A septic system works by treating and disposing of wastewater on-site. Commonly used in residential or small-scale applications, a septic system consists of three main components: a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drainfield. Wastewater from the property flows into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer, while lighter materials float to the top as scum.
The partially clarified liquid, known as effluent, then moves from the septic tank to the distribution box, which evenly distributes the effluent into perforated pipes or trenches in the drainfield. The drainfield allows the effluent to slowly percolate through the soil, where further treatment occurs through natural processes, such as filtration, biological activity, and soil absorption.
