Though it’s a critical component to your home, you probably don’t know much about your septic system. As long as your septic tank is working smoothly and you call in the professionals to do routine inspections, you usually don’t need to know a whole lot about how it operates. But the professionals at Martin’s Septic Service in Milledgeville, GA, say understanding the basic components of your septic system can help you know when it’s time for repairs.

The 4 Different Components of a Septic System

1. The Pipe

The main purpose of your septic system is to dispose of all your household’s waste in a safe way. To do this, there must be a way for all of that waste and water to leave your home and enter your septic tank. The plumbing throughout your home is connected to a single pipe that collects all the waste and transports it to the septic tank.

2. Septic Tank

The septic tank is where the waste collects and begins its decomposition process. Usually, the tank is made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene and is buried underneath your lawn. It holds the waste and water from your house just long enough for the solids to settle and the other particles to begin to decompose.

3. Leach Fields & Drain Fields

Once the waste and water are ready to leave the septic tank, they travel through a T-shaped outlet and into an area known as the leach field or drain field for further treatment. Leach fields and drain fields consist of perforated pipes that allow the treated waste to seep out.  

4. Soil

After the waste and water are treated, they will be absorbed by whatever is surrounding the leach field or drain field. This can be any combination of septic rock, gravel, or soil and helps with the final treatment of the waste by removing any bacteria, viruses, or nutrients that are left.

Now that you know about the intricacies of your septic system, take a moment to think about the last time you had it drained. To keep everything running smoothly, you should have your septic tank drained at least every four years. If it’s been a while, call the professionals at Martin’s Septic Service today at (478) 452-8272, or visit them online for more information.