A septic system is an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system buried underground. It is composed of a spetic tank and a soil absorption area. The modern septic tank is a water-tight box usually made of reinforced precast concrete, concrete blocks, or reinforced fiberglass, through which no natural bacteria is able to enter. The septic tank is where organic solids are decomposed by a natural enzymatic bacteria process. The purpose of your septic tank is treat household wastes, including body wastes, laundry water, bath water, and discarded food.

Septic systems are designed to work indefinitely if they are properly installed and maintained.  It is critical to have your septic tank pumped out regularly and to maintain proper level of enzymes and bacteria in your septic tank.

Waste enters the septic tank from toilets, sinks, tubs, and drains. Organic solid material floats to top of the septic tank forming a layer commonly called "scum". Inorganic materials and bi-products from enyzme and bacteria digestion settle to the bottom of the septic tank forming a layer called "sludge".

The proper amounts of enzymes and bacteria added to the septic tank regularly will convert these solid materials to liquid, which then flow through your underground pipes to the drainfield. In the drainfield, the enzymes and bacteria continue to work, helping to reduce glazing and improving soil absorption.

Pollutants from a poorly functioning septic system can be drawn into your well and come out in your drinking, cooking, and bath water. If your septic tank isn't cleaned regularly, sludge and scum will clog the drainfield, causing the whole septic system to fail.

It is important to remove this solid material before it reaches the level of the discharge outlet in the septic tank and flows into the drainfield. There is a certain amount of material that is not biogradable and must be removed by pumping. If your septic system should stop or overflow, there could be offensive odors as well as dangerous health hazards.