| You already know that when you flush the toilet, | | | | surrounding the property. |
| pour water in your sink or empty the tub the | | | | An Outline of the Septic System |
| water goes somewhere. But have you ever | | | | Below is a general outline of the main components |
| stopped to think about where it goes or what | | | | of any septic system: |
| happens to it? Large cities have equally large and | | | | - Sewer line - this is the main waste line leading |
| complicated sewage or water treatment systems | | | | from your home's plumbing to the septic tank |
| designed to salvage as much of the useable | | | | - Septic tank - this is the underground tank that |
| water from the waste as possible. If, however, | | | | receives and treats your home's waterwaste |
| you are like 25% of Canadians and you live in a | | | | - Leaching system - this is the drainage system |
| smaller or rural community, you are more likely to | | | | that allows for waste effluent to be dispersed into |
| have a septic system on your property than you | | | | the soil |
| are to share a sewer with neighbors. | | | | Now that you have a basic understanding of how |
| What is a Septic System? | | | | a septic tank works, you should note that if you |
| A private onsite septic system is designed to be | | | | are considering buying a home with a septic tank, |
| functional and sanitary. It basically receives all the | | | | you should inspect the tank before investing in |
| water waste that is expelled through your home's | | | | the home. |
| plumbing and treats it to extract the useable | | | | Beware of Old Septic Tanks |
| water waste that can be absorbed by the soil on | | | | Because buying a home is a huge investment, you |
| the property. In a nutshell, a septic tank separates | | | | have a home inspector inspect the property |
| solid waste from liquids. The solid waste is stored | | | | before you close the deal. Similarly, septic |
| in the septic tank. Solid waste exists in two forms | | | | systems are very expensive, and thus, you |
| - a top layer of grease referred to as scum, and | | | | should make sure to inspect the system properly |
| a bottom layer of solids more commonly known | | | | or have it inspected so that you know what you |
| as sludge. In a septic tank, the liquids that are | | | | are getting into. If your home is older, it may |
| separated from solid waste are called effluent and | | | | have a septic tank made out of steel or wood. If |
| they are dispersed throughout the soil on the | | | | that's the case, you will definitely be looking at |
| property by a mechanism called a leaching | | | | replacing that septic tank. |
| system. The leaching system is a part of the | | | | Tanks made out of steel inevitably rust and end |
| septic system, which is often buried just a few | | | | up needing to be replaced. Similarly, septic tanks |
| feet away from the septic tank. The leaching | | | | made out of wood will end up rotting and also |
| system helps the effluent flow from the septic | | | | needing to be replaced. These days, septic tanks |
| tank into the soil. | | | | are manufactured out of concrete, fiberglass or |
| In a Nutshell? | | | | polyethylene. These materials have proven to be |
| A septic tank receives the wastewater that | | | | more durable and efficient. If the home you are |
| comes from regular use of household plumbing | | | | considering buying has an older septic tank made |
| and treats it until it is at a safe environmental | | | | of wood or steel, you can decide to use it as a |
| level. Then the septic ank returns the serviceable | | | | negotiating point or move on to a different house |
| portion - known as the waste effluent to the soil | | | | to save yourself the headache. |