SEPTIC VAULT DETAILS

Figure 2: Brief explanation.

Cistern - is basically a water reservoir of any kind which is used to accumulate and store water for future
use. Cisterns are usually constructed close to the building which will use their water, sometimes even
inside it.

P-trap - is a plumbing fixture that has several purposes. It traps debris that has drained from the sink
and prevents it from forming a clog deep within the plumbing system, and to stops sewer gases from
passing into the home. P-traps can be made from PVC pipe or steel, the latter is often used for exposed
plumbing as it looks more attractive.

Terminal Air Vent - helps regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system. Removes gas and odors.

Septic Tank - Waste will pass thru the inlet and go to the first compartment (Digestion Chamber) of the
tank where the heavy solid settled and form sludge and the lighter materials such as fats, oils and
greases float to the top as scum. Baffles and septic tank filters keep this scum layer from floating out to
the leeching bed the scum is removed when the tank is pumped out during maintenance through
secured access (manholes), a small amount of fine organic particles may settle in the second
compartment (Leeching Well) of the tank where almost all of what's left breaks down, effluent filter is
required to trap and help decompose any remaining particles before they pass thru the outlet and get to
the leaching bed or drainfield.

Flout Chamber helps regulate and pump the water to out to the sand trench or drainfield.

Sand Trench - is where the dispersed effluent liquid seep into, where the bacteria and other organisms
continue to break it down and where it is further filtered by the stone and sand that surround it.

Figure 3: Configuration of a Septic Tank

Minimum Width = 0.90 meters

Minimum Length = 1.50 meters

Minimum Depth = 1.20 meters

Examples:

Single-Chamber Septic Tank

In a single-chamber tank, everything happens in just one tank. But eventually, the sludge builds
up and takes up a lot of room, making it harder for any more wastewater to enter the tank. When that
happens, you will need to have the tank pumped out so that you will have room in the tank for more
wastewater.
Double-Chamber Septic Tank

A double-chamber tank mostly works in the same way as a single tank does. It has the benefit of
being able to hold more wastewater before it will need to be pumped. The water will also be cleaner
when it goes into the leech field, meaning it will purify quicker.

Three Chamber Septic Tank

Septic tanks are built with three chambers which helps achieve remarkably better results
compared to two-chamber tanks. The outlet water is noticeably cleaner.