Holding Tank

• The main component of a septic system is the tank, usually made of concrete, steel or plastic. The 1,000 to 2,000-gallon tank is connected to the house by an inlet pipe. The tank retains solids, with water leaching into the surrounding soil.
  
  

Location

• The tank is usually located a minimum of 10 feet from the house, 100 feet from the water well, 100 feet from streams or ponds and at least 10 feet from the property line. It's buried a foot underground providing easy access for pumping.
  
  

Purchase And Installation

• You can buy the tank and pipes to install yourself if you have access to a backhoe, a trencher and understand basic plumbing. If not, contact a contractor, a septic system installation firm, or manufacturer to have them do it for you. Search locally for the nearest and most reliable companies.