Septic Tanks Are Back In! Here’s What You Need to Know About How They Work

What Is a Septic Tank Used For?

What Does a Septic Tank Do?

The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as scum.

How Much Is a Septic System?

If you are considering putting in a septic system, the cost ranges from $3,600 to $10,000 with an average cost for septic tank installation is $6,300. Although less common for average homeowners, specialized systems on the high end may cost upwards of $20,000.

Eco Friendly Septic Tank Design

The size of the septic tank should be based on the number of people using it and their daily water usage. An appropriately sized tank can minimize the need for frequent pumping and reduce the amount of waste that enters the drain field.

Septic Tank

A septic tank is an underground chamber designed to treat wastewater from homes or buildings that are not connected to a public sewer system. It is a key component of a septic system, which typically includes pipes that carry wastewater from the building to the tank, a distribution box, and a drain field or leach field.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

A septic tank is an underground system that is designed to treat and dispose of household wastewater. The tank is typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic and is buried in the ground near the home. Here is how a septic tank works:

1. Wastewater from the home flows into the septic tank through a pipe.
2. The wastewater separates into three layers inside the tank. The top layer is scum, which is made up of oils, fats, and grease. The middle layer is liquid waste or effluent, and the bottom layer is solids or sludge.

How to Build a Septic Tank in India?

1. Determine the size and location of the septic tank: The size of the septic tank will depend on the number of bedrooms in the house and the estimated water usage. The septic tank should be located at least 5 meters away from the house and any water source.
2. Excavate the site: Dig a hole in the ground for the septic tank. The depth of the hole will depend on the size of the tank. A typical septic tank in India is around 1.5 to 2 meters deep.
3. Build the septic tank: The septic tank can be made of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. Concrete is the most commonly used material in India. The walls of the septic tank should be at least 10 cm thick.
4. Install inlet and outlet pipes: The inlet pipe should be connected to the main sewer line from the house. The outlet pipe should be connected to the drainfield.

Septic Tank Design 3 Chambers

1. Inlet Chamber: The first chamber is the inlet chamber, where wastewater enters the septic tank through the inlet pipe. This chamber is designed to separate solids and liquids.
2. Middle Chamber: The middle chamber is where the liquid waste (effluent) is further treated. The effluent flows through an opening in the dividing wall between the first and second chambers.
3. Third Chamber: The third chamber is the final stage of treatment. It is where any remaining solids and scum are further broken down and treated by bacteria. The effluent is then discharged into the drainfield or leachfield.

Septic Tank for Apartments

In general, a septic tank for an apartment building will need to be larger than one for a single-family home because it will be handling more wastewater. The size of the septic tank will need to be determined based on the estimated daily water usage of the building. It is also important to consider the soil type and site conditions where the septic tank will be installed.

Septic Tank Construction Step by Step

1. Obtain necessary permits: Check with your local health department or other relevant agencies to obtain any necessary permits and ensure that you comply with local regulations.
2. Plan the design: Determine the size and location of the septic tank based on the number of bedrooms in your home and the soil type. A professional engineer or contractor can assist you in this process.
3. Excavate the site: The excavation process will involve removing the topsoil and digging a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the septic tank.
4. Install the inlet and outlet pipes: The inlet pipe should be placed in a position that allows for proper flow of wastewater into the tank. The outlet pipe should be positioned so that it connects to the drain field.

Details of Septic Tank

A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system that is commonly used in areas that do not have access to a centralized sewer system. It consists of a large tank that is designed to hold and treat household wastewater, including sewage, greywater, and other organic matter.

Septic Tank Section

A septic tank section is a vertical cutaway view of a septic tank, showing the internal components and layers of the tank.

Eco Friendly Septic Tank Design

Designing an eco-friendly septic tank can help reduce the environmental impact of human waste disposal. Here are some design considerations for an eco-friendly septic tank:

1. Size: The size of the septic tank should be determined based on the number of people using it, and the daily water usage. A larger tank may be needed for larger households or high water usage.
2. Location: The septic tank should be located away from wells, streams, or other water sources to prevent contamination. It should also be accessible for regular maintenance and pumping.