Why Some Septic Systems Require a Pump

We did a blog about how a septic tank works in April of this year. Septic systems are designed to allow waste and sewage to flow from home through an inlet pipe in the tank, then through the outlet pipe to the drain field either by gravity or with the assistance of a pump. A septic pump is not needed if the waste can flow through at a rate of at least two-feet per second with gravity only. 

If the leach field needs to be higher than the septic tank outlet, a pump is needed to get the effluent to the leach field. If a pump is needed for a system a two-compartment tank will be installed. The waste would flow from the house into the larger chamber where the solids settle on the bottom and the liquids would flow into the smaller chamber holding the pump. The pump would them pump them into the leach field.

Septic pumps have an alarm that is wired into the home electrical panel. If for some reason the pump stops working, an alarm would sound letting the home owner know. If the pump is not working the liquids are not being pushed into the leach field and it would need to be repaired so that the system functions properly. The average life expectancy of a septic pump is 10-15 years before needing to be replaced. If you have any questions about your septic system, feel free to call us at 603-432-4840.