Septic System Maintenance

Most rural homes use a septic, on-site wastewater treatment system for household waste disposal. In a properly operating septic system, wastes are flushed into a septic tank where heavy solids are trapped and sink to the bottom. Lighter solids float on top of the water and form a scum layer. Anaerobic (without oxygen) bacteria break down wastes inside the septic tank. Water soluble compounds are carried out into a drain field trench where they are absorbed into the soil. Once in the soil absorption field, aerobic (with oxygen) bacteria continue to break down the effluent