information.pdf (204k)
Sewage Treatment Plant.
Sewage treatment plants process waste products in such a way that the resulting output is clean enough to discharge directly into a water course.
Please see our Sewage Treatment Plant page for more details of these systems.
Cesspools
Sometimes it may not be possible to have a septic tank, a treatment plant or to pump to the mains sewer system. In this case it may be necessary to have a cesspool. This is a giant septic tank with no outlet. It is necessary to tanker large volumes from these at regular intervals. This can work out as an expensive option.
For further details, or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Mayglothling Waste on our Head Office number, 01544 230364 or E-mail us by clicking HERE.