Plumbing Full Course - Part 11

                     This is part 11th of the full plumbing Course. You can have access to all the previous parts by the end of this post.

What is a septic system? 

A sewage treatment system that removes impurities from wastewater through biochemical processes that use aerobic bacteria to break down organic waste into carbon dioxide, water, and other biodegradable compounds. This is done without the need for added chemicals or electricity.

A septic system consists of three basic components: a holding tank, drain field, and leach lines. Wastewater enters the holding tank (depending on its volume) and sits until the water level drops below the top of the tank. Once this happens, the wastewater runs out of the tank and flows through the distribution box where the solid material is removed. The flow then continues through the vertical pipe, which ends at the bottom of the tank. There, it drains into the septic leaching bed.

The first step in the process is digestion. When solids are put in contact with oxygen, anaerobic bacteria begin breaking down the organic matter into smaller particles. These small particles settle at the bottom of the tank where they are strained out using a screen or strainer. As the water passes through the screen, any remaining solids remain behind. The clear water is then pumped out the back of the tank and injected into the ground via the leach line.

How a septic tank works?

Septic tanks are designed to remove waste from human homes. They are constructed of concrete and have large chambers that collect sewage from several houses at once. Within these chambers, they create an environment where bacteria can break down waste into liquid form. If your city does not provide a public sewer system, this method is your only option. A septic tank should always be buried deep enough to prevent any surface water infiltration. A common misconception about septic systems is that they do not work well in arid climates like Nevada. However, a properly installed septic system can work just fine here, especially if a soil test reveals no problems.

There are two types of septic systems: gravity-fed and pump-back. Gravity feeding requires that the tank be installed in a way that allows gravity to pull the waste into its chamber. Pump-back systems require that users install a pumping station above ground, and then pump the effluent back into the tank via pressurized lines. This type of system requires less maintenance but comes with some potential drawbacks. First, it cannot handle extremely wet conditions due to the possibility of having wastewater overflowing the system. Second, the pumps may wear out over time and need to be replaced.

If you're thinking about installing a septic system in your home, here's what happens once waste enters the underground drain field.

1. Wastes are first pumped from the house via gravity through the sewer line and into the city sewer system where they are picked up by trucks.

2. As the truck drives away, the liquid wastes fall out of the back of the truck onto a conveyor belt that takes them down to the city sewage treatment facility. At this point, the solid wastes are separated from the liquid and then go into ponds where microorganisms break down the solids. This produces methane gas, which is collected and used to make electricity.

3. The water is treated further at the wastewater treatment plant and goes out to local streams or rivers.

4. If you have a septic system installed, sewage runs directly into a large pit (the drain field) and stays there until it biodegrades naturally over time. Rainwater washes the feces into the ground and keeps everything clean and fresh.

5. When a pipe bursts or becomes blocked, the backup can cause a major problem. Sewage can back up into basements, crawl spaces, and even homes.

                            

                            A septic tank is a waste treatment system that uses microorganisms to break down biodegradable waste into carbon dioxide and water. The system utilizes a combination of aerobic bacteria (oxygen-loving) and anaerobic bacteria (oxygen-free). In order to work properly, the septic tank needs three things; Oxygen, Bacteria, and Food! Oxygen is usually supplied through aeration devices like a sparge stone, wick, or air stones. Bacteria are added to the tank either from a liquid product, dry products, or even live plants like Ebb & Flow. Finally, food consists of solid waste like grass clippings, leaves, and manure. When oxygen levels drop, the bacteria begin to die off, stopping the breakdown of organic matter. This could lead to methane production causing odor problems and ultimately failure. Methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and can be harmful to human health.

Tips to identify a malfunctioning septic tank

If your home has a septic system, then you already know that these systems are complex pieces of equipment. They’re designed to work properly, but even if they do, they can fail at any time without proper inspection. And if they don’t fail, homeowners could still experience major problems if their tanks aren’t routinely inspected.

While some tanks may seem like simple machines, if it isn’t regularly maintained, they could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. That’s why regular inspections from professionals are needed. And while many people think that a professional inspection means going to a big box store, you don’t have to worry about that either – we offer free estimates on-site!

