More than 28 million households have septic systems, but few homeowners
know how they operate or how to maintain them. This clearly written,
illustrated guide addresses that need, emphasizing conventional septic
systems powered by gravity flow, filtering through soil, and the natural
soil organisms that purify sewage. The book discusses maintenance, what
to do if things go wrong, and alternative systems such as mounds and
sand filters. Additional chapters cover graywater systems, composting
toilets, and a unique history of water-borne waste disposal. This
expanded edition contains three new chapters.