If you have your own private septic system, the first stop for the wastewater leaving you home is (and should be) the septic tank. The goal of the septic tank is to provide an area for your waste to begin its breakdown/disposal process. This chamber is usually constructed of concrete or plastic (really old tanks are metal) and its goal is to separate the waste into three layers: scum, effluent, and solids/sludge.
A typical septic tank is an anaerobic area, meaning there is a lack of oxygen so that the natural bacteria can “digest”/breakdown the waste in the tank. These microorganisms are quite important in the function of the system and are working to breakdown the material so that the wastewater leaving the tank (the effluent layer) is cleaner than when it entered the tank; this creates less work for the leach field/effluent disposal area. This does not mean that a septic tank should go without regular maintenance (which on average is every two to three years), it just means that there are natural processes going on inside the chamber in between pumpings/cleanings.
The septic tank looks unthreatening but accidental falls into septic tanks are sadly more common than one might think. After listening to a heartbreaking Podcast called “Septic” (find it here: Septic Podcast), we feel it’s important to bring awareness to understanding the dangers the septic tank presents. The only people entering a septic tank should be confined space certified professionals who know what actions to take (not to mention what equipment to use/wear) while inside the tank… so when an unprepared human (adult or child) falls into a tank, the risk of fatality is high.
Understanding where your septic tank is and what the accesses are (meaning, are the lids to the surface or buried) are important first steps. When you’re ready to schedule a tank cleaning, don’t remove the cover–leave that to the professionals! The septic tank cover should not be easy to remove and the majority of the incidents of people falling into tanks are due to a broken, unsecured, or easy to remove cover. If you find that your septic tank, tank covers, or area around the tank seems to be unsafe, barricade the area and contact your local professional immediately for a remedy–it could safe a life.