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A septic system, also known as an onsite wastewater treatment system, or OWTS, processes and purifies household waste (effluent). The effluent consists of two elements, black water (toilet wastes), and grey water (household sinks, bathtubs, showers, and laundry drains). The two major components to the system are the tank and the drain field or leach field. Primary treatment of the effluent occurs inside the tank where bacteria digest organic matter in the waste water. Secondary treatment occurs within the leach field where bacteria complete the digestion and purification of the effluent as it filters through soil. A septic tank is a watertight underground treatment tank constructed of fiberglass, concrete, plastic, or steel. Residential tanks range from 500 gallons to over 5000 gallons. The tank's purpose is to retain, store, and treat solids, as well as release effluent to the leach field. The size of the tank is determined by the number of bedrooms it serves. As waste water flows into the tank the heavier solids settle to the bottom and become a sludge layer; while fats, oils, and greases float to the top forming a layer of scum. There is a clear zone of liquid between the scum and sludge layers known as a clarified zone. Billions of bacteria live naturally within the tank and continuously perform the first phase of the treatment process, breaking down the solids in the tank. During the process, gases are produced and must be vented from the septic tank through the plumbing vents on the roof of the home it serves. Septic tank filters keep any particles 1/8 inch or larger from leaving the tank. Filters increase the life of the drain field substantially. The partially treated effluent flows from the septic tank to the leach field. The effluent is purified further naturally as it slowly percolates and filters down through the soil. The soil acts as a biological filter.
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