Septic tanks

In areas where there is no city sewer line, the household waste flows into a septic tank. This underground tank is set some distance from the house and is constructed so that the waste is held in one compartment for a period of time until the solid matter is reduced, by bacterial action, into a liquid. The liquid then flows into a second tank and eventually into a disposal field. It's important to divert all rainwater away from the septic system and not to allow a sump pump to drain near the tank. A septic tank should be inspected annually and cleaned out, if necessary. Be sure to keep accurate records on maintenance, inspections and pumping information. It's also a good idea to have a location map of your septic system and disposal field close at hand for service calls.