How a Septic System works.


A Septic System is the combination of a Septic Tank and a Leaching System. A Leaching System might be Leach Lines, Leach Beds or Seepage Pits. Sometimes the term "Cesspool" is used. Technically, a Cesspool has no Septic Tank upstream. Today, a Cesspool is installed only for temporary purposes. Seepage Pits are also referred to as "Drywells". However, Drywells typically handle no sewage. Drywells are used to re-introduce storm water into the ground.

Everything from the home first enters the Septic Tank. Sewage enters at the top portion of the Septic Tank and exits at the top portion of the tank. It is in this liquid environment that bacteria do its work of breaking down most solids into a liquid called effluent. Effluent exits the tank and enters the leaching system where it percolates (seeps) back into the ground.
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Septic Tanks are designed to handle all the normal, daily (24 Hour) effluent flow which a household can produce. There are advantages to installing a larger Septic Tank. Longer detention times, (due to the larger capacity), permit better separation and less carry-over of scum and sludge and tend to prolong the life of the leaching system.

 
How a Septic Tank Works
The Typical Septic Tank
Leaching Systems
Maintenance Suggestions
Things are backing up.  What next?		 How to Locate your Septic Tank
What can go wrong?
Pumping your Septic Tank
Septic Tank and Cesspool Sizes
 

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