A sewer system is a series of pipes that collect waste water and transport it to another location where the wastewater is treated by a municipal treatment system. On-site private wastewater treatment collects, processes and removes in one place what is produced from a single source. Municipal and on-site treatment systems use many of the same processes, but a municipal sewer system collects and processes wastewater in many different locations.

Population density, the topography of the area, soil conditions and many other factors are involved in the construction and operation of a sewer collection system. Migration to suburban and rural areas makes the construction and maintenance of municipal sewers more difficult and expensive. On-site treatment systems are often the most practical and cost-effective solution for treating and disposing of wastewater in small, remote communities.

The most common type of sewer / place sewer system is the septic tank. A septic tank essentially provides a reservoir where the bacterial action naturally breaks down the human excrement produced into acceptable environmental components - the main finished components become water, mixed with some other components that are not yet consumed by the bacterial action, gases and undigested foods. Finished products, except undigested foods, are then dumped into the on-site environment.

Undigested solid foods (mud) remain in the bottom of the septic tank. They must be pumped every two to four years depending on the use and size of the pit. If the mud is not removed periodically, it may eventually seep into the leach field and plug the drains.

A well designed system can handle a reasonable amount of household chemicals such as liquid cleaners for drain pipes, laundry or bleach. Excessive use may be harmful. Avoid spilling chemicals that are toxic to waste-digesting bacteria, such as paint thinners, solvents, insecticides, etc. Cooking oils and greases should also be avoided. If a garbage disposal is used, more frequent pumping of the septic tank is necessary.

Depending on the size of your septic tank and your location, plan about $ 200 for each pumping of the pit. When the septic tank is pumped, the service technician should also check that the separators are not damaged; ask him to include this check before signing the contract. While the pit is open, the service technician can also run water through a pipe connected to the distribution box to verify that the leaching field is still effective; ask if the company offers this service before signing the contract.

There are several alternatives to the conventional septic tank. They include a system of "infiltration mounds". In an infiltration mound system, adequate soil is placed on the unsuitable soil. A conventional pit is then installed in the infiltration mound. There are some additional conditions for this type of system.

If there is not enough space for a conventional septic field system, it may be possible to install one or more pits or seeps. These systems are usually placed around the house, they require less outdoor ground and are buried deeper than a conventional septic field. Today, there are specific requirements for these systems.

Conventional systems, infiltration mounds and cesspools all work with what is called the action of anaerobic bacteria. This means that the bacteria works without oxygen. Some systems are designed to be aerobic, that is, the bacteria needs oxygen (air); there are also hybrid systems that use a combination of anaerobic and aerobic sections.