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Septic systems

From PumpProfessionals.wiki, an independent record of Pump Professionals and the pumps, valves and septic parts it lists

Researched and compiled by the Pump Professionals Wiki editorial team · First published · Revised

The short version: A septic system settles household wastewater in a buried tank and disperses the effluent through a drain field; the EPA says tanks are typically pumped every three to five years and inspected at least every three.[1][2]

A note on independence: PumpProfessionals.wiki is an independent record compiled from pumpprofessionals.com, manufacturer pages, EPA guidance, Indiana’s on-site sewage rule and general references. It is not operated by Pump Professionals and does not sell anything. Prices and stock change; confirm with the supplier at (317) 674-3819. Sourcing rules: editorial policy.

How a septic system works

A typical septic system has a septic tank and a drain field. All the household’s wastewater flows to the tank, a buried watertight container usually of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene, which holds it long enough for solids to settle as sludge while oil and grease float as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet keep sludge and scum in the tank, and the liquid effluent flows to the drain field, a shallow covered excavation in unsaturated soil, where the soil treats and disperses it.[1] Alternative systems use pumps or gravity to pass effluent through sand, organic media or constructed wetlands.[1]

Care and pumping

The EPA says a household septic system should be inspected at least every three years, and tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Systems with float switches, pumps or other mechanical parts should be inspected more often, generally once a year. How often a tank needs pumping depends on household size, total wastewater, the volume of solids and tank size.[2] A tank should be pumped if the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the outlet, the top of the sludge is within 12 inches of it, or sludge and scum take up more than a quarter of the liquid depth.[2]

Water use

All the water a household uses ends up in the septic system. The EPA puts average indoor use at up to 70 gallons per person per day, notes that a single leaking toilet can add 200 gallons a day, and says toilets account for 25 to 30 percent of household water use; high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons or less per flush.[2]

Indiana rules

In Indiana, residential on-site sewage systems are governed by 410 IAC 6-8.3 and permitted by local health departments.[3][4] Tank size is set by bedroom count, from 750 gallons for two bedrooms or fewer to 1,500 for five, plus 300 for each extra bedroom; tanks must be watertight and corrosion-protected, and cast-in-place concrete, block, wood and metal tanks are prohibited.[5] See Indiana septic tank sizes.

Where pumps come in

Many systems need no pump at all. Pumps appear when the drain field is uphill of the tank, when a design calls for pressure distribution or dosing, or when an advanced treatment unit is used.[1][6] Then the system typically has a pump chamber with an effluent pump, floats, a control panel and a high-water alarm. The supplier sells these components: effluent and sewage pumps, Flomatic Flo-Trol dosing regulators, SPI alarms, and Infiltrator tanks, risers and chambers.[7][8][9][10]

Why solids must be removed

Sludge builds up faster than bacteria break it down, so it has to be removed periodically, usually by vacuum truck.[6] If it is not, solids pass into the drain field and clog it, which is the most expensive failure in a septic system. Groundwater pollution from failing systems is a known problem.[6][11]

Common questions

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Typically every three to five years, according to the EPA, with inspection at least every three years.

Do septic systems with pumps need more inspection?

Yes; the EPA says generally once a year.

Who permits septic systems in Indiana?

Local health departments, under 410 IAC 6-8.3.

Related entries

Endnotes

  1. ^ a b c d How your septic system works. U.S. EPA. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d How to care for your septic system. U.S. EPA. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  3. ^ 410 IAC 6-8.3, Residential on-site sewage systems (rule text as published 28 March 2024). Indiana Department of Health. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  4. ^ On-site sewage systems program. Indiana Department of Health. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  5. ^ 410 IAC 6-8.3-60, Septic tanks: general requirements (Table III). Indiana Administrative Code, via Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  6. ^ a b c Septic tank. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  7. ^ Septic equipment (category listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  8. ^ Flomatic valves (brand listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  9. ^ SPI (brand listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  10. ^ Septic tank (category listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  11. ^ Septic systems (SepticSmart). U.S. EPA. Retrieved 9 November 2026.