Slide 1

Water And Wastewater Engineering: Septic Tank

Introduction A septic tank is a key component of the septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.

Purpose

is to separate solids from the wastewater, store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, while allowing the liquid (or effluent) to go to the drainfield.

What In The Septic TankSludgeSludge is a semi-solid slurry and can be produced as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment processes or as a settled suspension obtained from conventional drinking water treatment and numerous other industrial processes. ScumAs sludge is settling to the bottom of the sedimentation tanks, lighter materials are floating to the surface. This 'scum' includes grease, oils, plastics, and soap. Slow-moving rakes skim the scum off the surface of the wastewater. Scum is thickened and pumped to the digesters along with the sludge.

Potential ProblemLike any system, a septic system requires maintenance. Although septic systems generally require less maintenance than communally connected sewage systems, the maintenance of a septic system is often the responsibility of the resident or property owner.

How It Work