Expert Septic Tank Installers in Easton, PA

This is the simplest type of subsurface wastewater treatment and disposal system. A cesspool is common for homes built prior to 1930. The system consists of a pit that has been constructed out of field stone or concrete block. Sewage enters the pit through the building sewer. The liquid level in the pit rises while wastewater is added. The liquid level drops it seeps out of the cesspool and into the surrounding soil.

Septic systems that have been designed in accordance with the NJAC 7:9A regulations provide at least 4 feet of unsaturated soil that will treat the septic tank effluent to the point where the effluent is clean enough to enter the ground water. Rainfall and melting snow can percolate into the ground and further dilute the effluent. Septic systems are normally located at least 100 feet from wells to provide a factor of safety and ensure that the well water remains clean and potable. Normally a water well draws water from a deep aquifer that is vertically separated from the ground water into which the septic system discharges. If this is not possible the well can be cased (lined with a solid pipe) to 100 feet to provide the proper separation.

A baffle is an internal component of the septic tank. An inlet baffle directs all sewage towards the bottom of the tank. An outlet baffle prevents floating scum and grease from escaping the septic tank and accumulating in the disposal field.

A septic system is designed to treat domestic sewage generated through routine wastewater producing activities (i.e. bathing, dishwashing, toilets use, etc.). Do not dispose of harsh chemicals such as pesticides, paint and paint cleaners, solvents, degreasers, etc. in the septic system. The liquid fraction of the wastewater is discharged into the ground. Some organic chemicals will flow untreated through the septic tank and the soil, thus contaminating the underlying groundwater. Do not dispose of condoms, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes or other solid wastes in a septic system. These solids are not digestible and reduce the capacity of the septic tank.

The primary function of the septic tank is to separate liquids from solids. Solids are retained in the tank after settling. Digestion of the solids occurs over time; however, the rate of solids accumulation exceeds the rate of solids digestion. Additionally, not all of the solids are digestible. Therefore, the solids level does rise over several years. A septic tank must be pumped periodically to prevent the solids level from reaching the outlet baffle where they are carried over to the disposal field.