SINGLE COMPARTMENT

TWO COMPARTMENT

A typical septic system has two major components: 1) Septic Tank 2) Either Drainfield(s) or drywell(s). Wastewater flows from the house to the septic tank. The primary purpose of the tank is to separate solids from the liquid. Solids collect on the bottom of the tank, this is known as sludge. Grease and soap float, this is known as scum. As the levels of sludge and scum increase, there is less room in the tank for separation to occur. This causes suspended solid particles to escape from the tank and ruins the drainfield or drywell. This is why proper maintenance is also important.