02-18-2014, 12:41 AM
A septic tank consists of a tank (maybe 2 tanks) and a drain field. All sewage and waste water goes into the tank. Near the top of the tank are pipes that lead into the drain field. The drain field is a series of perforated pipes. Each time you flush a toilet or use the shower or sink, everything goes into the tank. The solid waste settles to the bottom and the excess liquid goes into the drain field where it is dissipated into the ground. The solids stay in the tank.
A certain amount of the solid waste will break down into liquid and make their way out of the tank. Eventually though, if not pumped out, the solids will build up to the point that they will be high enough to flow into the drain field. This is a total disaster and will ruin your drain field, requiring expensive replacement. As Haaheo says, how long this takes depends on several factors. I know that putting food waste into the system inhibits the biological process and causes solids to build up faster than if you didn't put food waste into it.
You can check the level of solids from the inspection/clean out port on top. Periodic pumping is most certainly necessary. In most cases, that's every couple of years. Again, it depends on the size of the tank and how much goes into it.
The good news is that, if maintained, they will last a very long time. Mine is over 50 years old. The only problem I've had with it was when some tree roots found their way into the pipe from the house to the tank.
Wikipedia has a good explanation of how they work if you want more info.
A certain amount of the solid waste will break down into liquid and make their way out of the tank. Eventually though, if not pumped out, the solids will build up to the point that they will be high enough to flow into the drain field. This is a total disaster and will ruin your drain field, requiring expensive replacement. As Haaheo says, how long this takes depends on several factors. I know that putting food waste into the system inhibits the biological process and causes solids to build up faster than if you didn't put food waste into it.
You can check the level of solids from the inspection/clean out port on top. Periodic pumping is most certainly necessary. In most cases, that's every couple of years. Again, it depends on the size of the tank and how much goes into it.
The good news is that, if maintained, they will last a very long time. Mine is over 50 years old. The only problem I've had with it was when some tree roots found their way into the pipe from the house to the tank.
Wikipedia has a good explanation of how they work if you want more info.