Septic Tanks

The septic tank is a separating tank with 2 functions. First is to separate solids from liquids. Septic Tanks digest and breakdown solid wastes, with 40% of the solid wastes being reduced by anaerobic bacteria. The second function is having liquids get to the drain field (trench, bed or seepage pit) where they are absorbed. First, liquids from the house go into the septic tank, then to the distribution box, finally reaching the drain field to be absorbed.

Septic Tanks must be watertight so ground water is not contaminated. Private sewage treatment systems are not designed to handle storm water, just household water. Clear or rain water overloads a system.