what is a mechanical septic system, why would one need one and how does it work?

3 ANSWERS

1. amomipais82
   

   Hi There,
   Septic care is important for health, safety, and to avoid unnecessary and large expenses that occur when a poorly-cared-for septic system fails. This article offers a good explanation of what septic systems are, how they work, and why they fail.
   
   We include links to companion articles which provide details of septic system care such as septic tank pumping, what not to flush down a toilet, and what you can and cannot plant over a septic leach field. The original was contributed by Lockwood, Dietershagen Associates Licensed Professional Engineers, Clifton Park, NY.
   
   This article was prepared for a continuing training session of the ASHI Capital District Chapter (Albany NY area). Edits and additions to the original article have been made by DJF. Comments and suggestions for content are welcome. Readers of this page should also see The Septic Information Website.
   
   © Copyright 2009 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
   What are Septic Systems?
   
   Septic systems are considered to be on-site systems designed to safely dispose of biological sanitary waste. "Gray water", such as laundry waste, is part of the waste system, but it may not result in what is referred to as "biological" waste. We will address "gray water" waste as it impacts the design of a septic system.
   How do Septic Systems Work?
   
   Basically a septic system provides a "holding Tank" where natural bacterial action decomposes human waste products into environmentally acceptable components - the major end-components being water, mixed with some other components that are not readily consumed by the bacterial action, gases, and undigested solids. The end products, except the undigested solids, are then discharged to the on-site environment.
   What are the Components of a Private Septic System?
   
   The things that are most obvious are the things seen every day - the sinks, toilets, and pipes in a normal house. What are not visible are the things that are underground; the things that are underground, and the ground itself, greatly impact how a septic system works.
   
   The individual parts of the system are the septic tank, a distribution box, and a leach field. Bacterial action takes place in the septic tank where the end products are mainly water, gases, and undigested material, called sludge that sinks to the bottom of the tank and scum that floats to the top of the tank.
   
   The septic tank contains baffles that prevent any scum that floats to the surface and sludge that settles to the bottom from passing out of the tank. The gases that are generated vent to the atmosphere via the plumbing vent system. From the septic tank, the segregated and relatively clear liquid flows into a small distribution box where it is then metered out to several perforated pipes.
   
   These perforated pipes then deliver the liquid to a large soil surface area, called a leach field, or absorption field, for absorption.
   
   The soil also acts as a filter to remove any small amounts of solids that may be carried along with the liquid. The sludge in the bottom of the tank must be periodically pumped out and properly disposed of.
   
   There are other kinds of systems for special situations, but the septic tank and leach field is the most widely used system in many areas. The following discussion concentrates on this type of system.
   
   Hope it helps

   Report (0) (0)  |   12 years, 8 month(s) ago  

2. Guest5886
   

   Thanks for the info but how does a septic system differ from a mechanical septic.  I cannot find another one in the neighborhood with the covered constantly running water tank in the year and another covered constantly running pump near by.  What's that all about?

   Report (0) (0)  |   12 years, 8 month(s) ago  

3. Guest4290
   

   how would i know if a house has a mechanical septic system

   Report (5) (1)  |   12 years, 8 month(s) ago