Why is a Septic Tank Called “Septic”?

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The term septic relates to the ability of oxygen to survive in an area.

When you have a self contained, home sewer system, you need a waste water tank.  The average American makes about 50 gallons of waste water daily, from showers and baths, washing dishes and clothing, and using the toilet.  A waste water tank is needed to collect this fluid.  This tank separates the large solids and allows for decomposition.  A soil filter helps remove the small or fine solids, and natural processes destroy the bacteria.

A septic tank is a tank that is anaerobic, meaning that it does not need air or oxygen intake.  Another type of waste water tank is called an aerobic tank  The aerobic tank actually uses an air agitator to help dissolve the solid wastes.

Bacteria are the reason the solids are dissolved.  These digestive processes release a gas.  If you have a septic tank that is ‘smelly’, that means an air leak has occurred, and you need to call a sewer-septic professional immediately to prevent further damage from occurring.

There are many different types of septic systems.  The most common design for residential homes has a two part system:  the waste water storage and treatment tank (the septic tank) and the drain field or leach field.  The drain field allows drainage of treated effluent to return to the soil.  In no circumstance is untreated or raw sewage ever placed back in the soil in your yard.  The only maintenance required in a properly installed and operating sewer septic system is the regular ‘pumping out’ of the septic tank itself every few years.

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