Many people never question anything about their septic systems, that is until something goes wrong with it. But a little knowledge never hurt anybody, so let’s take a close look at what a septic system is and what it does.

What It Is

Septic Systems are self-contained, highly-efficient underground wastewater treatment systems. Septic tank systems are typically a more economical choice for homeowners as they treat and dispose of wastewater on-site. This is particularly true in rural or agricultural areas where centralized sewer systems are inaccessible or spaced too far apart.

How It Works

Septic tanks work by “digesting” organic matter and separating other materials from wastewater generated from a household. Some systems discharge the leftover liquid from the tank and into a series of pipes buried in a leach field or other types of units. These systems slowly release the water, filtered by the field, back into the soil or into surface water.

There are also alternative style systems that use pumps and the force of gravity to move leftover water (known as effluent) through other means of filtration like sawdust or sand or constructed wetlands. This filtration removes harmful pathogens in the process of release.