What is a septic system mainly used for?
AnswerTreating household wastewater where there is no public sewer
Septic systems are on-site wastewater treatment systems, common in rural areas without sewer lines.
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Septic facts & stats
8 fact-checked facts about septic systems, each with the reason behind it. 4 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Which part of a septic system spreads the treated liquid into the soil?
AnswerThe drain field
The drain field, or leach field, lets liquid from the tank soak into soil, which filters it further.
Going deeper
What is the floating layer of grease and oils in a septic tank called?
AnswerScum
Fats, oils and grease are lighter than water, so they float to the top as the scum layer.
What is the liquid that flows out of a septic tank to the drain field called?
AnswerEffluent
Effluent is the partly treated liquid that leaves the tank for further treatment in the soil.
What mainly breaks down the waste inside a septic tank?
AnswerBacteria
Naturally occurring bacteria digest much of the organic matter held in the tank.
The word septic comes from a Greek word meaning what?
AnswerRotting
Septic comes from the Greek septikos, meaning putrefying or rotting, which describes decomposition.
Expert level
What is the job of the baffles or tees at a septic tank's inlet and outlet?
AnswerTo help keep scum and solids from leaving the tank
Baffles slow incoming flow and block floating scum and settled solids from reaching the drain field.
In a conventional drain field, the pipes laid in gravel trenches are usually what?
AnswerPerforated, with holes to release liquid
Perforated pipes let effluent trickle out evenly into gravel and soil for treatment.
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