Septic systems for handling sewage have to be maintained but little information is available on the subject. This manual explains how they work, the potential problems that owners often encounter and how to repair them when they go awry.

This reader-friendly guide covers virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including how to solve routine well and septic system problems, how to choose the best well and septic system, septic designs, and more.

"This manual contains overview information on treatment technologies, installation practices, and past performance."--Introduction.

This valuable reference delineates the ground water quality concerns associated with the planning and usage of septic tank systems. Septic tank systems represent a significant source of ground water pollution in the United States. Since many existing systems are exceeding their design life by several-fold, the usage of synthetic organic chemicals in the household and for system cleaning is increasing, and larger-scale systems are being designed and used.