How Your Septic System Works Together With Nature

June 13, 2019

Septic System — Meridian, MS — Roto-Rooter Plumbers

Municipal water treatment plants often use chemicals, machinery, and a lot of energy to treat wastewater. Yet a typical gravity-fed septic system can do it with no chemicals, no electricity, and very minimal upkeep. It does this by leveraging the power of nature to treat your home's wastewater.

Here's how your septic system processes water by working together with nature.

Using Gravity to Drain and Separate Wastewater

Traditional septic systems are placed so that the leach field is lower in elevation than the septic tank, which in turn is lower in elevation than your home itself. This allows water to flow in a downhill trajectory, in essence using gravity and the water's own weight to draw it through the system.

Some systems may need to use a pump to move wastewater; however, whenever the terrain allows it, a gravity-fed system is typically preferred.

Another way the septic system uses gravity is by collecting the wastewater in a large tank and then allowing it to settle until the solids separate out from the liquids. This settling allows the tank to then mechanically separate the liquids to send them off to the leach field.

Using Microbes to Treat Wastewater

The microbes inside your septic tank are indispensable for the system's wastewater treatment process. However, many people misunderstand the process. One thing you should know is that the sewage traveling into the tank carries plenty of bacteria and other microbes, with no supplementation required.

You should also know that although bacteria are important, they're not the only type of microbes that work to treat the water in the tank. Others include:

Rotifers
Algae
Protozoa
Nematodes
Fungi

All these microscopic creatures work together along with the bacteria to help break down the wastes in your wastewater.

Another commonly misunderstood point is that a lot of the wastewater treatment actually takes place in your septic system's leach field. One of the main functions of the leach field is to allow bacteria to feast on the contaminants in your wastewater. The system of perforated pipes under the surface of the leach field allows both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to work.

The bacteria growing in and around the pipes form a slimy mat called a biofilm that allows both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to live and work together. The aerobic bacteria live on the outer surface of the film, where they can access the air they need. The anaerobic bacteria hide out on the inside of the film, since air exposure would be deadly to them.

Using Soil to Filter Water

Once the microbes in the septic tank and leach field have processed the wastewater, all it needs before it enters the groundwater is a good filtering. The leach field pipes release this water into the soil with several feet of topsoil between the pipes and the groundwater level, ensuring that plenty of filtration will take place.

The filtration by this layer of soil is critical to avoid groundwater contamination. That's why any building site needs to have soil that's deep enough and has the right amount of permeability. Soil that's too shallow or that allows water through too easily won't provide enough filtration.

Sites with very high water tables (groundwater close to the surface) may require a septic mound. The mound adds depth to the amount of soil available for filtration by raising the leach field pipes.

These are some of the top ways your septic system uses natural processes and forces to treat your home's wastewater. As you can see, the system only works if every part of it is healthy, from the main drain line exiting your house all the way to the gravel bed and topsoil around your leach field pipes.

Roto-Rooter Sewer Service provides septic services to keep your entire septic system healthy. We can clean your drains and pipes, inspect your septic system for problems, pump out your septic tank, and repair any issues that could reduce wastewater treatment efficacy. Get in touch today to learn more.

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Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!