Homes and businesses that aren’t connected to a municipal sewer line are usually set up with septic systems. Modern septic systems include a septic tank, a drain field, pipes, filters, baffles and other components that all work in harmony to handle and process waste from toilets and drains.
Lakeland Septic Company has been installing and servicing septic systems throughout the Lakeland, FL, region for more than 15 years. We’d like to give you an overview of how septic systems work and how you can keep yours working better and longer.
From the Home to the Tank
When you’re connected to a septic system, all your home’s drains will be directed to a stub that extends from the house and feeds the septic tank. Once inside that tank, the effluent (solids and liquids) is attacked by good bacteria and broken down. This is a good process, except that bacteria secrete sludge, which will build up over time.
From the Tank to the Drain Field
Liquids and solids are separated in the septic tank, and then the liquid is sent to a drain field. In the drain field, liquids are processed and sent into the local soil.
Special Septic System Components
Lift station: A lift station, also called a lift station pump, is designed to force sewage from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. Depending on the slope of a property, a lift station may be needed to help sewage move into and through the septic system.
Baffles: Modern septic tanks usually include two baffles. Inlet baffles regulate the flow of incoming effluent, allowing particles and scum to descend to the base of the tank. Exit baffles help keep solids from escaping the tank and moving to the drain field.
Filters: In most recently built systems, filters add another layer of protection for the drain field by blocking the escape of solids.
