What is the proportion of capacity for the inlet and outlet sides of a septic tank?

The correct understanding of the proportion of capacity for the inlet and outlet sides of a septic tank is centered around the need to ensure proper functioning and efficiency in wastewater treatment. The inlet side is designed to accommodate a larger volume because this is where the wastewater enters the tank. The typical proportion of 2/3 for the inlet and 1/3 for the outlet reflects the requirement for the tank to allow for adequate settling of solids and treatment of the effluent before it exits.

In this configuration, the inlet side must have sufficient capacity to handle incoming flows and allow for the settling of solids, which is essential for reducing the load on the outlet side and preventing clogging. The outlet side, while also important, is smaller because it needs to ensure that only treated effluent moves to the drain field for further treatment. This ratio supports optimal septic tank performance and compliance with design standards for effective wastewater management.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of designing septic systems correctly to ensure proper treatment of sewage and to protect groundwater quality.