Sewage vs septic notes

What is sewage treatment?

Starts in the toilet and sinks, collects in sewer pipes, and arrives at your local waste
water treatment facility.
Primary treatment> removes 40- 50% of the solids.
Removal of solids> chunks of debris, sticks, sand, etc get caught on the bar
screens as the sewage enters the plant. Then it goes into a grit chamber. Sand, grit,
and heavy solids settle at the bottom. Primary sedimentation tank is up next,
smaller particles settle; scrapers collect the solid matter plus scum or grease
floating on top of the tank.
Secondary treatment> 85-90% of pollutants are removed. Step 1> aeration
microorganisms and oxygen are mixed with the wastewater. Air speeds the growth
of the bacteria which eat the waste matter. Followed by secondary sedimentation>
solids clump together (activated sludge) and settle out for reuse in the aeration
tanks. Chlorine added as a disinfectant before the wastewater leaves the plant to
kill disease causing organisms. (UV light also kill bacteria).
Septic systems
1. Your poo goes to your backyard. Manhole
2. Goes through non- perforated pipe then goes through other pipes.
Dos and donts
Do:
Inspect tank for signs of sludge buildup
Pump tank every 2-3 years
Keep grease can handy
Protect your system from vehicles and encroaching trees and shrubs
Install water saving devices to conserve water
Use non-toxic cleaning products such as baking soda to clean toilets, or
boiling water to help clear clogged drains.
Dont:
use a garbage disposal - it adds 50 % more solids to your system.
pour automotive oil, cooking oil, grease or paint or paint thinner down the
drain.
drive vehicles over the septic system/fields.
plant bushes or trees over the leach field.
use too much water, especially during rainy, wet seasons when the ground is
saturated.
use drain cleaners and other toxic chemical products.
use chemical or biological septic system cleaners which can plug up leach
fields and ruin your system.