Georgia Septic Installer Practice Test

What term describes a watertight structure that receives sewage effluent from a septic tank and distributes it to absorption lines?

1. Dosing tank

2. Distribution device

3. Septic tank

4. Retention basin

The correct answer is: Distribution device

The term that describes a watertight structure designed to receive sewage effluent from a septic tank and distribute it to absorption lines is known as a distribution device. This component plays a critical role in a septic system because it ensures that the effluent is evenly spread out across the absorption field, which is vital for effective soil filtration and treatment of wastewater. The distribution device helps prevent overloading any single absorption line, promoting uniform absorption and preventing potential system failure due to backups or localized saturation. Proper functioning of this device is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of the entire septic system. In contrast, a dosing tank is used to pump effluent at intervals into the absorption field rather than distributing effluent from the septic tank. A septic tank is the primary treatment unit that stores and breaks down the sewage before it is sent further in the system, and a retention basin typically refers to a stormwater management feature, not a component of a septic system.