What are the three main components of a septic system?

The three main components of a septic system are the septic tank, drain field, and soil absorption area. The septic tank serves as the primary treatment unit where wastewater is separated into solids, liquids, and scum. The solids settle to the bottom, while the liquid flows into the drain field.

The drain field, also known as the leach field, consists of a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel or soil. Its purpose is to disperse the liquid effluent from the septic tank into the surrounding soil, allowing for further treatment and absorption. The soil absorption area refers to the portion of the drain field that is directly involved in the absorption and treatment of wastewater as it percolates through the soil, which plays a crucial role in filtering and breaking down harmful pathogens and nutrients.

While other answer choices mention components associated with septic systems, they either mix terms or inaccurately define the primary functions. For instance, "filtration system" or "waste treatment plant" are not standard terminologies used to describe septic systems, and terms like "treatment chamber" may refer to specific types of systems but do not encompass the main components typically found in conventional septic systems in South Carolina.