![Beware of Too Many Emulsifiers in the Septic Tank](https://cole-pumper.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pumper.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Ftank_profile_emulsified.jpg?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=620&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=75&w=1024&s=21a76240f5c9d318eb7d9cbc426da2e2)
In these images, core samples of a septic tank profile show no clear separation of the scum and sludge layers, which may indicate the presence of emulsifiers that hindered settling. (Sara Heger photos)
The septic tank is a settling device that provides a space for sedimentation and flotation to take place. The primary purpose of the septic tank is to provide relatively quiescent conditions to allow settleable solids to sink to the bottom and accumulate and floatable solids to...