Recently a reader commented he was seeing numerous septic tanks lacking distinct layers of sludge and floating scum. The time frame coincided with more people staying at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Septic tanks operate to provide anaerobic (without oxygen) treatment of the wastewater from the house. When baffles are operating as they should, the tank slows down effluent movement and does a really good job of separating out the larger solids (settling to the bottom forming sludge) and oils, grease and soap forming the floating scum. Slowing the flow and allowing time for solids to settle is why
