Cleaning out a DIY septic tank

A properly built septic tank has a baffle of some sort to prevent solids from getting to the septic field. In Ontario, septic tanks have had two chambers for many decades. They now also require a filter at the exit of the tank. The only thing that separates the two chambers, is a baffle wall in the centre. Solids stay in the first chamber. Effluent goes over the baffle into the second chamber, and on into the septic field. This is why you should have your tank pumped on occasion to make sure no solids build up and get into the second chamber. Once they are into the second chamber, they could possibly get to the septic field. Solids reaching the septic field will soon plug the entire bed. Every area has slightly different rules for septic due to different soil conditions and percolation rates of the soils.