If your home isn’t connected to the main sewage system, you most likely have a septic system. To put it as simply as possible, the septic system functions as a transfer.
This system transfers sewage from our homes, treats it, and then lets nature take its course. All of the magic takes place in what is known as a septic tank and a drain field.
You may be wondering now if it only takes one tank, then why does my septic system have two tanks? I’ll answer that in a moment, along with whether it’s a good or bad thing.
Why Does My Septic System Have Two Tanks?
There are multiple types of septic systems available in the market. However, a septic system usually consists of one rectangular or cylindrical septic tank divided into two parts. You’ll notice that one of these compartments is larger than the other.
The wastewater is treated further in the smaller compartment to remove any waste solid particles. Alternatively, the larger compartment collects the majority of the sludge. Sludge is a substance made of heavier waste particles found in sewage.
However, you may come across a septic system that has two tanks with lids next to each other. The two tanks function as separate compartments, similar to those found in a divided septic tank.
Whereas, the larger tank holds blackwater, which contains things like flush water, fecal particles, and urine. On the other hand, the smaller tank collects greywater. Greywater is less pathogenic water derived from sinks, washing machines, and showers.
What Are the Benefits of Having Two Septic Tanks?
It’s not a bad thing if you discovered two tanks in your septic system; on the contrary, it’s a good thing.
Improved Waste Particle Treatment
The extra space provided by the dual septic system helps a lot. It facilitates the process of extracting and breaking down solid particles from wastewater.
In return, it provides extra wastewater treatment that is better compared to a single tank. Not to mention that it holds solids more effectively, resulting in a smoother discharge flow.
More Hygienic
Separating blackwater and greywater is more sanitary and safer for the environment. The goal is to reduce the amount of pathogen-infested water.
Additionally, separating both waters facilitates their treatment. As it’s more difficult to process blackwater when it contains a large volume of excess greywater.
When blackwater has enough space to be properly treated, most pathogens decompose before the outflow is discharged into the drain field, making it safer for the environment.
Pumping and Maintenance Are Reduced
Adding that extra treatment to wastewater improves the condition of your septic system. The presence of two tanks decreases the chance of overloading.
In addition to that, it does an excellent job of holding and releasing solids and wastewater. So, you won’t have to pump the tank as frequently as you would with a single tank.
Also, due to the extra space, the possibilities of the tanks overflowing or failing are relatively low. That saves you the frequent calls you make to maintenance.
Does a Septic System Affect Your Health or Water Quality?
If the septic system was properly built, planned, installed, and maintained, it should provide outstanding water treatment.
The idea of a septic system is to limit the danger of pathogen exposure and disease transmission. These issues are caused by pathogenic surface water or drinking polluted water.
On the other hand, if the septic system is not properly planned and built, it can lead to several issues. Some of these issues are as follows:
- Contamination of surface and ground waters by pathogens and nitrates.
- Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the land’s surface waterways
- Increase the rate of algae growth while decreasing the amount of dissolved oxygen inland.
- In coastal areas, harmful pathogens contaminate shellfish beds and beaches.
What Makes a Septic System Fail?
Two of the most common causes of septic system failure are poor planning and lack of maintenance.
Poor Planning
It’s not a good sign if the septic system was constructed in an inadequate location where the soil lacked the necessary features to serve as a drain field. If that happens, it might lead to water contamination in nearby sources.
Additionally, if the dimensions of a septic tank are miscalculated, you’ll face a lot of difficulties, whether it turned out too big or too small.
If it’s too small, you’ll experience frequent blockage, which can lead to overflowing and a bad odor. If it’s too large, it’ll take a long time to fill, slowing the bacteria’s ability to build up and break down the solid waste particles.
Lack of Maintenance
You should follow a maintenance schedule that includes an inspection every two to three years. As well as pumping the tank every three to five years, depending on several factors such as tank size and the number of residents in the household.
If you don’t pump your septic tank when it’s needed, you’ll run into a slew of issues, including the following:
System Damage and Clogging
The tank will keep filling up and no longer be able to handle any more sewage. This is due to sludge and solid particles stacking up and filling the tank’s capacity.
All of these heavy particles will eventually clog the inlet and outlet pipelines. Sludge can build-up to the point where it breaks both pipelines, which are quite expensive to replace.
Drainage Becomes Slow
When the septic system becomes clogged with sewage, waste starts to build up in the drains. Because there is no more space in the tank for wastewater.
As a result, your fixtures will take longer to empty than usual, and at some point, you won’t be able to empty them.
Back-up of Wastewater
You’ll have to deal with sewer backup if your septic tank and drains are both full. These consequences can take the shape of a foul odor coming from your drains and backyard, or water causing damage to your home.
On top of that, water can cause mold growth, and germs from the septic tank could spread throughout your home.
In Short
“Why does my septic system have two tanks?” is no longer a question you should be concerned about. In fact, you should feel relieved now that you know how the dual septic system can be beneficial.
Also, now you understand how important it is to perform regular maintenance and pumping. I hope this helps you avoid or identify the downsides of a septic system.