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Glossary A

Absorption area

The area of land where wastewater from a septic system is absorbed into the soil.

  1. Overview
  2. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  3. How Deep Is A Septic Tank?

Absorption capacity

  1. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)

Absorption field size

The area of land required for a septic system’s absorption field to properly treat wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Cisterns: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)

Absorption rate

The rate at which soil absorbs wastewater from a septic system.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Dry Wells: Know the Difference (Guide)
  2. How Often To Pump A Septic Tank?
  3. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  4. How Many Bathrooms Can A 1000 Gallon Septic Tank Support?
  5. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  6. Overview
  7. Single Chamber vs Two Chamber Septic Tanks (Guide)
  8. What Size Septic Tank Do I Need?

Absorption trench

A long, narrow trench filled with gravel or other porous material that allows wastewater to seep into the surrounding soil.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Privies: What’s the Connection? (Basics)

Acidogenesis

  1. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)

ADA-compliant models

Septic tank models that meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

  1. Overview

Aerated lagoons

  1. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)

Aeration

  1. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  3. How Long Do Septic Tanks Last?
  4. How To Increase Bacteria In Septic Tank Naturally?
  5. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  6. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  7. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  8. What Happens When Septic Tank Is Full?

Aeration system

A system that introduces air into a septic tank to promote aerobic digestion.

  1. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  2. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  3. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  4. How To Increase Bacteria In Septic Tank Naturally?

Aeration system maintenance

Regular upkeep of an aeration system to ensure proper functioning.

  1. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process

Aerobic

Relating to or requiring oxygen.

  1. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  2. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  4. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  5. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  6. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?
  7. Do All Houses Have Septic Tanks?
  8. How To Increase Bacteria In Septic Tank Naturally?
  9. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  10. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  12. What Does A Septic Tank Look Like?

Aerobic bacteria

Bacteria that require oxygen to survive and carry out metabolic processes.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Mound Systems: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  3. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)
  5. Septic Tanks vs Sand Mounds: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  7. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  8. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  9. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  10. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  12. Overview
  13. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  14. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  15. Step 1: Understand the Basics
  16. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  17. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  18. Overview
  19. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)

Aerobic decomposition

The process of breaking down organic matter in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and other byproducts.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Composting Toilets: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)

Aerobic digestion

The process of breaking down organic matter in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and other byproducts.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  2. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  3. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  4. Does Every House Have A Septic Tank?
  5. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)
  8. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  9. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Aerobic treatment

A process or condition that occurs in the presence of oxygen.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  5. Can You Have A Septic Tank Without A Leach Field?
  6. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  7. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  8. Overview
  9. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)

Aerobic treatment unit (ATU)

A type of septic system that uses oxygen to break down organic matter.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  4. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  5. Can You Have A Septic Tank Without A Leach Field?
  6. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  7. How Long Does It Take To Pump A Septic Tank?
  8. Septic Tanks vs Mound Systems: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  9. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  10. Septic Tanks vs Sand Mounds: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)

Aesthetics

  1. Septic Tanks vs Composting Toilets: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Dry Wells: Know the Difference (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  5. Where To Buy Concrete Septic Tank Lids?

Alarm system

  1. How To Reset Septic Tank Alarm?
  2. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  3. How Often To Pump A Septic Tank?
  4. What To Do After Septic Tank Is Pumped?

Algaecides

Chemicals used to control algae growth.

  1. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process

Algae control measures

Measures taken to prevent or control the growth of algae.

  1. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process

Algae cultivation

  1. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)

Alkalinity

  1. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)

Anaerobic

A process or condition that occurs in the absence of oxygen.

  1. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  2. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  5. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  6. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  8. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?
  9. Step 1: Understand the Basics
  10. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Mound Systems: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  12. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  13. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Anaerobic bacteria

Bacteria that can survive and thrive in the absence of oxygen.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Sand Mounds: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  5. Septic Tanks vs Mound Systems: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  6. Overview
  7. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  8. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  9. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  10. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  12. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  13. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  14. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  15. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  16. How To Increase Bacteria In Septic Tank Naturally?
  17. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  18. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)

Anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR)

A type of anaerobic treatment system.

  1. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  2. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)

Anaerobic digestion

The process of breaking down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

  1. Overview
  2. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  5. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  8. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  9. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  10. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Privies: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  12. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  13. Single Chamber vs Two Chamber Septic Tanks (Guide)
  14. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  15. Septic Tanks vs Composting Toilets: What’s Better? (Basics)
  16. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  17. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  18. Step 1: Understanding the Basics
  19. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  20. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)
  21. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)
  22. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  23. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  24. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)

Anaerobic digestion method

  1. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)

Anaerobic digestion process

The process of breaking down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  2. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  3. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  4. Does Every House Have A Septic Tank?
  5. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Privies: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  8. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  9. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  10. What Does A Septic Tank Look Like?

Anaerobic digestion tank

A tank where anaerobic digestion takes place.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)

Anaerobic septic system

A septic system that operates without oxygen.

  1. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  2. Do All Houses Have Septic Tanks?

Antibacterial soaps and detergents

Soaps and detergents that contain antibacterial agents that can harm the septic system.

  1. Step 1: Understanding the Basics

Aquatic plants

Plants that grow in or near water.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)

Aquifer

An underground layer of water-bearing rock or sediment.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  2. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  3. Can You Have A Septic Tank Without A Leach Field?
  4. How Long Does It Take To Pump A Septic Tank?
  5. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)

Aquifer depletion

The reduction of water in underground aquifers due to excessive water usage.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)

Availability of professional services

  1. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Availability of services in the area

The availability of professionals who can service and repair septic systems in the area.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)

Avoiding chemical drain cleaners

Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals that can harm the septic system.

  1. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)

Avoiding parking or driving heavy vehicles over the drainfield

Preventing damage to the drainfield by avoiding heavy vehicle traffic.

  1. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)