To get started, here are a few ways to tell if your tank needs an inspection:

• You notice strange smells coming from the backyard. This could indicate a sewage backup into your house.

• Your water bill is higher than expected.

• A pipe bursts.

1. If your home has a septic system and you notice that the smell from the sewage is terrible, then the system could be malfunctioning. You can test this by putting some water into the toilet bowl or sink and then making sure that it comes back out clear without any odor. If it does not come out clear, you need to call a professional who can fix your problem. This might cost anywhere between $100-200 per visit depending on the severity of the situation.

2. To properly know what type of condition your house has, you should look at the drainage pipe that runs underneath your house. The pipes are usually visible under your floorboards, but if they were installed below ground, they would be hidden. By looking at the pipes, you can tell how old they are and whether or not the walls have been damaged. There are many different companies that specialize in the repair of sewer lines but you want to make sure you go through a reputable company that is licensed and insured.

3. If you notice cracks or holes around the drain, you should also check the drains themselves. These are also easy to spot and could indicate a problem. If you find anything that looks suspicious, then you should call a professional plumber immediately.

What are the two types of drainage system designs?

The two types of systems are; Gravity drains/drain fields and a Pumped systems (also called surface drains).

A gravity drain works by letting water flow through gaps between the soil particles and into the ground drainage pipe. A pump-driven drainage system uses pressurized water pumped from a pit below where the wastewater is collected at the bottom of the field. The water flows through hoses to the point where it passes under the ground surface. From there it gets carried away by the existing percolation system.

Connecting the building drain to a septic tank:

Drain Line Size

The size of your plumbing line should be 1/4 inch (6mm) larger than the pipe inside the house. This allows space for expansion due to the difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature. The line then connects to a P-trap that serves as a check valve. If the trap is not present, a simple Y-connector can serve this purpose.

Plumbing Trap Location

A plumbing trap is located at the lowest point in the drainage system. In some cases, a plumbing trap is unnecessary; however, if you are using a home’s wastewater, a plumbing trap is recommended. A plumbing trap consists of a small metal box that contains a spring-loaded cover. When waste enters the trap, pressure builds behind the cover, forcing it open. Waste cannot enter the piping system through any other way but the plumbing trap.

Pipe Size

Pipe sizes vary from city to city, but they usually range from 2 inches (50mm) to 4 inches (100 mm). The smaller pipes are normally used for kitchen sinks and bathtubs while the larger pipes are generally used for laundry, toilets, etc.

1. Connecting the drain pipe to a septic tank should not be done using lead piping. Lead solder joints can easily corrode, especially if they are exposed to moisture. Corroded plumbing connections allow water to enter your home, and this could eventually damage your pipes.

2. When connecting pipes together, use a flanged coupling on each end of the section that connects to the septic system. Flanges come in many different sizes, but the ones used for wastewater systems should be at least ½ inch thick. If possible, connect your drainpipe before installing any other plumbing fixtures, like toilets and sinks. This will save you from having to disconnect and reconnect pipes later.

3. Before running water through the drain, test it for leaks. If any small leak occurs, you can repair it immediately and make sure it doesn’t happen again using a plumber. Also, don’ t run the faucet too long when testing for a leak; doing so can push some of the water back into the house.

4. To reduce odors coming from your drains, put down several layers of newspaper around them. Layering newspapers underneath creates a seal, preventing smells from escaping out of the drains.

5. When filling garbage cans, place them at least two feet away from the floor to prevent spills. You can also cover the top rim of the garbage can with plastic wrap or tape to avoid splashes in case of heavy rains.

6. Drain cleaners usually contain ammonia. Ammonia, though effective in cleaning up a clogged drain, can cause serious harm if inhaled. Avoid breathing fumes from drain cleaner products. Instead, pour ¾ cup baking soda down the drain followed by ¼ cup vinegar. Baking soda is alkaline and vinegar is acidic in nature. As these substances work their way down the drain, they break apart the materials making up the clog. Once the clog has been dissolved, rinse the drain thoroughly with fresh water.

