Septic System Terminology and Definitions The Septic System
Owners Manual / Septic System Terminology and Definitions
|Absorption Field: A subsurface leaching area within the soil
that receives the liquid effluent from the distribution laterals
and distributes it over a specified area where it is allowed to
seep into the soil.| Active System: A septic system that
requires external energy and mechanical components to function.
Aeration Chamber: A volumetric container made of concrete,
fiberglass, steel or plastic. The Aeration Chamber may be
fabricated integrally with a septic tank and is designed to
house equipment which introduces oxygen (air) into the effluent.
Aerobic Bacteria: Odorless, highly efficient strains of sewage
digesting bacteria that live only in the presence of oxygen.
Biomat: Black, slimy growth and by-product of anaerobic bacteria
that grows at the interface of the distribution component and
the surrounding soil. If neglected, the biomat becomes
impermeable and can cause septic system backup