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A septic tank, the key component of a septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewerage pipes provided by private corporations or local governments. (Other components, typically mandated and/or restricted by local governments, optionally include pumps, alarms, sand filters, and clarified liquid effluent disposal means such as a septic drain field, ponds, or peat moss beds.)

Potential Septic Problems

1. Excessive dumping of cooking oils and grease can fill up the upper portion of the septic tank and can cause the inlet drains to block. Oils and grease are often difficult to degrade and can cause odor problems and difficulties with the periodic emptying.
2. Flushing non-biodegradable hygiene products such as sanitary towels and cotton buds will rapidly fill or clog a septic tank; these materials should not be disposed of in this way.
3. The use of waste macerators or grinders for disposal of waste food can cause a rapid overload of the system and early failure.
4. Certain chemicals may damage the working of a septic tank, especially pesticides, herbicides, materials with high concentrations of bleach or caustic soda (lye) or any other inorganic materials such as paints or solvents.
5. Roots from trees and shrubbery growing above the tank or the drain field may clog and or rupture them.
6. Playgrounds and storage buildings may cause damage to a tank and the drainage field. In addition, covering the drainage field with an impervious surface, such as a driveway or parking area, will seriously affect its efficiency and possibly damage the tank and absorption system.
7. Excessive water entering the system will overload it and cause it to fail. Checking for plumbing leaks and practising water conservation will help the system's operation.
8. Even well maintained septic tanks release mucus-producing anaerobic gut bacteria to the drainage field. The mucus "slime" will slowly clog the soil pores surrounding the drain pipe and percolation can slow to the point where backups or surfacing effluent can occur. This slime is called biomat and such a failure is referred to as "Biomat failure"^[3].
9. If the system is damaged or malfunctions, contact your local health or environmental authority before attempting any repairs. Improper repair can result in costly mistakes and potential health hazards.
10. Septic tanks by themselves are ineffective at removing nitrogen compounds that can cause algae blooms in receiving waters; this can be remedied by using a nitrogen-reducing technology

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