Septic Tank
How exactly do septic tanks work?
A sewerage drain field and a septic tank make up a small scale sewage treatment system. A septic tank is basically a rectangular shaped underground receptacle for wastewater. It is watertight, made of concrete, and consists of tanks that are divided into chambers. The first chamber has twice the volume as the second and the majority of the organic solid matter, referred to as sludge, gets settled here. The second chamber further purifies the wastewater.
The septic tank collects wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, etc. Due to the absence of a current the sludge quickly settles down to the tank floor. Anaerobic bacterial digestive activity on the sludge leads to the generation of methane and carbon dioxide; the sludge is stabilized and does not rot anymore. Particles of stabilized sludge stay settled, some may float to the top as scum.
A septic tank should be constructed such that there is maximum contact time with the microorganisms so as to enable swifter digestion of the sludge. This is achieved by placing the inlet, overflow, and outlet diagonal to each other and by making the streams flow in vertically placed pipes.
The semi-purified water moves to the second chamber via the overflows that are constructed such that the upward motion of water prevents larger particles from flowing into the second chamber. The feeding, digestion, and settlement of organic matter continues in the second chamber. The retention time in the second chamber is half that of the first chamber because of its size and the fact that the amount of organic matter to treat is less. The outlet is constructed in the diagonal corner to the overflow.
The treated wastewater is directed to a drain field, also known as a seepage field, where any impurities that still exist get decomposed naturally, the water is taken up by the plant root system or it may even become a part of the groundwater. The large sized drainage field is required if the soil is not very porous. A septic system can be made to work entirely by using gravitational forces; at some places, however, a pump may be required to overcome topographical limitations.
The rate of sludge generation in septic tanks is around 0.05 cubic yards every year for an individual. Septic tanks need to be emptied every few years so that there is enough reaction space for the microorganisms to attack the wastewater and for the sludge to settle.
The septic tank may be emptied every 5-7 years depending upon the amount of wastewater it processes. The tank is emptied using an exhauster truck manned by trained personnel. The sludge that is sucked into the exhauster truck is released into public waste water treatment plants, sanitary landfills, or sludge drying beds.
Properly digested sludge can be used as a natural fertilizer; this is possible only if no fresh wastewater is added to the tank for at least one week.
The design of the septic tank should be such that the wastewater always flows in its designated path and no short circuits in the water flow occur. T-pipe-connectors with inflow and outflow openings under the water level should be used for inlet, overflow, and outlet pipes. This prevents the floating scum from clogging the pipes. A grease trap should be provided for the wastewater inflow pipe.
About the Author
Scott Leahy recommends you visit The Laundry Alternative to learn about septic tanks. See http://www.laundry-alternative.com/ for more information.
Dirty Jobs : Foul & Fabulous : Septic Tank Technician
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2 x Fluidmaster Septic Tank Toilet Bowl Cleaning System $32.00 |
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ULTRA-AIR SEPTIC TANK SHAFT AERATOR AIR PUMP 13.5″ Br. $390.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK AND PUMP ALARM CONTROL BOX $35.00 |
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Septic Tank Treatment AQ-4 blend: 1 yr. supply $16.17 |
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ROEBIC SEPTIC TANK & CESSPOOL CLEANER QT K-57 $8.99 |
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ROEBIC SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT QT K-37 $7.99 |
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Polylok 4″ Extend & Lok Septic Tank Inlet / Outlet Pipe Extender $23.50 |
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Roebic K-37 BAG 12 oz. Septic Tank Treatment Granular Concentrate $8.80 |
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Unique Septic System Digester Bacteria Tank Lines $11.95 |
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SEWAGE SYSTEM PLANS HOW TO BUILD A SEPTIC TANK CESSPOOL $5.95 |
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Septic Tank Treatment One year supply $29.95 |
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MEADOW SPRINGS ECO-YEAST SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE 04020 $13.25 |
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Septic Tank Treatment AQ-4 blend: 1 yr. supply $15.00 |
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Unique Super Digest Drain Opener Safe For Septic Tanks $35.95 |
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SEPTIC TANK AND POND CONTROL AND ALARM SEPTIC TANK BOX $10.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK AND POND CONTROL AND ALARM SEPTIC TANK BOX $10.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK AND POND CONTROL AND ALARM SEPTIC TANK BOX $10.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK AND POND CONTROL AND ALARM SEPTIC TANK BOX $10.00 |
