Phone: 413-583-3629

A Septic System Overview

A septic system is an on-site wastewater treatment system commonly used in rural or suburban areas without access to centralized sewage systems. It safely processes and disposes of household wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Here's an overview graphic of a septic system layout:

Septic System Graphic Overview

Key Components of a Septic System

Septic Tank: A buried, watertight container (usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic) that collects and treats wastewater.

Leach Field (Drain Field): A network of perforated pipes or chambers buried in the soil, where treated water is dispersed and absorbed.

Soil: Acts as a natural filter to remove contaminants from the treated water before it reaches groundwater.

Pipes: Connect the household plumbing to the septic tank and the septic tank to the drainfield.

How It Works

Wastewater Flows Into the Septic Tank:

  • All wastewater from your home (toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances) flows into the septic tank via a main drain pipe.

  • The septic tank is designed to hold the wastewater long enough for solids to settle to the bottom and oils and grease to float to the top.

Separation of Waste:

  • Sludge: Heavy solids settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer.

  • Scum: Lighter materials like grease and oil float to the top, forming a scum layer.

  • Effluent: The partially clarified liquid in the middle layer flows out of the tank.

Treatment in the Septic Tank:

  • Bacteria in the septic tank break down organic matter in the wastewater, reducing solids over time.

  • The tank has baffles or T-shaped outlets to prevent solids and scum from leaving the tank.

Effluent Flows to the Drainfield:

  • The clarified wastewater (effluent) leaves the septic tank and is distributed into the drainfield through a series of perforated pipes or chambers.

  • The drainfield is designed to allow the water to seep into the soil.

Soil Treatment:

  • As the effluent percolates through the soil, natural processes filter out bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.

  • By the time the water reaches the groundwater, it is largely purified.

DID YOU KNOW: Linton Septic provides our customers with a Complementary Reminder Service.

We will remind you when you system is due for pumping. *We also evaluate your system and make a recommendation on the next pumping. 

*Not every system is the same therefore we don’t make a blanket recommendation for all systems.

Maintenance of a Septic System

Regular Pumping:

  • Sludge and scum layers must be periodically removed to prevent overflow and damage to the system.

  • Typically, the tank should be pumped every 1–5 years, depending on usage and size.

Proper Waste Disposal:

  • Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, grease, or harmful chemicals that can disrupt the tank's bacterial activity.

Protecting the Drainfield:

  • Do not park vehicles or build structures on the drainfield to prevent soil compaction.

  • Ensure proper drainage to avoid flooding the area.

Signs of a Failing Septic System

Slow drains or backups in sinks and toilets

Foul odors near the septic tank or drainfield

Patches of lush, green grass over the drainfield

Pooling water or wet spots near the drain field

Alarms (on advanced septic systems)

Or call us at 413-583-3629!

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

Linton Septic Inc.

At Linton Septic, we specialize in keeping your septic system running smoothly. Don't wait for problems to arise—let us handle your septic needs today! We’re here to help your system work as hard as you do!

Based in Palmer, Massachusetts
Serving Central and Western MA and Northern CT