If you live in a rural area without access to a municipal sewer system, you may rely on a septic tank to manage your waste. These personal wastewater treatment plants are economical and eco-friendly. While they require occasional pumping and cleaning, they’re also easy to maintain. If you use a septic tank or you’re considering having one installed, you may have some questions as to how it works.

The team at Gecko Enterprises on Oahu explains how the septic system works with your home’s plumbing to treat sewage and wastewater. Every system contains three main parts: 

• Septic Tank Line: The septic line is comprised of pipes connected directly to the pipes in your home plumbing system. Whenever you flush the toilet or turn on the faucet, the water travels down the drain and into the septic tank line. These pipes are angled down and away from the house, which allows gravity to pull the water down into the tank. 
• Septic Tank: The watertight tank, usually made of fiberglass or concrete, is situated underground. When waste enters the tank, it’s held there while natural bacteria break it down. The waste forms three layers: solids sink to the bottom, liquids stay in the middle, and a layer of sludge floats to the top. Once sewage is decomposed, the effluent drains into the drain field. 
• Drainfield: The drain field, or leach field, is made of porous material, like gravel, and covered with soil. When effluent enters the field, it’s filtered and cleansed of impurities. Once the water is decontaminated, it merges with the groundwater. If water doesn’t soak into the soil properly, sewage can back up, causing the system to fail. 

Understanding your septic tank is essential to keeping it in good working order. To prevent system failure and preserve your health, make sure your septic system is pumped every three to seven years, depending on the size of the tank and frequency of use. For septic tank installation and maintenance on Oahu, contact Gecko Enterprises by calling (808) 637-3240 or visit the website.