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Environmental Septic & Waste Services, Inc.
P.O. BOX 466
Damascus,
MD
20872
seekseptic@verizon.net
301-253-1400 or 301-258-8813
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A septic system has two major components: a septic tank and a soil absorption system.
Septic Tank: Wastewater sewage flows from the house to the septic tank. The tank is designed to retain wastewater and allow heavy solids to settle to the bottom. These solids are partially decomposed by bacteria to form sludge. Grease and light particles float forming a layer of scum on top of the wastewater. Baffles are installed at the inlet and outlet of the tank.
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Soil Absorption Field (Trench): A solid pipe leads from the septic tank to a distribution box where the wastewater is channeled into one or more perforated pipes set in trenches of gravel. Here the water slowly infiltrates (seeps) into the underlying soil. Dissolved wastes and bacteria in the water are trapped or absorbed to soil particles or decomposed by microorganisms that occur naturally in the soil. These processes remove disease-causing organisms, organic matter, and most nutrients (except nitrogen and some salts). The purified wastewater then either moves to the groundwater or evaporates from the soil. Trench systems are the most common type of system used in new home construction.
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An alternative to the common drain field is the Seepage Pit (Dry Well). In this type, liquid flows to a pre-cast tank with sidewall holes, surrounded by gravel. (Older versions usually consist of a pit with open-jointed brick or stone walls.) Liquid seeps through the holes or joints to the surrounding soil.
These systems are not widely recommended, however, they may be still be used in some cases.
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