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What Is A Septic System and Why Do You Need It?
Close to 7.5 million Florida residents rely on the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDs), also known as septic systems, for wastewater management.
A septic system is a series of components that treat wastewater in rural or semi-urban areas that are unconnected to the public sewer system.
Wastewater from buildings is collected through pipes and enters a septic tank. Solids deposit at the base (called sludge) while liquids (called effluents) are released into the soil via a drain field. The bacteria present in the drain field help to break down the contaminating nutrients in the effluents further.
Now the clean water trickles into the groundwater system, eventually reaching nearby lakes, rivers, or springs. The sludge is pumped out every 4-5 years and other components are cleaned at the time. Both commercial and residential property owners need to maintain the septic systems on their property and ensure that it is compliant with local laws.
A septic system safely disposes of all household/commercial wastewater, protecting the watershed.
Untreated wastewater will contaminate groundwater, lakes, rivers, and springs.
It is the most cost-effective solution if there is no access to the public sewer system.
A well-maintained septic system adds value to your property.
Parts of a Septic System
The key parts of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system are as follows:
Drain pipes
Septic tank
Header
Drain field
How Different Types of Septic Tanks Work
There are 2 main types of septic systems. They are the conventional septic systems and the advanced septic system, a.k.a. engineered septic system.
Advanced septic system, a.k.a. engineered septic system
An advanced septic system, also known as an engineered septic system, offers improvements in wastewater treatment where there are space limitations, shallow/impermeable soil, or sensitive environmental conditions, as in Florida.
Like conventional systems, the treatment process starts by collecting wastewater into a septic tank. However, instead of sending effluent directly to the drain field, advanced systems use an additional treatment unit. Media filters or ATUs (Aerobic treatment units) are used to further treat the wastewater.
The advanced septic system reduces concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, pathogens, and sometimes nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The treatment may involve oxygenation, filtration, or disinfection processes, depending on the system.
After treatment, the cleaner effluent is safely discharged, either into the soil or a nearby drain field. These advanced systems are ideal in regions with strict environmental regulations, like Florida, or where conventional drain fields can’t be used.
Conventional septic systems
A conventional septic system is a widely used method for treating household wastewater in Florida. Wastewater flows through the main drainage pipe into a septic tank. Inside the tank, solids settle at the bottom as sludge, while fats and oils float to the top to form scum, and liquids float in the middle.
Anaerobic bacteria present in the tank break down the organic pollutants. Liquid effluent then exits through the effluent filter, which traps more floating particles, and travels to the drain field. It is released here via perforated underground pipes. These pipes allow the wastewater to seep into a sand and gravel layer and slowly percolate through the soil.
In the soil, aerobic bacteria further purify the wastewater by removing the remaining contaminants, including bacteria and harmful nutrients. The treated water then returns to the groundwater system. This natural filtration process is highly effective for homes with suitable soil conditions, sufficient space for a drain field, and no connection to public sewer systems.
Drain Pipe
All household drain pipes converge into a main drain pipe that channels the wastewater to the septic tank. Wastewater from the toilet is called blackwater and wastewater from showers, sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers and washing machines are called greywater.
Septic Tank
A septic tank is an underground watertight container that collects A septic tank is an underground watertight container that collects the wastewater. Common septic tank materials are polyethylene, concrete, fiberglass and steel. A septic tank may consist of baffles, baffle walls, risers, effluent filters, and other anaerobic treatment facilities.
- A baffle device directs wastewater downwards to prevent surface scum from blocking the inlet pipe. It reduces any agitation of the water in the septic tank, ensuring heavier solids settle at the bottom.
- Baffle walls divide the septic tank into separate chambers. They have an opening to allow effluents through. Septic tanks may come with 1 or more baffle walls, depending on the type. A baffle wall stops the sludge and scum from entering into the second chamber allowing only the liquid effluents to pass through.
- Scum refers to floatsam, such as oils, grease, and fats that float to the surface.
- Effluent filters are cylindrical devices attached to the outlet baffle that trap floating particles, preventing them from clogging the exit pipe. They are now mandated in some counties.
- Access ports are the point of entry to the septic system, allowing professionals to pump out the tank and clean the effluent filters. They are typically found above the inlet and outlet baffles.
- In case the access ports are below the ground, risers (shafts) add some height so you do not have to dig around to find the access ports.
- A septic tank vent allows the escape of toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, released by the anaerobic bacteria breaking down the wastewater. These gases must be removed, otherwise, pressure builds up in the septic tank. Rooftop ventilation or an opening on the top of the septic tank lid or special pipes to the drain field can help remove these gases.
Header pipe
The header pipe or distribution box connects the septic tank to the drain field. It creates an even flow of effluent waste across the multiple pipes onto the drain field.
Drain field
A drain field or leach field is a network of pipes with perforations that allow the effluent to drip out onto a 2-inch bed of gravel topping the local soil. When wastewater reaches the soil, bacteria break down the contaminants, cleaning them further. Nowadays, secondary treatment systems like biofilters, media filters or ATUs (Aerobic treatment units) can also be installed for a second round of treatment before discharging the effluents. These may come with effluent pumps depending on the site topography.
Drain Field Dos and Don’ts
Only plant grass over and near your entire septic system.
Alternate drain field flow yearly from the header pipe using the diverter.
Don’t plant trees or shrubs since their roots may damage the drain field.
Don’t drive vehicles or park over the drain field, as it can damage pipes or other components.
Try to avoid rainwater or roof drains from pooling in the drain field, since it slows or stops the natural breakdown process by soil bacteria.
Don’t cover any part of the drain field unless you have the required permit.
Don’t dig around the drain field.
Septic Tank Do's & Don'ts
Regularly pump out your septic tanks every 2 to 3 years by a state-licensed septage disposal service.
Systems with filters need maintenance every 6 months.
Inspect systems like electrical float switches, pumps, aerators, or mechanical components frequently.
Fix leaky faucets and toilets. Conserve water so there’s less load on the septic system. There are several water conservation tips you could follow.
Choose biodegradable detergents and cleaning products.
If you have ATUs or performance-based treatment systems, follow all maintenance requirements.
Do keep a copy of the site plan of your property to easily locate the septic tank and its components.
Schedule septic tank maintenance more frequently if you have and use a garbage disposal.
Don’t flush cloggers like dental floss, tampons, wet wipes, hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, etc.
Don’t flush water contaminants like household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint.
Don’t build anything, not even a wall within 10 feet of the entire system.
Don’t use a garbage disposal or try to limit its use.
Don’t let backwash from water softeners enter the septic system. They have to be discharged at least 15 feet away from the entire septic system.
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