How Sewage Is Treated

Sewage (also referred to as wastewater or blackwater) refers to the dirty water that seeps out of toilets, sinks and drains. It travels through a sewer system until reaching a treatment plant in many countries where it’s treated and returned back into the environment with no risk to health or nature.

The treatment process begins with screening, where objects such as bottles, cans and rags are removed from the water before it goes through a mixer. Here, it will break down into smaller particles like sand and pebbles.

Next, the water will pass through a grit chamber where it is further broken down. This removes any small items in the water so they don’t clog pipes.

Once this is accomplished, the water is sent to a main pump where it will be pumped into a sewage treatment facility. Here, waste will be cleaned and disinfected before being returned to a river or other body of water.

Another potential cause of sewage backups is tree roots or other debris in your sewer pipe. This issue is especially prevalent in older homes where cast iron or clay piping connecting sewage to the street may become clogged.

If roots are growing into your sewer line, it’s essential to contact a professional for cutting and clearing them out. This can be an extensive process requiring plumbing repairs; therefore, catch this issue before it worsens.