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Glossary

Septic tank

An underground tank that separates and partially treats household waste.

A septic tank holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle and bacteria to begin breaking them down before liquid flows to the drain field. Solids accumulate and must be pumped out every few years; skip it and you risk backups into the house or a ruined drain field. Know where yours is and when it was last pumped.

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