SEPTIC system - installation & periodic maintenance - worry free!

Septic systems are used in areas where access to public sewerage utilities are unavailable or unaccessible,  and consist of a large, buried receptacle (tank) and a drain field. The working of a basic septic system is fairly straight-forward: the tank absorbs all materials and separates the floatable matter (oils, grease) and solids from the wastewater. The wastewater flows from the tank into several perforated pipes (buried underground) that slowly drain into a leach field, chambers, or other unit designed to slowly release into the surrounding soil. The soil absorbs the water, treats, and disperses it as it trickles through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater. As the wastewater absorbs and trickles throughout the soil, it naturally removes harmful coliform bacteria and viruses.

Click here for an interactive, animated description of septic systems - created by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.

Maintenance of septic systems is easy and affordable. The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.