Septic System Information

Watch the slideshow to learn more about septic systems and how they work. Click an image at any time to be redirected to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Septic System Information page.

An illustration of a septic tank is shown, divided into two compartments. The top section features access risers above ground. The left side of the tank includes an inlet pipe leading to a layer labeled "Scum" above the "Effluent" layer. A baffle is positioned between the scum and effluent. The right side has an outlet pipe leading to a treatment or dispersal system. Below the effluent layer is a layer of "Sludge." The diagram includes labels for each component, providing a clear overview of the septic tank's function.

An illustration of a conventional septic system is shown, featuring a house with a groundwater well nearby. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which is connected to a distribution box. From there, the wastewater is directed into a drainfield made of gravel. Below the surface, the diagram illustrates the layers of soil, including wastewater treatment in the soil, groundwater, and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the septic system's function.

An illustration of a chamber septic system is depicted, featuring a house with a groundwater well nearby. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which connects to a distribution box. The wastewater then enters a drainfield made up of multiple chambers. Below the surface, the diagram shows layers of soil, including wastewater treatment in the soil, groundwater, and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the chamber septic system's function.

An illustration of a mound septic system is shown, featuring a house with a groundwater well nearby. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which connects to a pump tank. The wastewater is then directed to a drainfield located above ground, covered with sand and gravel, and topped with soil. An inset diagram details the layers of sand, gravel, and topsoil. Below the surface, the diagram illustrates layers of soil, including wastewater treatment in the soil, groundwater, and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the system's function.

An illustration of a drip distribution septic system is shown, featuring a house with a groundwater well nearby. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which connects to a pump tank. From the pump tank, a supply line leads to drip tubing laid out in the drainfield. An air relief valve and a return line are also indicated. Below the surface, the diagram illustrates layers of soil, including wastewater treatment in the soil, groundwater, and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the system's function.

An illustration of a sand filter septic system is shown, featuring a house with access risers nearby. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which connects to a pump tank. The pump tank leads to a sand filter system, depicted in an inset, where wastewater is treated through layers of sand and stone. Below the surface, the diagram illustrates layers of soil, including wastewater treatment in the soil, groundwater, and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the system's function.

An illustration of a constructed wetland septic system is shown, featuring a house with access risers. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which connects to a distribution box. The distribution box leads to a drainfield filled with pea gravel, where further wastewater treatment occurs. Below the surface, the diagram illustrates layers of soil, including groundwater and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the system's function.

An illustration of an evapotranspiration bed septic system is shown, featuring a house with access risers. Wastewater flows from the house to a septic tank, which connects to an open air tank. The system includes an air vent and a gravel bed for wastewater flow, with layers of sand beneath. The diagram indicates further wastewater treatment in the soil below the surface, along with groundwater and bedrock. Labels identify each component, providing a clear overview of the system's function.

An illustration of an aerobic treatment unit is shown, featuring a cross-section view of the system. At the top, there is an air pump and access riser. The unit includes an inlet for wastewater, which flows into the tank. Inside, the tank is divided into sections with labels indicating scum, effluent, aerobic bacteria, and sludge. A baffle is positioned to separate the scum from the effluent, which exits through an outlet leading to a treatment or dispersal system. The overall design emphasizes the components and function of the aerobic treatment unit.

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