Know the Parts of a Septic System

The Primary Drain Line

All your home’s plumbing, from sinks and toilets to tubs and other drains, is connected to your primary drain line. This means everything you flush or dispose of down the drain affects your septic system since everything runs to a single drain line. If you dispose of large items that take a long time to break down, they can block your main drain line and cause significant damage. With that in mind, investing in regular septic cleaning and maintenance is crucial to prevent minor clogs from growing into severe blockages.

Septic Tank

The wastewater from your home flows into the septic tank, trapping solid waste at the bottom and directing effluent into the drain or leach field. The tank contains beneficial bacteria that break down organic solid waste into sludge for easy septic pumping. Unfortunately, homeowners rarely check what they flush or dispose of down the drains, leading to clogs and backups. If you experience slow drains and foul smells from your drains, chances are your tank is to blame. Call a septic service provider to inspect, diagnose, and resolve the problem before it worsens.

The Distribution Box

As the name suggests, the distribution box moves effluent from the tank to the leach field and ensures it is distributed evenly. The distribution box has multiple openings for septic pipes that lead to your drain field. If your distribution box malfunctions, it can cause drainfield failure due to unequal distribution of wastewater. In the case of a damaged distribution box, it is advisable to hire a septic company for accurate diagnosis and replacement if necessary.

The Drainfield

As mentioned, effluent from your tank flows into the drain field for further treatment before it is distributed into the ground. The drain or leach field comprises different layers of soil for thorough filtration, minimizing the risk of contamination and health hazards. However, prolonged use of store-bought cleaners can saturate harsh chemicals in the soil, killing vital microbes responsible for cleansing the effluent. The best way to mitigate such scenarios is to schedule regular septic cleaning sessions with an expert. Professionals use hydro jetting equipment to blast pressurized water throughout your septic system, ensuring smooth-flowing lines from your home to the leach field.