What is a septic system? It is a mini sewage treatment system! Septic systems incorporates a septic tank, followed by one or more leach field or pit. The term septic comes from the bacteria that make it work when the system is properly maintained.
The bacteria break down the waste in the tank to the lowest point. This aids in settling the solids, which accumulate in the bottom of your tank. When the solids settle out, the remaining liquid is allowed to leave the tank through the outlet baffle into the leach field. As the tank fills with solids, it will become less efficient, making it necessary to have the tank pumped out.
Regular pumping of the septic tank ensures that the wastewater remains there long enough for the solids to settle out. A tank that has not been properly maintained and becomes filled with solids sends all of the waste – including solids – to the leach field. Once the outlet to the leach field clogs, the sewage will either pool on the surface or back up into your house.
Locate your system
If you are unsure whether or not you have a private septic system, you can check with your town. If the structure was built after 1967, the NHDES Subsurface Systems Bureau may be able to help locate septic system plans through their File and Archive Request Form.