Septic tanks are large concrete, polyethylene or fiberglass containers that hold sewage waste. In the past, in the United States, septic tanks were sometimes made of steel or wood.

A perk test is a soil test that determines if the ground is compatible, the kind of septic tank needed and where it is to be located. The ground compatibility is important so field lines can drain liquid waste without causing quick sand or sink holes. Solid waste settles to the bottom of the septic tank while only liquid waste is drained through the field lines.

Field line drainage is of no harm to the environment, animals or plants. Field line drainage will reduce cost of watering your garden, only if the garden is planted over the field lines. As water drains from the field lines plant and flower roots will soak up the water, thus actually promoting plant growth.

There are three important Q/A's to ensure a smooth septic tank instalation project.

1. Where will the system be located? A. The site and slope conditions, and distance from many features determines where the system must be located. Some common distances for a septic system would be a minimum of 50 feet from a well, lake, or river; 10 feet from a house, 5 feet from your property line and 6 feet from an old septic system. NOTE: This varies from state, county and city laws.

2. How large of a system will be required? A. This is determined by two factors: How many bedrooms in the residence, and the soil conditions the system will be installed in. Now days all septic tanks are at least 1000 gallons. Note: This also varies from state, county and city laws.

3. How much will it coast? A. Depending on size it will be about $2000-$7000 not including taxes and fees.

After a septic tank is installed the solid waste will need to be cleaned "pumped" some times only every 5-10 years. This cost about $100-$500.

In the long-run septic tanks can save you money. Also one last thing: bio-degradable waste only which will give your septic tank longer life. Be nice to your septic tank it will be nice to you!