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Glossary B

Backfilling of trenches with soil and gravel mixture

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

Backfill material

Material used to fill in the area around the septic tank and drainfield.

  1. What Size Septic Tank Do I Need?

Backflow preventer

  1. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Drain Pipe?

Backflow prevention devices installation

Devices installed to prevent sewage from flowing back into the home.

  1. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process

Bacteria

Microscopic organisms that break down organic matter in septic tanks.

  1. How To Increase Bacteria In Septic Tank Naturally?
  2. How To Clean Septic Tank?
  3. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?
  4. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  5. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Yourself?
  6. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  7. Overview
  8. Can You Have A Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank?
  9. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  10. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  11. What To Do After Septic Tank Is Pumped?
  12. Septic Tanks vs Municipal Sewage: Key Differences (Guide)
  13. Can You Use Drano With A Septic Tank?
  14. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  15. What Happens When Septic Tank Is Full?
  16. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  17. Septic Tanks vs Composting Toilets: What’s Better? (Basics)
  18. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  19. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)
  20. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  21. Septic Tanks vs Privies: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  22. How Many Bathrooms Can A 1000 Gallon Septic Tank Support?
  23. Step 1: Understanding the Basics
  24. Septic Tanks vs Mound Systems: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  25. Overview
  26. How Deep Is A Septic Tank?
  27. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  28. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  29. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  30. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  31. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Drain Pipe?
  32. How To Reset Septic Tank Alarm?
  33. Does Every House Have A Septic Tank?
  34. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  35. How Long Does It Take To Pump A Septic Tank?
  36. How Do I Know If I Have A Septic Tank?
  37. Can You Drive Over A Septic Tank?
  38. Septic Tanks vs Sand Mounds: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  39. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)
  40. Septic Tanks vs Cisterns: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  41. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  42. Do All Houses Have Septic Tanks?
  43. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  44. How To Build A Septic Tank?
  45. How Do Septic Tanks Work?
  46. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  47. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Bacteria additives

Products that contain bacteria that can aid in the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  2. How Often To Pump A Septic Tank?
  3. Step 1: Understanding the Basics

Bacteria and microorganisms

Microorganisms that can aid in the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Overview
  2. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)

Bacteria and viruses

Microorganisms that can be present in wastewater and can cause health problems.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  3. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  4. What Does A Full Septic Tank Look Like?
  5. What Happens When Septic Tank Is Full?

Bacteria-based products

Products that contain bacteria that can aid in the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  2. How To Clean Septic Tank?
  3. What Happens When Septic Tank Is Full?
  4. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?

Bacterial activity

  1. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  2. How To Build A Septic Tank?
  3. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?

Bacterial additives

Products that contain bacteria that can aid in the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Overview
  2. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  3. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  4. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Yourself?
  5. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Bacterial breakdown

The breakdown of organic matter in wastewater by bacteria.

  1. Overview

Bacterial decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter in wastewater by bacteria.

  1. Single Chamber vs Two Chamber Septic Tanks (Guide)
  2. What Does A Septic Tank Look Like?

Bacterial growth rate

  1. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)

Bacteria population

The number of bacteria present in wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)

Bacteria reduction efficiency

The ability of bacteria to reduce the amount of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Overview

Baffle

  1. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  3. Can You Have A Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank?
  4. How To Build A Septic Tank?
  5. How To Check Septic Tank Is Full?
  6. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Yourself?
  7. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  8. Septic Tanks vs Privies: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  9. What Happens When Septic Tank Is Full?

Baffle wall

A wall in a septic tank that separates the inlet and outlet, allowing for the settling of solids.

  1. Single Chamber vs Two Chamber Septic Tanks (Guide)

Biochemical reactions

Chemical reactions that occur in the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Biodegradation

The process of breaking down organic matter in wastewater into less harmful substances.

  1. Step 1: Understanding the Basics
  2. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  5. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Biodegradation process

The process of breaking down organic matter in wastewater into less harmful substances.

  1. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)

Biodigesters

Devices that use microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater, converting it into less harmful substances.

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

Biodiversity loss

The loss of different species of microorganisms in the soil due to the use of chemicals in septic tanks.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  2. Step 1: Understanding the Basics
  3. Septic Tanks vs Soakaways: Understanding the Differences (Basics)

Biofilm formation

  1. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)

Biogas production

The production of methane gas from the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  2. Overview
  3. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Septic Dosing Systems: Understanding Differences (Basics)

Biological activity in the soil

The activity of microorganisms in the soil that break down organic matter in wastewater.

