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HOW DOES YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM WORK?

The septic tank holds the wastewater from homes or businesses until solid debris settles at the bottom of the tank (the sludge layer) and lighter waste, such as oil, rises to the top (the scum layer). Between the two layers lies the effluent liquid, which flows into an outlet pipe and is gradually dissipated through a drain field. Bacteria in the septic tank naturally break down organic waste matter and slows the accumulation of the sludge layer.

WHAT IF THERE ISN'T ENOUGH BACTERIA IN YOUR TANK?

The everyday waste, from paper to oil to grease, that you put int...