Just knowing the ins and outs of a septic system can save you a lot of money in the long run. But how do septic tanks work?

This is the leach field for a septic system. Septic designers have all sorts of options and can make a septic system work on just about any lot. (Tim Carter/TNS/TNS) Perspective by Tim Carter Do you ...

Dear James: We have a septic system at our small farmhouse. It would be convenient to add a garbage disposal in the kitchen. Can we use a garbage disposal with a septic system? — Joyce D. Dear Joyce: ...