human
Can you explain the differences between a septic tank and a sewage system?
assistant
A septic tank is an underground container that collects waste from a building's plumbing system. It filters out solid particles, allowing only liquids to pass through into the soil below. This liquid waste then passes into a drain field, where it is further filtered by soil bacteria before being released into the surrounding groundwater. A sewage system, on the other hand, is designed to collect and transport both liquid and solid waste directly to a treatment plant or waterway. The difference in design makes it easier for solids to settle at the bottom of a septic tank than in a sewage system, which can help prevent clogging and backups.