Yes, they can. Septic systems comprise of two basic components – the tank and the disposal area. Each one has a specific function in the treatment of residential wastewater that comes from bathing, kitchen wastes, laundry, and body wastes. This fairly simple method of treating wastewater can efficiently remove chemical nutrients and disease-causing pathogens from wastewater for the life of homes if septic systems are properly designed, installed, operated and maintained.
Retention time in the tank is short, during which sludge, scum and liquid effluent is broken down. Solid matter will settle on the bottom (sludge), while buoyant matter, fats, grease, hair, etc. (scum), float to the top. In between these 2 layers is liquid effluent which goes to the drain field (disposal area).
Solids in the tank are digested, and then converted to gases by bacterial microorganisms. It is these bacteria that need to be in a green environment in order to function and do their job effectively. This is where you, the homeowner, can play a big part in helping them stay happy and healthy, by ensuring the following:
- Don’t pour any chemical toxins down the drains (they can kill the good bacteria).
- Don’t pour anything that is not biodegradable down the drains or flushed down toilets.
- Use a garbage disposal very sparingly (preferably, not at all).
- Keep water-softener backwash out of septic systems.
At Southern Water and Soil, we have more than 30 years’ combined experience in designing, engineering, installation, permitting and maintenance of septic systems. We provide the Tampa area with wastewater and septic services, and the whole of Florida with septic engineering services.