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Septic Systems

Septic Systems are individual wastewater treatment systems that use the soil to treat small wastewater flows, usually from individual homes. They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where centralized wastewater treatment is impractical. A failing septic system can degrade the environment, especially nearby waterways.

A typical system consists of two major compponents, a septic tank and an absorption field. This system treats your household waste water by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where heavy solids and light scum are allowed to separate from the wastewater. This separation is known as primary treatment. The solids stored in the tank are decomposed by bacteria and later removed by a professional septic tank pumper.

So how do you know when your septic system is failing?

Slowly draining sinks & toilets Gurgling sounds in the plumbing Plumbing backups

• Sewage odors out in the yard or in the house

• The ground is wet or mushy above your absorbtion field

• The grass is greener or grows faster above your absorbtion field

• Tests show the presence of bacteria in nearby streams

Want to know how to care for your septic system?

You can learn more about caring for your septic system in our brochure on Septic Systems.

Contact us...

Address:

    ACPWQ
    3718 New Vision Drive
    Fort Wayne, IN 46845 

    Phone:
    260-484-5848 EXT. 111

    email: Currently Unavailable

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Allen County Partnership for Water Quality
last modified: March 28, 2006

URL: http://www.acwater.org