What is the primary purpose of the inlet baffle or T in a septic tank?

The primary purpose of the inlet baffle or T in a septic tank is to reduce velocity and disperse flow. This design feature is crucial for the proper function of the septic system. When wastewater enters the tank, it travels through the inlet baffle or T, which helps to slow down the incoming flow and direct it towards the tank's center.

By reducing the velocity of the wastewater, the baffle allows for better settling of solids at the bottom of the tank. This is vital in maintaining the tank's treatment efficiency, as it minimizes the chances of scouring solids back into the inlet pipe. Dispersing the flow additionally ensures that the wastewater is spread out evenly across the tank, which promotes effective separation of solids and clarification of the liquid effluent. This process is essential in managing the solids within the septic tank and ultimately improves the performance of the entire wastewater treatment system.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of the inlet baffle. For instance, while it may seem like increasing flow velocity could be beneficial, the opposite is true in this context. Similarly, the inlet baffle does not directly remove solid waste; rather, it facilitates conditions that allow solid waste to settle properly. Lastly, venting the tank is