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How Do Sewage and Effluent Move Through Septic Systems?

by Ri Industries

Safe disposal of sewage and effluent is essential to protect the health of the community. Why? Sewage and effluent can contain a variety of human disease-causing microorganisms and parasites which can be spread to humans by direct contact or indirectly by consumption of contaminated food or water.

In most unsewered developments across Australia, septic tank systems are used to treat and dispose of sewage, also referred to as wastewater. The government of Western Australia has provided a rather simple explanation of how septic tank systems work which apply to South Australia as well:

“When wastewater passes through the septic tanks, heavier solids sink to the bottom and undergo bacterial digestion. This reduces the quantity of solids and also changes its composition to sludge, which builds up in the bottom of the tank. Materials such as grease and oil float to the surface in the tanks to forma crust over the liquid. The remaining liquid, called effluent, flows from the tanks into the drainage receptacles to soak into the surrounding soil where it may undergo further natural treatment processes.”

Also from the Government of Western Australia come tips for a healthy efficient septic tank system:

  •  Have the septic tanks pumped out regularly.
  •  Allow as little fat or grease as possible into the system.
  •  Minimise and stagger water usage.
  •  Regularly switch the drain or soakwells in use if you have an alternating system.
  •  Do not dispose of non-biodegradable materials into your septic, e.g. plastics.
  •  Do not dispose of old medicines, large amounts of disinfectant (biocides) or other strong chemicals into the septic tank. These can kill the normal bacteria and interfere with the system. Bleaches and detergents have no adverse effects when used in moderation.
  •  Do not drive vehicles over the system.

Of course, Ri-Industries can answer all your questions on how septic tank systems work, problems that may arise, and how to maintain septic tank systems for best use. Call us with your questions or to learn about the products we sell. 08 8444 8100

 

How a septic tank works

How a Septic Tank Works

by Ri Industries

If you are reading the Ri-Industries Blog, chances are that you might already own or are planning to install a septic tank on your property.

But how does a septic system work, exactly?

This is a fairly common question that people search for on the Internet every day. The Ri-Industries team is always here to answer your questions, so without further ado, let’s get down to basics.

How a septic tank works

Parts of a septic tank:

A septic tank generally consists of a tank (or sometimes more than one tank) connected to an inlet wastewater pipe at one end and a soakage field at the other. In general, the design of the tank usually incorporates two chambers, which are separated by means of a dividing wall that has openings located about midway between the floor and roof of the tank.

The purpose of a septic tank:

A septic system uses natural processes to treat and dispose of wastewater in your home, and provides biological treatment of the sludge and scum layers that accumulate there. The soil acts as a biological filter for the undesirable wastewater components remaining in the effluent.

How a septic tank works:

Wastewater flows down through the sewer pipes in your home and enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle (sludge layer). A crust then forms on the surface of the effluent, known as the scum layer. The settled solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids. The liquid component flows through the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further settlement takes place, with the excess liquid then draining in a relatively clear condition from the outlet into the soakage field.

If you are looking for further ways to utilise your septic tank, check out the Ri-Treat wastewater treatment system. The Ri-Treat wastewater treatment system is an aerobic system which means you can recycle your wastewater for irrigation purposes.

Ri-Industries is always here to answer your questions, so please do not hesitate to contact us.