6 Roles Of Plumbing In A Septic System
Septic systems, as the name suggests, break down waste and do not require a connection to a sewer or other centralized wastewater system. It is generally acknowledged that there are six roles of plumbing in a septic system.
Distribution System
This includes all piping within the tank boundary and any distribution boxes (pump chambers). The primary function is to deliver waste from the home into the treatment area of the septic system. The secondary function is controlling water levels within that area as this affects aeration and anaerobic/aerobic conditions within the treatment zone.
Aerator
Also known as an effluent pump, it draws untreated liquid out of your septic tank and expels it through your leach field. Most effluent pumps are mounted on the side of your septic tank and have a float-operated switch that activates them once the water reaches a certain level in the tank.
Distribution Box
Also known as a distribution chamber or manifold box, it distributes effluent throughout the leach field and usually contains at least one distribution riser pipe per drain field compartment - making sure that the contained wastewater flows into the soil evenly rather than one concentrated area.
Leach field
The leach field, also known as the absorption system, is where wastewater is drained into the surrounding soil via distribution risers or trenches and moves slowly through perforated pipes to eventually seep back up to the surface in springs.
Inspection Chamber
Also known as a cleanout or access chamber, this is a sealed container usually located within the septic tank or immediately downstream from it. In some cases, inspection chambers are not used and the leach field pipe serves as both. An inspection chamber provides means to inspect and/or clean the system without digging up your yard.
Drain Field
Sand, gravel, and pea gravel are common materials used for septic drain fields due to their superior drainage properties compared to regular topsoil. It is not recommended that you plant grass over your drain field due to its inability to retain water — instead opting for plants that can grow in drier conditions (i.e. ornamental shrubs).
In conclusion, the role of plumbing in a septic system is to create space for wastewater to travel through percolation beds until it is sufficiently treated. This includes the distribution system, leach field, inspection chambers, and drain fields. To learn more about septic systems, contact a plumbing company near you.
For more information on plumbing in regards to septic systems, contact a professional near you.