Basics

New to septic systems? Start here. The Basics section explains, in plain English, exactly how a conventional septic system works, from the moment water leaves your house to the way it is cleaned and returned to the ground. You will learn what the tank actually does, how solids and scum separate from the liquid, what the drain field is for, and how the different parts fit together. We cover the common system types, the vocabulary that plumbers and inspectors use, and the everyday realities of living on septic instead of city sewer. Whether you just bought a home with a tank you have never thought about, or you simply want to understand the system under your yard, these guides give you the solid foundation every other topic on SepticNest builds on.