More than one in five Americans rely on a septic tank to handle the wastewater from their home. However, because it’s out of sight, many people don’t know how it works. A bit of basic knowledge on the system’s mechanisms will significantly benefit you in case of an emergency or when identifying if repairs are needed.

Tank Design 

The entire system is comprised of two parts, the drain field, or soil absorption field, and the tank. Septic tanks are made of polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete, and they are usually buried in the ground and tightly sealed to prevent leaks. If you have one of these systems, all of the water used in your home will run from their original sources into your tank. Its purpose is to hold the wastewater your home produces to separate larger sludge, which sinks to the bottom, and oil and grease, which floats to the top.

Septic Operation

Once your septic tank has divided the material inside the structure, the liquid portion is transported into your drain field. This prevents health hazards and unpleasant odors from permeating your property. Once the wastewater reaches the drain field, it filters into the soil, which naturally removes any harmful contaminants the liquid still contains and replenishes the environment.

If your septic tank breaks, you may notice slow drainage, sewage backup, or foul odors. Understanding its operation will help you identify when there’s a problem. For the most comprehensive septic repairs, contact Honey-Wagon Septic Pumping in Jacksonville, AR. Family-owned and -operated for the past 30 years, they proudly provide the community with the highest-quality septic care. Whether you need residential or commercial services, they offer installation, inspections, cleaning, and repairs to ensure your system is running as it should. Call (501) 988-4747 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website for more information.