Septic Tanks and Systems for Every Household’s Need
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes a septic tank as a watertight tank that is designed to receive and treat wastewater. It is usually buried. Once in the tank, the heavy solids sink to the bottom of the tank, and wastewater is dispersed to a drainfield. There are a number of different ways to look at septic tanks and septic systems. One way is to say there are only two types: conventional and alternative. Another way is to consider how the system handles the wastewater and disposes of it in a sanitary manner. Yet another way is to review all the different types of materials that can be used to make a septic tank. To answer the question of how many there are, we’ll look at different aspects of septic systems and tanks. What Is a Conventional Septic Tank and System? Throughout civilization, humans have been working on the problem of removing waste from their living spaces. It was around 1860 that the first septic system was developed. It consisted of a concrete tank and clay pipes. Gravity moved the waste from the home through the pipes and into a concrete holding tank. Although the materials for the
