How Does a Septic System Work?
Updated: Sep 6
If your home is not connected to a municipal sewer system, it may use a septic system to manage household wastewater.
A typical septic system includes two primary components:
A septic tank
A drainfield, sometimes called a soil absorption field
What Does the Septic Tank Do?
Wastewater from the home flows into the septic tank.
Inside the tank, solids settle while oils and other lighter materials rise to the top. The liquid wastewater then leaves the tank and continues to the drainfield.
The septic tank is only one part of the complete wastewater system.
What Does the Drainfield Do?
The drainfield receives liquid wastewater from the septic tank and distributes it into the soil for further treatment and dispersal.
The design and installation of a septic system depends on the property, soil conditions and local requirements and should be handled by qualified septic professionals.
Concrete Septic Tanks
Septic tanks can be made from several materials, including precast concrete.
Becker & Scrivens Concrete Products manufactures precast concrete septic tanks for septic systems.
Your septic installer or other qualified professional can determine the tank size and system requirements for your property.
Caring for Your Septic System
Septic systems require ongoing inspection and maintenance.
For homeowner information about septic system care, maintenance and troubleshooting, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's septic resources.
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