Septic Tank

Definition

A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system commonly used in rural areas or homes not connected to municipal sewage systems. It separates solid waste from wastewater and allows natural processes to break down the waste before it enters the drain field.

Related terms

Drain Field: A drain field, also known as leach field or absorption field, is an area where treated wastewater from a septic tank percolates through soil for further purification.

Effluent:

Effluent refers to the liquid wastewater that flows out of a septic tank after solids have been separated.

Sludge Layer: The sludge layer in a septic tank consists of settled solid waste that needs periodic pumping or removal.