                        1. Septic tanks are typically used to remove human waste from properties where a sewer line does not exist. In homes that have plumbing systems installed prior to the installation of septic tanks, the sewage drains into a trapway, then through piping to the septic tank. A septic system removes solid waste from the wastewater before it enters the ground. This has been shown to reduce odor problems caused by raw sewage backing up into households.

2. Septic tanks are commonly constructed of concrete and lined with clay, stone, fiberglass, plastic, or metal depending on local regulations. These materials can help prevent corrosion of the steel parts of the tank and ensure stability for the tank over time.

3. A submersible pump is an electric motor powered by electricity that pushes water through a pipe and out a discharge point. Submersible pumps are often placed at the bottom of the tank to make use of the pressure and gravity of the liquid to push the contaminated water towards the outlet. At the same time, this type of pump requires an electrical power supply; therefore they are usually connected to a generator rather than directly to the mains.

4. Drain lines (also known as pipes) connect the sewage-disposal tank to the leach field, which is the area surrounding the tank where the wastewater collects after processing. Leaching occurs naturally over years but may take many months or even several years if the conditions are right. When leaching occurs, the ammonia level in the water increases gradually until it reaches levels that are harmful to humans and animals.

5. Once the wastewater meets the minimum requirements to enter the groundwater, the process is considered complete. Some municipalities require a certain amount of time to pass before entering the aquifer. After this period, the effluent leaves the treatment site. Most municipal areas do not allow any wastewater to leave the site without meeting their standards.

6. An overflow drain tube (commonly referred to as an O-trap) allows excess wastewater to fall back down into the tank. If the sewage is only partially treated, the excess material will continue to flow to the overflow drain and eventually out of the home. Overflow tubes should always be covered to protect them from damage.

Limitations of a septic tank

The limitations of a septic system are that it may not be able to handle large amounts of wastewater and can only filter out small particles. This means that if your septic system has been leaking for some time, then it could have become clogged. A clog from this type of issue would mean that waste products cannot pass through the filters and into the ground. When sewage gets backed up inside your home, it poses a threat to your health.

A septic tank is the simplest way to handle your wastewater and sewage. However, it has some limitations that need to be considered if you want to effectively reuse the water. Here are some things to consider before building or using a septic system.

1. The first limitation is that it can only handle relatively small amounts of waste at any given time. This means if your home is large, then you may have to install multiple septic tanks in order to take care of all the waste produced by your household.

2. Cost

The initial cost of installing a septic tank can vary widely based on where you live and how much work needs to be done. Some municipalities may provide free services while others charge a fee for installation. A septic system is typically installed at a flat rate of approximately $25-$50 per square foot. This does not include any additional equipment like pumps, filters, etc.

3. Leachate Disposal

Leachate is wastewater that has passed through your septic tank and has not been treated as solid waste. If the leachate runs off into a nearby body of water, then you have to treat the water in accordance with local regulations. You will also need to ensure that you do not contaminate the groundwater. If this happens, you will be responsible for cleaning up the mess. In addition, you could face penalties from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) if you fail to comply.

4. If you live in a rural area where land space is at a premium, you might not be able to place a septic tank on top of your property.

 • Debris buildup. This causes the pipes to become blocked and eventually results in the accumulation of debris inside them. Once this begins to accumulate, it creates a dam-like effect that stops the flow of wastewater.

• Sewage disposal unit malfunction. If your septic tank isn't working properly, it won't be able to dispose of the sewage and liquid waste that drains out of sinks and toilets. In addition, the bacteria that help break down solid matter in the septic tank aren't functioning correctly, resulting in the excessive solid matter being left behind.

• Flushing problems. Some people mistakenly believe that flushing the toilet will flush away any excess waste in their septic tank. However, you should never flush anything other than human waste, as doing so could cause damage to your septic tank.

Access Previous parts of this course, if you have missed them, by clicking Below...

Part 1 -- Click Here!!

Part 2 -- Click Here!!

Part 3 -- Click Here!!

Part 4 -- Click Here!!

Part 5 -- Click Here!!

Part 6 -- Click Here!!

Part 7 -- Click Here!!

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Part 9 -- Click Here!!

Part 10 -- Click Here!!