As discussed in our previous post, one of the first steps to understanding the septic service world is understanding the difference between a septic system and a holding tank.

Now we will discuss the basics of septic systems…

First of all, there are different “types” of septic systems (such as conventional, mound, at-grade, in-ground pressurized) but they all function on the same fundamental process.  Waste and water from the house’s plumbing go into a tank(s) where the solid waste & toilet paper sits(natural bacteria helps to “breakdown” that waste).  The liquids from the tank exit the tank via an outlet line and go out to a drainfield in the yard.  The drainfield is constructed with multiple layers through which the liquid filters down and is cleaned.

Septic systems are therefore a little more complicated than holding tanks, where everything sits until a pumper comes to empty it.  With septic systems, they are designed for the tank where the solids sit to be operating with a somewhat “full” level.  (Of course, you don’t want that level to get too high where the solids beginning to reach the inlet or outlet lines or even get all the way up to the cover.)  To keep an eye on the condition of the system, some states require that septic systems be pumped and inspected regularly, perhaps once every few years.  However, many customers find it beneficial to have their system pumped out (having the tanks emptied) and visually inspected, including having a licensed plumber check over the drainfield.

Compared with holding tanks, septic systems are more expensive to install.  However, they generally don’t require the frequent pumping that holding tanks do.  This in itself may be easier on the budget in the long-run.  But septic systems also have more components to them — perhaps a pump, a filter, baffles, etc. — which need to be maintained and, in time, replaced.  These are all factors to consider when building or buying a new home.

If you have questions about the type of system you have, the zoning department at your local county should be able to help you.