Homeowners carry the burden of maintaining their homes and their plumbing systems. We believe the more you know about how things function, the more successful you can be. Many understand the basics of how water gets to a home, but are you curious about what happens once wastewater exits your drains? This is why we put together this information about wastewater and where it goes once it leaves your home.

Wastewater can be defined into two categories: residential and commercial. Residential wastewater comes from all the dirty water exiting your home from sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines, and other domestic sources.

Commercial wastewater contains more hazardous materials since it originates from businesses such as beauty salons, auto repair shops, and other facilities that use harsh chemicals that will require specialized treatment or disposal.

In this article, we will look only at residential wastewater, divided into two groups: greywater from showers, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers, and blackwater, which originates from toilets.

We will learn what constitutes wastewater and the various treatment methods available to treat it once it leaves your home. Understanding the processes of treating wastewater can lead to a better understanding of wastewater recycling and how proper disposal of unwanted products can support the health of our drinking water and the environment.

What Is Wastewater?

Any water collected in your home drains and moved out of your home is considered wastewater. It includes both the liquid and solid forms of waste material. Wastewater is composed of 99% water, with the remaining solution containing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, fats and oils, and disease-carrying bacteria and viruses. Wastewater can be categorized into grey and black water.

Greywater

Greywater is defined as any domestic wastewater not contaminated by feces. This water includes all dirty water exiting sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and dishwashers.

Graywater contains bacteria and viruses, and although not suitable for drinking, it can be recycled for use in irrigation if a greywater system is installed.

Blackwater

Blackwater is defined as any water that contains fecal material and urine. Thus, all toilet water is blackwater.

Ways Of Treating Wastewater

All wastewater must be treated to remove unwanted pathogens and contaminants. There are several ways to accomplish treatment, from rural cesspools, to private septic systems and municipal treatment plants.

Cesspools

These open-air sewage pits are found only in very remote areas. They are typically lined with cement blocks or brick. The wastewater flows out of the residence and into the lined pit, where it slowly seeps into the ground and is treated naturally.

Septic Systems

Septic systems are installed in less than a quarter of US homes in areas where municipal systems are not available. They mainly consist of a storage tank where wastewater is collected. The solid waste sinks to the bottom and requires removal every few years, while the liquid waste, known as effluent, is pumped into a drain field.

Through perforated drain pipes encased in gravel, the liquid waste permeates the surrounding soil in the drain bed until it reaches the groundwater. 

In areas where the soil is incapable of adequate absorption, an above-ground septic system can be installed. These sand mound systems are huge structures built above ground from sand and gravel mixtures that are porous enough to accept and treat wastewater.

Septic systems require ongoing maintenance to work properly. The filters must be cleaned, and the tank must be periodically emptied of the sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the tank. Additionally, the drain field pipes must be inspected to ensure they are not clogged or crushed by vehicular traffic that accidentally moves over them.

Wastewater Treatment Centers

The majority of wastewater in the US is treated through a wastewater treatment center. As wastewater leaves your plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances, it travels with gravity to the treatment plant. Here are the three basic steps that occur during wastewater treatment.

Initial Treatment

The wastewater from the underground piping system connecting your home to the treatment center moves wastewater through a fine screen, similar to a septic system, to remove solid waste. 

Secondary Treatment

The next step occurs inside an aeration basin where aerobic bacteria consume organic waste and nutrients still in the water. Bacteria, protozoa, and other bacteria-eating microorganisms (called BUGS in the industry) are aided by adding oxygen blown into the wastewater, keeping the microorganisms alive.

Final Stage Treatment

During this final stage, harmful elements, such as phosphorous and nitrogen, are chemically removed, and disinfection occurs by adding chlorine to the water. 

During this stage, the amount of sludge remaining is assessed, and if there is too much, it is sent to a digester. Here, it sits for 30 days, is then mixed with a polymer and applied to a press. The press removes the excess water, and what remains can be used as a soil amendment in soil not used for human food production.

How Proper Disposal Methods Help Your Plumbing System

Regardless of your treatment system type, it is essential to understand proper disposal methods to keep your plumbing system working correctly. Here are some tips.

In The Kitchen

Proper disposal of food waste is encouraged. You should never pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain as they cling to pipe interiors, leading to blockages. A covered bin should be kept at the sink for disposal of these products and disposed of in the trash when full.

Food waste should be equally monitored. No starchy waste, such as potato peels or fibrous vegetable waste, should be put down the drain. Additionally, refrain from disposing of eggshells, coffee grinds, or hard items such as fruit pits.

Grease-filled pipes catch food particles that cause clogs and can force contamination of drinking water from sewage backups. Help your kitchen wastewater flow smoothly and effortlessly to the public sewer system or your private septic. Contamination is not good for your family and can strain a system meant to keep the environment safe.

In The Bath

Proper disposal is even more essential in the bathroom since many water-absorbing items are routinely flushed, causing havoc in septic systems and sewers. Never dispose of diapers, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products. These items expand when they come in contact with water, creating blockages that can only be removed professionally.

Also, avoid oily products in the shower and bath, as they can affect drain lines like the one mentioned in the kitchen.

As a general rule, only human waste and toilet paper should be in the toilet, and soap and water in the shower. Help keep your plumbing drains problem-free by following common sense disposal rules.

Curious About Waste Removal And Other Plumbing Processes In Your Home?

We understand plumbing systems and their associated processes and can help educate you on good plumbing practices. The more you know about how your home’s plumbing works, the better equipped you will be to make wise decisions, such as when maintenance should be scheduled, the importance of plumbing inspections, proper waste disposal habits, and hiring a plumber you can trust.

We can help you become more educated about plumbing processes and partner with you to ensure your systems work to their highest standards. Our first priority is you! Call us anytime you need dependable plumbing services!