A septic tank is a crucial component of many rural wastewater treatment systems. It's a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that receives wastewater from a household or building. Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom, forming sludge, while lighter materials like grease and oils float to the top, creating scum. The partially treated liquid effluent then exits the tank and flows into a drainfield or leach field for further filtration and purification by the soil. Regular maintenance, including periodic pumping to remove accumulated sludge and scum, is essential for a septic tank to function properly and prevent environmental contamination.
