Your septic system will look similar to this:
(Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment)
Everything you flush or wash down the drain enters the tank through the inlet pipe pictured on the left. Most tanks have two chambers: the primary (closes to the house) and secondary sides. Some older tanks may consist of only a single chamber.
When the waste enters your tank, the solids (things like toilet paper and organic solids) sink to the bottom where bacteria in the tank assist in breaking down those solids into sludge. Any grease and soap scum float to the top, while liquids remain in the middle and slowly flow into the secondary side of the tank. From there, the effluent (liquids) flow through the baffle and into the weeping field or weeping tile.
The weeping tile is a network of perforated pipes under your lawn. It allows the effluent to slowly seep away into the ground. They come in many configurations. Yours may vary from the diagram above.
Effluent seeps away through the weeping field, while sludge and grease are left to build up in your septic tank. Eventually these solids will need to be pumped out of your tank, otherwise they will continue to build and cause problems. Excessive amounts of sludge lead to septic system malfunction including blockages leading to back up into the house, and over flowing of the tank. Solids that enter the weeping field contribute to septic system failure by plugging your weeping field and preventing effluent from being absorbed by the ground.
Your septic system should be maintained with a regular routine of pumping the tank of sludge, along with an inspection to inform you of the condition of your system. Most families will require septic tank pumping every two or three years. This is only a general guideline that will vary depending on your family's usage, the size of your tank, and the condition of your system.
Regular septic tank pumping (combined with caution surrounding what is allowed into your tank) will keep your septic system running well for years to come.
