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InspectAPedia ® Home SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR SEPTIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS SEPTIC CONSULTANTS SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAWINGS SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY SEPTIC ODORS SEPTIC PUMPS SEPTIC SUPPLIES & PARTS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS SEPTIC SYSTEMS, HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS SEPTIC TANKS SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE SEWAGE PUMPS SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION SEWER GAS ODORS SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors SOAKAWAY BED FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES SUMP PUMPS TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR TOILET ALTERNATIVES TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS, SEPTIC VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos WASHING MACHINES & SEPTIC SYSTEMS WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE WINTERIZE A BUILDING More Information |
What is a septic system? This article explains what a septic system is, with a brief description of how septic systems work and what are the main components of a septic tank and drainfield system. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Technical review by industry experts has been performed and comments from readers are welcomed. Contributors are listed at the end of each article Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman. An Introduction to Septic Systems - How do Septic Systems Work?This article describes the basic function, design & care of private septic tanks & drainfields or soakaway beds. Key articles for people unfamiliar with septic systems are listed here: If you don't know if your building is connected to a public sewer or a private septic system, see SEPTIC or SEWER CONNECTION?. Readers should also See Septic Guide for Home Buyers or Owners and Septic Maintenance Repair. Other helpful but still basic articles for owners of a property with a septic system include:
What is a Septic System? Or What's a Septic Tank? What's a Drainfield? How do they work?
Where are the Septic Tank & Leachfield Usually Located on a Property & How are these components Laid-Out ?The septic tank is usually located close to the building, perhaps just ten feet away, but on difficult sites a grinder pump may instead send wastewater to a more remote septic tank and drainfield. Incidentally, depending on where you live, the "drainfield" that absorbs & treats the final septic wastewater or effluent might be called a leachfield, leaching bed, drainage trench, soakaway bed or other terms. (Contact Us to suggest other septic system terms to include here.)
The principal components of a private on-site waste disposal system usually include the following:Below is a simple sketch of a septic tank showing how solid waste leaving the building thorugh its main drain or wastewater piping or "sewer line" or "septic line" is retained inside the tank while liquid effluent flows to the drainfield. (Click images to see an enlarged version). Here are the main components of a septic system and a brief description of what each does:
Many variations on this general scheme are used, depending on local climate, soil conditions, available space, economy, and available materials. Special equipment and systems may be designed for problem or difficult sites such as rocky or wet ground, permafrost, or wet tropical marshlands. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about septic syste,ms... Ask a Question or Search InspectApediaQuestions & answers or comments about home septic systems: what is a septic tank, what is a drainfield? How do septic tanks work? How do drainfields work? What are the recomended steps to clean out or maintain septic tanks and drainfields? Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below. Technical Reviewers & ReferencesRelated Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
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