From the house to the tank
Wastewater enters the tank, where heavier solids settle and lighter material floats. This separation helps keep solids out of the drain field.
From the tank to the soil
Liquid effluent moves through the distribution system to the drain field. The field and suitable soil provide further treatment. A conventional layout is only one system type; your permit identifies what was installed.
Keep the records
Find your installation drawing, tank capacity and service reports. These are more useful to a service professional than a generic diagram.
Sources you can check
EPA — Frequent questions on septic systems ↗
Records, inspections and local permitting · Checked 2026-10-04
Explore homeowner tools →
Published October 4, 2026 · SepticHow editorial team