This NebGuide contains information on a septic tank system for sewage treatment. Field Location Absorption Field Size and Construction Maintenance A properly designed, installed and maintained septic tank system is an approved method of sewage treatment for private residences in rural or urban areas where public sewage treatment systems are not available. The components of a septic system are the house sewer, the septic tank and the absorption field, as illustrated in Figure 1 .
Sewage flows to the septic tank through the house sewer.
In the septic tank, the solids are separated from the liquids, undergo anaerobic digestion and are stored as sludge at the bottom of the tank. The soil acts as a final treatment by removing bacteria, pathogens and fine particles. Typical septic tank system for home sewage treatment. All household wastes and normal amounts of cleaning materials, including soaps, detergents, beaches, drain cleaners and other mild chemical preparations, can be tolerated by a septic system. Roof drains and foundation drains should not be connected to the septic tank system.