Septic System Description

A septic tank uses natural processes to treat and dispose of the waste-water generated in your home. It typically consist of a septic tank and a drain field or soil absorption field. The septic tank provides the first step in treatment. As waste-water flows into the tank, the heavier solids settle to the bottom to from a sludge layer and the light solids, greases, and oils float to the top to form a scum layer. The liquid waste-water (effluent) from the tank flows into gravel-filled trenches in a typical drain field where it is distributed via perforated pipes and then treated by the natural soil system. The diagram above illustrates the components of a typical septic system.