What are the end products of a properly functioning septic system?

A properly functioning septic system is designed to treat and manage household wastewater efficiently. The primary end products of this process are clean water and biogas.

When wastewater enters the septic tank, it undergoes anaerobic digestion, where bacteria break down organic material. This process generates biogas, which typically consists of methane and carbon dioxide. This biogas can either escape into the atmosphere or be captured for other uses.

The solids that remain in the tank over time form a sludge layer, which needs to be periodically pumped out. The effluent that exits the septic tank is mostly liquid and has undergone some degree of treatment. This effluent can then be further filtered through the soil in a drain field, allowing cleaner water to eventually percolate into the groundwater or be used for irrigation.

In contrast, options that mention polluted water or solids as end products indicate a malfunctioning system, as a well-managed septic system should not discharge untreated wastewater or excess solids into the environment.