Many homes throughout the United States depend on septic system technology. Septic systems are used generally when public sewer systems are not available.

Often, septic systems are found in low density portions of the United States, as well as rural sections of the country. Many cities and highly developed suburbs rely on public sewer systems instead of individual septic systems.

Septic system tanks often have a capacity of 1000 gallons more or less. They are buried in the ground along with stone trenches.

They can be buried in either the front yard or the backyard - depending on space availability and local law. Usually, a local inspector must approve a septic system before it is used. Often pre-construction approvals are required as well.

Approvals are necessary for septic systems because they can make people ill if they are not properly designed or if they fail to work after a period of time. I have seen entire communities with failed septic systems.

Septic systems provide a benefit of avoiding sewer bills. But they are not free to operate. They must be maintained, which costs money, and after a certain period must often be replaced. That can cost several thousands of dollars

How much does a septic system cost? Often, prices range from $2-$5000. Numerous factors control the cost, including location, the quality of the soils, the kind of system employed, and whether there are any unique features that need to be addressed.

There are more sophisticated systems that are also available when conventional systems will not work. They are usually most costly and more maintenance intensive. You also must make sure that they are approved by your local government.

How does a system work? Household water and sanitary waste from your house flows into the septic tank. Solids remain in the tank, and the liquid flows out of the tank into a drain field.

Once the liquid enters the drain field, it leaches into the soil. When the system is working correctly, the bacteria and viruses in this liquid are removed through biological treatment in the soil.

All soils are not created equally. Some soils are more capable than others of the treating sanitary waste. Therefore, local authorities will often require proof that soils are capable of providing the necessary level of treatment before a system may be installed.

In order to maintain a properly operating septic system, consider the following: limit the use of garbage disposals, avoid flushing facial tissue, hygiene products or cigarette butts. In addition, limit the entry of oils or grease into the system. Of course hazardous and toxic substances should never be flushed down the toilet, whether you have a septic system or are connected to public sewer.

Oils and fats can kill a septic system. Homes or businesses that produce large amounts of fats may destroy the biological qualities of the soils, thereby killing the system. Which means that oil and grease should be separated from other waste entering the system.

While septic systems are easy to use - they are not care free. And a failing system can cause many problems. It can even make a house or business uninhabitable. Which means that purchasers of homes with septic systems may require assurances that they are in good working order before the closing of title takes place

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.