Get matched with top septic tank pros in Winner, SD

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), septic tanks must be located a decent distance from places subject to flooding or surface ponding. Additionally, septic tanks should be installed on level ground so that the waste can properly settle in the tank. Most tanks are located 10 to 20 feet away from the home. More specific requirements vary by location, so call a local septic pro or your local health department for more information.

Yes, shower water goes into the septic tank. Shower water is a type of greywater, and in fact, all water used in a home with a septic system—including water from sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine—drains into the tank. When shower water enters the tank, debris like soap and hair travels with it. The solid debris sinks to the bottom to become sludge, while soap residue joins the scum layer at the top. The remaining water is treated in the tank before moving to the drain field for further treatment and dispersal. It is important to avoid putting oil or harsh chemicals down any drain, as they can cause clogs or disrupt the beneficial bacteria required for proper wastewater management in the septic system.

A septic tank is an underground container that collects and holds wastewater until it’s sufficiently filtered and broken down. It treats wastewater by separating waste so the leftover liquid can travel into the drainfield where the soil and gravel eventually filter and purify it. This process naturally eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

While mound septic systems can provide cost-effective wastewater treatment in many instances, they do come at a significant initial installation cost and require a lot of space on your property for the mound and its replacement field. The installation cost is so high because this is a project that requires an exceptional level of skills and expertise to execute properly.