YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

| How it works | Damaging your system | Warning Signs |

HOW IT WORKS

The septic system is a small, on-site sewage treatment and disposal system buried in the ground. The typical septic system is comprised of a septic tank, a distribution box and a soil absorption area.

When household waste material enters the septic tank, several thing occur:

• Organic solid material floats to the surface and forms a layer of what is commonly called "scum."
• Bacteria in the septic tank biologically converts this scum material into liquid.
• Inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion sink to the bottom of the tank from a layer commonly called "sludge."
• Fairly clear water should exist between the scum and sludge layers.
• It is this clear water-and only this clear water, that should overflow into the soil absorption area.

Soil Absorption or Leaching Area:

The most common way to carry overflow water away from the septic tank is a drain field. Drain fields generally consist of a network of perforated pipes laid in a gravel-lined trench.

Solid material overflowing into the soil absorption area should be avoided at all costs. Solids clogging the pipe perforations will cause drainage to slow and eventually stop. Solids overflow will cause septic systems to fail. Two main factors cause solid material to build up enough to overflow: bacterial deficiency and lack of sludge removal.

| How it works | Damaging your system | Warning Signs |