The majority of people don’t think about the waste their household generates. Once it goes down the sewer pipe it really is a matter of ‘out of sight out of mind.’

Of course, when something goes wrong you suddenly become aware of the system and need to know more about how it works. Understanding how sewage treatment works is essential to improving the way you dispose of waste.

Blocked pipes are often caused by putting the wrong thing down your toilet and will necessitate looking for a sewer camera for sale to inspect the blockage and clear it, without damaging the pipes.

There are many reasons for a blocked sewer pipe but they all lead to one issue, sewage potentially backing up into your home. That’s not something that any homeowner wants to deal with. It’s much better to understand the process and prevent issues from occurring.

It’s not just your sewer pipe that can encounter problems when you put the wrong thing down it, it can actually affect the ability of the sewage treatment plant to work properly.

Whether you’re able to use the main sewer line or have your own treatment plant, the process is the same.

The wastewater and solids enter the system from one side. On this side of the tank the liquid and stay, allowing the solids to drop to the bottom. The wastewater can then move from the initial chamber to the secondary chamber. 

The exact process in the secondary chamber will vary according to the design. In essence friendly bacteria are encouraged by the use of an air pump. Oxygen allows the friendly bacteria to live and this encourages the breakdown of small waste particles, effectively purifying the water. This is why it is so important that only certain materials go into the sewer pipes, anything that can’t be broken down by the bacteria will cause blockages and possible damage the system.

The water can then leave the waste chamber and be allowed to enter a soakaway or ditch. At this stage the water is 95% pure.  From here it will join the water cycle in the customary manner, flowing toward reservoirs and being processed again at the water treatment plant.

The water treatment plant uses large filters to remove debris that has been collected in the reservoir or picked up by the water as it travels toward the reservoir. 

Once it has gone through the filter chlorine will be added to the water, this is effective at killing all the bacteria in the water. Fluoride is also added to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones.

The water is then tested to ensure it complies with the government standards, before it can be sent down the water pipes to your home.

At this point it is ready to start the cycle again. 

It’s worth noting that the addition of chemicals to treat the water is still contentious. If you’re not happy with chemicals being added to your water you can remove them by using a water filter at your home.

The aim of sewage treatment is to ensure water is reused effectively and efficiently. It is a precious resource and needs to be looked after.