Just like owning a car, it is wise for a homeowner to have some knowledge and understanding about things such as the HVAC and plumbing systems to name a few.
Every industry has its own terminology as well, a usage so unique that a word or phrase in one industry might mean something completely different in another.
When it comes to septic systems, it is vital for a homeowner to have some knowledge of different terminology in order to be able to intelligently talk with septic service companies and their representatives who may need to service or repair a system - and would be likely to address any problems that need to be handled or fixed in technical terms.
Below are some important terms relating to a septic system and its operation to learn and understand, which could be very useful in knowing what needs to be done to fix a wastewater treatment problem.

• Drain field - Typically called a drain field, this is ground near a wastewater system where effluent water flows to be absorbed safely into the ground.
  A drain field, absorption field, leach field or distribution field is installed as lines of trenched, perforated PVC tubing called distribution cells that are buried over layers of gravel, then covered in dirt to spread the water over the entire space that the drain field encompasses.
  PVC pipes extend from the distribution box, which is a contained unit that extends from the septic tank and evenly separates flowing effluent water so that it distributes evenly among the different cells.
  
• Effluent Water - This is wastewater that leaves the septic system after passing through a filter and baffle that screen and prevent solid material from getting past the filter and into the drain field.
  The filter opens into the distribution box and effluence then divides up and flows down different distribution cells.
  
• Influent Water - Influent water is raw sewage of any type that enters the septic tank from any type of plumbing system before it is filtered for distribution.
  
• Black Water - Black water is influent water that also contains human waste and would also be entering a wastewater treatment system.
  
• Gray Water - Gray water is the water that flows into a septic tank without any human waste.
  It comes from sources such as washing machines, dishwashers, showers, and bathtubs.
  
• Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria - Aerobic bacteria is the type of bacteria that requires atmospheric oxygen in order to live and is the type of bacteria in septic tanks; it does an efficient job of decomposing sewage and reducing organic waste.
  To maintain aerobic bacteria, many septic systems have aeration chambers that help keep a sufficient amount of oxygen rather than just the gassesproduced by decomposition in a system so the process is not hampered.
  Anaerobic bacteria thrives without atmospheric oxygen and is less inefficient and less desirable.
  
• Septic Tank - The most well-known of septic system parts, the septic tank is made from cement, steel, fiberglass, or plastic; it is a large holder for incoming wastewater that must be digested and separated.
  A sludge layer of solids remains at the bottom while water rises to the top and enters the settling chamber where water flow is reduced so that solids can be screened out.
  Water then enters the treatment chamber, where it is bio-chemically treated and becomes effluent water entering the distribution box.
  

By understanding such common terms, a homeowner can be more educated about how a septic system works, becoming better able to discuss their system and understand what is being said.
Usage of correct terminology can make the difference between an owner knowing what is wrong and how to fix it or becoming lost trying to follow a conversation with misunderstood technical terms.
Know the jargon - and know your septic system!