About 20% of homes use septic tanks to dispose of and treat waste, most often in less populated areas not served by municipal waste systems. Septic tanks can be an effective way of treating wastewater and carry advantages to the environment, public health, and your wallet when properly installed and maintained. But they leave many people turning their heads wondering what living with a septic tank actually involves. Read on to learn everything you need to know about buying a home with a septic tank.
How does a septic tank actually work?
In homes with a septic tank, waste is transferred out of the home through a pipe and deposited into an underground septic tank. Once waste reaches the tank, floatable materials like oil and grease stay on top, solids settle on the bottom, and a middle layer of wastewater (commonly known as effluent) exits the septic tank and travels into a drain field in the yard where it’s slowly released into the soil.
Do septic tanks impact water quality?
When designed, installed, and managed properly, septic tanks successfully treat wastewater without contaminating water and the local environment. However, when not installed and managed properly, they can contribute to problems like ground and surface water contamination, phosphorus pollution, excessive discharge of nitrogen into coastal waters, and contamination of water used for swimming.