Sewer & Septic

Sewers are artificial conduits or system of conduits used to remove human waste and to provide drainage. Sewers are usually pipelines that begin with connecting pipes from buildings to one or more levels of larger underground horizontal mains, which terminate at sewage treatment facilities. Vertical pipes, called manholes, connect the mains to the surface. Sewers are generally gravity powered, though pumps may be used if necessary.

Sewers are beneficial for many reasons, most importantly for removing wastewater. Wastewater is harmful to the environment because it has a foul smell, contains harmful bacteria, and contains suspended solids and chemicals that adversely affect the environment.

Some homes have septic systems to take care of their liquid waste. These systems usually have large concrete holding tanks. The sewage is filtered through water in the tank (usually containing nitrogen and phosphorous,) then deposited into a field of some sort. Septic systems must be maintained by the homeowner on a regular basis.