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

Biological nutrient removal (BNR)

  1. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  4. Oxygen Requirement Difference
  5. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  8. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  9. Overview
  10. Septic Tanks vs Municipal Sewage: Key Differences (Guide)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  12. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  13. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  14. Septic Tanks vs Cisterns: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  15. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)
  16. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)

Biological Oxygen Demand

The amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  2. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process

Biological oxygen demand (BOD)

  1. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  5. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  8. Overview
  9. Step 1: Understanding the Basics
  10. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  11. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?

Biological processes

Processes that involve the use of living organisms to break down organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Rotating Biological Contactors: Key Differences (Guide)
  4. Overview
  5. How To Increase Bacteria In Septic Tank Naturally?
  6. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  7. Septic Tanks vs French Drains: What’s the Connection? (Basics)
  8. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)
  9. Septic Tanks vs Municipal Sewage: Key Differences (Guide)
  10. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  11. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)

Biological treatment

The use of microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater, converting it into less harmful substances.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Evapotranspiration Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  2. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  3. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?

Biological treatment processes

Processes that use microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater, converting it into less harmful substances.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  2. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?

Biomat formation

A layer of organic matter that forms on the soil surface in a septic tank, reducing the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater.

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

Blackwater

Wastewater containing human waste and other organic matter from toilets, sinks, and showers.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  2. Septic Tanks vs Composting Toilets: What’s Better? (Basics)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Subsurface Wetlands: What’s Better? (Basics)
  5. Soil Absorption System vs Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  6. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)

Blockages

Obstructions in the septic system that prevent the proper flow of wastewater.

  1. Step 1: Understanding the Basics
  2. Septic Tanks vs Drain Fields: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  3. Septic Tanks vs Soakaways: Understanding the Differences (Basics)
  4. Gravity vs Pump Septic Systems: What’s Better? (Basics)
  5. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Yourself?
  6. How To Check Septic Tank Is Full?
  7. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  8. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Drain Pipe?
  9. What To Do After Septic Tank Is Pumped?
  10. What Happens When Septic Tank Is Full?
  11. Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks (Understanding Differences)
  12. Can You Use Drano With A Septic Tank?
  13. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)
  14. How To Build A Septic Tank?
  15. Can You Have A Septic Tank Without A Leach Field?
  16. How To Clean Septic Tank?
  17. What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solids?
  18. Overview
  19. What Does A Full Septic Tank Look Like?
  20. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  21. Septic Tanks vs Leach Fields: Understanding the Connection (Basics)
  22. Septic Tanks vs Sewer Systems: Clearing Confusion (Basics)
  23. Can I Shower If My Septic Tank Is Full?
  24. Septic Tanks vs Biodigesters: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  25. How To Reset Septic Tank Alarm?
  26. How To Find Septic Tank Lid?
  27. How Often To Pump A Septic Tank?
  28. How Long Do Septic Tanks Last?
  29. How Long Does It Take To Replace A Septic Tank?
  30. How Long Does It Take To Pump A Septic Tank?
  31. How Do I Know If I Have A Septic Tank?
  32. How Big Of A Septic Tank Do I Need?
  33. Can You Drive Over A Septic Tank?
  34. Septic Tanks vs Cisterns: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  35. Where Is My Septic Tank?

BOD (biological oxygen demand)

A measure of the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater.

  1. Septic Tanks vs Aerated Lagoons: Know the Difference (Guide)
  2. Step 1: Anaerobic Digestion Process
  3. Septic Tanks vs Lagoons: What’s Better? (Guide)
  4. Septic Tanks vs Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Clearing Confusion (Guide)
  5. Overview
  6. Septic Tanks vs Constructed Wetlands: Clearing the Confusion (Guide)
  7. Septic Tanks vs Trickling Filters: Understanding Differences (Basics)
  8. Septic Tanks vs Package Plants: Clearing the Confusion (Basics)
  9. Septic Tanks vs Pressure Distribution Systems: Key Differences (Guide)

Building codes

Regulations that govern the design, construction, and maintenance of septic systems to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards.

  1. How Big Of A Septic Tank Do I Need?
  2. How Deep Is A Septic Tank?
  3. How Far Is The Leach Field From The Septic Tank?
  4. Septic Tanks vs Greywater Systems (Understanding Differences)
  5. What Does A Septic Tank Look Like?