Sewage vs septic

Primary treatment
Removes 40-50% of the solids

It starts in the toilet

Then it gets collected in sewer pipes
and arrives at your local waste water treatment facility
next it goes into the grid chamber sand, grit and heavy solids settle to the bottom
Primary Sedimentation Tank
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

the first step is alteration: Microorganisms and oxygen are mixed with the wastewater. Air speeds
the growth of the bacteria which eat the waste matter.
Then secondary sediment: 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
Digester

The purpose of sludge treatment is to destroy the pathogens

Huge tanks in which the sludge is stored to allow it to continue to decompose (15-30 days)

Aerobic digestion (treatment) consists of continuously pumping compressed air into a tank

Anaerobic bacteria present in the waste convert much of the waste materials to carbon dioxide
and methane (natural) gas

Septic Tank

The septic tank is a settling tank where sewage from the house is stored temporarily so that solid
materials settle to the bottom of the tank to form sludge, while grease floats to the top to form a
scum layer.

The scum and sludge must be periodically removed from the septic tank by simply pumping them
out.

Drainfield

The absorption field is frequently a network of drain lines (pipes with holes in them) that carry
wastewater from the septic tank and apply it to the soil.

The size of the absorption field varies from site to site, but most are small enough to fit in a
backyard and cover and area between 400 and 800 ft 2.

Suitable soil

Although effluent can be applied to the surface of any soil, not all soils are able to absorb and
purify wastewater.

Soils that can be used for waste disposal are permeable, deep, well drained (not waterlogged) and
are not on a steep slope.

In N. C., state law requires that all soils pass an inspection before a septic system is installed on
any property.
Does and donts septic maintenance

Do:

Inspect your tank for signs of sludge buildup.

Pump your tank every 2-3 years.

Keep a grease can handy.

Protect your system from vehicles and encroaching trees and shrubs.

Don't:

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.