You would think that here in Southern California a septic tank is something of the past. It is for the most part, but many new septic tank installations and septic tank replacements are still occurring in the outlying areas and many more septic tanks need service from time to time.

The 2 main parts of a septic tank system are the septic tank and the drainage area, either a leach field (drain field) or cesspit. The septic tank is little more than a water tight concrete box separated in the middle developing two distinct clarifying tanks.

Septic Tank: 

1. Reinforced concrete tank buried. Can be made with a drivable surface.
2. Plastic or fiberglass tanks, although easier to install, are not rated for any type of traffic and should not installed anywhere where a vehicle could cross the surface.

Waste water flows from the home into the first chamber of the septic tank. The treatment is merely holding the waste in the tank long enough for the aerobic bacteria to digest the waste and breakdown it down into smaller pieces. Undigested portions fall to the bottom of the septic tank and form a sludge.
The lighter portions of waste such as soap, greases and oils float at the top of the of waste water in the first septic tank chamber and form a scum layer. 
The middle layer of material bearing water in the septic tank is called effluent and this is what passes into the second of the two septic tank chambers. It then waits in the septic tank's second chamber as demand pushes it while anaerobic bacteria continue to breakdown the suspended solids.
Bacteria:

1. Aerobic. Bacteria in the septic tank that is near the aill filled surface.
2. Anaerobic Bacteria. Bacteria in the septic tank that is below the water line and not subject to free air.
3. When on a septic tank you should not use anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners as these can damage the good bacteria in your septic tank and lead to more frequent pumping.

When the effluent (or gray water) leaves the tank it travels to a leach field or cesspit and distributes throughout the soil. The process of cleansing the septic tank waste does not stop. Millions and millions of tiny microbes continue the digesting process breaking down the organic manner.
Leach field:

1. A series of pipes or cavities in the ground that distribute the gray water from the septic tank over a large area.
2. Leach fields for septic tanks can become compacted and fail to work if driven over.

We install new septic tanks, repalcement septic tanks, new leach fields and we rehabilitate existing septic tanks and existing leach fields. Give us a call and find out what we can do for you.

We here at the Empire Family of Services offer first rate on time plumbing and drain repairs. With our highly trained plumbers and our friendly office staff we strive to ensure that your plumbing and drain experience is a fast and painless one.

Our primary focus is your convenience and safety. With two hour service windows 6 days a week, no overtime ever, we can meet you at your home at the appointed time for your home plumbing repair. We will meet your time table for your plumbing service, guaranteed.

1.877.247.6426