What's Inside the Septic Tank?

Have you stuck your head inside your septic tank to see what it looked like inside? I sure hope not... EWWWW! Let me paint you a picture and save you the agony of not being able to breathe for a couple hours!

ONE COMPARTMENT TANKS - (Older Style)

This is  what a basic one compartment septic tank looks like. There are three openings on the top of the septic tank. A 18-24" manhole cover... don't let the name fool you.. we don't want a man getting in this thing! This is where the tank will be pumped from! Both the inlet and outlet inspection port caps are also openings to the top of the tank. These are designed to be able to check the condition of your pipes coming in to and out of the septic tank. In extreme cases, if the septic tank "manhole" is covered, you can pump from these ports as well.

                TWO COMPARTMENT TANKS - (Newer Style)

This is what a basic two compartment septic tank looks like.  This tank is a little different from the first. This tank includes a center wall. This wall is design to keep more of the sludge as far away from the outlet sewerline pipe as possible. Why? Because when sludge enters into your outlet line, you can find yourself in a heck of a mess with your disposal field. This tank is designed to help your system last even longer. The openings on the tops of these tanks also very slightly. Two compartment tanks have two 18-24" manhole covers and one center inspection port to check the condition of the interior baffle.

Regardless of the tank style, the septic tank will develop three organic layers. Scum which floats upon the Liquid layer and Sludge which sinks to the bottom of the tank. 

Pumping your septic tank and regular maintenance with Septic Medic is the key to a long-living septic tank! When we pump your septic tank, we pump the entire contents of the tank (minus a small amount of sludge in the bottom, which is important to continue your tank bacteria colony... that's a whole 'nother blog post). We don't just suck the water out! We get out the crap "literally" and help your system last as long as possible! Having a septic issue or in need of this ever-important maintenance pump??? Give us a call at 480-306-3841 or visit us online at www.septicmedicaz.com to schedule an appointment!