Septic 101
Understanding Your Septic System
What is a Septic System?
Septic systems have been in use since the late 1800s, replacing the old outdoor facilities commonly known as outhouses.
On Long Island, a typical septic system includes a primary receiver, usually a septic tank, and a drainage area, which can be a cesspool or a drainage field. Homes built after 1972 typically have a septic tank as the primary receiver, while some homes constructed before 1972 may still use a cesspool for this purpose. Most properties feature a septic tank as the primary receiver, combined with one or more cesspools serving as the drainage area. When properly installed and regularly maintained, a septic system can provide many years of reliable, trouble-free service.
"Don’ts"
Drive or park over the septic system.
Plant trees or build anything over your septic system.
Dispose of non-biodegradable materials in the system.
Dispose of kitchen grease and food scraps in the system.
“Dos”
Know where your septic system is located.
Have your septic tank (main receiver) pumped and inspected every 2 years by a licensed septic tank company.
Direct all storm water run-off away from the septic system.
Conserve water by using water-saving plumbing fixtures.
Fix all leaking plumbing fixtures
How Do Septic Systems Work?
Wastewater from your home flows through the main line into the septic tank, which serves as the primary treatment chamber. Inside the tank, solids and liquids separate by gravity: heavier solids, known as sludge, settle at the bottom, while lighter materials like grease and oils form a scum layer that floats on top. Natural bacteria, produced by the solid waste, help break down and partially decompose these materials, reducing solid content by up to 60%.
The septic tank is just one component of your overall septic system, designed to remove solids before the wastewater moves into the cesspool or drainage area. To prevent solids and sludge from clogging the cesspool, the tank should be pumped every two years by a licensed septic hauler, as recommended by the county health department. Regular pumping helps avoid costly repairs to the drainage area, often called the overflow.
What is an Overflow?
The cesspool (drainage area) commonly referred to as an overflow is designed to leach water only. The cesspool should revise water only – solid waste will clog drainage area. The homeowner should have their pumping contractor inspect the overflow system when the solids and sludge are pumped from the septic tank to insure proper drainage. If it is determined that the overflow requires service, the homeowner may elect pumping, aeration and application of drainage additives to the overflow to restore drainage.