Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, underground tank, typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, that receives and partially treats wastewater from a building that is not connected to a municipal sewer system. Solid matter is decomposed by anaerobic bacterial action, while the liquid effluent drains out into a leach field for further soil filtration.

Usage

• The term "septic tank" is used to describe the primary component of an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) or septic system. It is a specific type of holding and treatment tank for domestic wastewater.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The rural house has a septic tank instead of a connection to the city sewer.
  • A septic tank needs to be pumped out every few years to remove accumulated sludge.
  • The health inspector checked the property's septic tank for proper function.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a septic tank installed": to set up a septic system for a property.
  • They had to have a septic tank installed before the building permit was approved.
• "septic tank failure": a situation where the tank or its drainage field ceases to function properly, often leading to backups or environmental contamination.
  • The foul odor in the yard was a sign of potential septic tank failure.

Variants and Related Words

• Septic system (n): The entire wastewater treatment system, which includes the septic tank and the drainage (leach) field.
  • Maintaining the septic system is the homeowner's responsibility.
• Cesspool (n): An older, less efficient underground container for sewage that simply stores waste without significant bacterial treatment. It is not synonymous with a modern septic tank but is a related concept.
  • The old farmhouse was originally served by a cesspool.

Synonyms

• Waste treatment tank: A more general term.
• Sewage holding tank: Emphasizes the containment function.

Related Phrases

• Septic tank maintenance: The regular activities required to keep a septic system operational.
  • Regular septic tank maintenance prevents costly repairs.
• Septic tank effluent: The liquid wastewater that flows out of the septic tank.
  • The septic tank effluent is directed to the drain field.

Noun

1. large tank where solid matter or sewage is disintegrated by bacteria