Households that are not served by public sewers usually depend on septic systems to treat & dispose of wastewater.

When a septic system is: correctly located, adequately designed, carefully installed & properly managed, you will have a waste disposal system that is: simple, economical, effective, safe & long-lasting.

However, a failing system may result in: property damage, surface & possibly groundwater, pollution, disease potential, costly repairs or replacement, so management is the key to a lasting waste-water disposal system.

This article contains information that will help you manage your septic system. It also provides a place for you to record & store vital information about your system. It should be filed w/ other documents about your home & property.

HOW YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM WORKS

A septic system has two basic parts: a septic tank & a soil absorption field or drainfield. Wastes flow from the house into the septic tank.

Here, most solids are separated to the bottom & are partially decomposed by bacteria to form sludge. Some solids float & form a scum mat on top of the water.

The liquid effluent from the septic tank, carrying disease-causing organisms & liquid waste products, is discharged into the soil absorption field.

Here the water is further purified by filtration & decomposition by microorganisms in the soil. The semi-purified wastewater then percolates to the groundwater system.

SEPTIC SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
How the Septic Tank Functions

The typical septic tank is a large, buried, rectangular, or cylindrical container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen, laundry, etc., flows into the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial action partially decomposes them to digested sludge & gases. Most of the lighter solids, such as fats & grease, rise to the top & form a scum layer.