HOW A SEPTIC SYSTEM WORKS
The typical septic tank creates a relatively undisturbed, anaerobic environment (which means there is little, if any, oxygen dissolved in the water) where heavier solids sink to the bottom, lighter fats, oils and greases rise to the top, and grey water is suspended between them.
Anaerobic bacteria works within a typical system to slowly break down the solid waste and allow relatively “clean" grey water to filter into a drain field.
The typical system is designed to hold wastewater in the septic tank for about 24 hours before it moves on to the drain field, which is why excessive water use (like doing the entire family’s laundry in one day) can overload the septic tank and have devastating effects on your drain field.
This system also requires a relatively large swath of cleared property for the drain field, where the second phase of water treatment occurs.
Biomat in the drain field
1
What is biomat?
Biomat is composed of organic waste and anaerobic micro-organisms (organisms that don't require high levels of oxygen). The biomat forms in the soil where septic wastewater is discharged into the drain field, first along the trench bottom, and up
along the trench walls.
2
How does biomat build up?
Biomat coated soil and gravel is less permeable than fresh soil and gravel. Eventually the water flow rate becomes higher than the soil
absorption rate because of the buildup of the biomat layer. This buildup will eventually cause the wastewater to "breakout" to the surface into pools of water that have a terrible odour. This could take place in various spots around the drain field or at the end of the drain field.
3
Could this happen to my septic system?
Short answer, "Yes!" This process could take anywhere from 10-60 years to take place depending upon:
#1 Water usage. The more water used the less retention time in the septic tank and the quicker the biomat builds up.
#2 Soil type. The denser the soil the quicker the biomat build up.
#3 Septic tank maintenance. Poorly timed clean-outs can cause solids to pass through to the drain field.
What a failing drain field looks like
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