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CRUD CHUGGERS PLUMPING, GREASE TRAP & SEPTIC TANK ENZYME PACKETS $28.00 |
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NEW HIBLOW HP-120 SEPTIC TANK AIR PUMP AERATOR $485.00 |
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Fluidmaster Flush ‘N Sparkle Septic Tank Cartridge 2-PK $9.34 |
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SEPTIC TANK OR SMALL LAKE AERATOR VANE PUMP $75.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK OR SMALL LAKE AERATOR VANE PUMP $75.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK OR SMALL LAKE AERATOR VANE PUMP $75.00 |
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1,000 Gallon below ground Septic tank $1,062.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK OR SMALL LAKE AERATOR VANE PUMP $75.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK OR SMALL LAKE AERATOR VANE PUMP $75.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK OR SMALL LAKE AERATOR VANE PUMP $75.00 |
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FLUIDMASTER 8200 Flush ‘ n Sparkle Toilet Bowl Cleaner Septic Tank Treatment $16.95 |
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1,250 Gallon below ground Septic tank $1,253.00 |
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1,500 Gallon below ground Septic tank $1,523.00 |
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500 Gallon below ground Septic tank $584.00 |
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300 Gallon below ground Septic pump tank sphere $430.00 |
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500 Gallon below ground Septic pump tank sphere $585.00 |
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GreenPig, Septic Tank Treatment $14.02 |
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Unique Septic System Digester Tank Lines Field Tanks $39.95 |
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ULTRA-AIR SEPTIC TANK SHAFT AERATOR with 13.5″ Brackets $390.00 |
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ZABEL A100-12×20-VC NEW HI CAP DIY SEPTIC TANK FILTER ! $189.99 |
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Septic System Digester Bacteria Treatment Tank Lines $21.95 |
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Norwesco 63151 4″ SDR35 Septic Tank Bulk Head $32.42 |
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Roebic K-77 Septic Tank Root Killer $34.24 |
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POLYLOK SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT FILTER EXTEND & LOK LOCK FOR 4″ PIPE $24.95 |
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POLYLOK SEPTIC TANK GREASE TRAP EFFLUENT FILTER ZABEL $29.95 |
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FLUIDMASTER Flush ‘ n Sparkle Toilet Bowl Cleaner Refill Cartridge 2 pk Blue $18.95 |
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BEST GF10-8 POLYLOK 1/8″ HI CAP DIY SEPTIC TANK FILTER! $189.99 |
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How to INSTALL & MAINTAIN SEPTIC TANK SEWAGE SYSTEM PLAN Original 1954 Article $4.99 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 1,200 Gal Cap $3,883.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 1,080 Gal Cap $3,253.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 600 Gal Cap $2,898.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 2400 Gal Cap $4,827.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 2,100 Gal Cap $4,637.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 1,500 Gal Cap $4,369.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 1,200 Gal Cap $4,229.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Above Ground – 366 Gal Cap $3,123.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Burial Tank – 2,400 Gal Cap $5,473.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Burial Tank – 2,100 Gal Cap $5,243.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Burial Tank – 1,500 Gal Cap $4,851.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK – Burial Tank – 1,200 Gal Cap $4,556.00 |
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BIO-SURE SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT PLUMBING DRAIN CLEANING $49.99 |
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Septic Tanks Bluewater ATU’s the high tech alternative. $5,995.00 |
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POLYLOK SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT FILTER EXTEND & LOK LOCK FOR 3″ PIPE $24.95 |
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Unique Septic System Digester Tank Lines Field Tanks $149.95 |
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NEW 2 MEADOW SPRINGS ECO-YEAST SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE $22.57 |
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NORWECO Bio-Perc Leach Field Rejuvenator 10# Pails Septic Tank Repair $49.00 |
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ZABEL A100-12×20/BALL NEW HICAPACITY SEPTIC TANK FILTER $199.99 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK Bury to 2 Ft Deep – 2400 Gal $5,909.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK & WATER TANK Bury to 7 Ft Deep – 2400 Gal $6,649.00 |
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SEPTIC TANK CLEANER 32 OZ $10.00 |
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WATER SEPTIC & HOLDING TANK Commercial – 12,000 Gal Cap $21,514.00 |
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WATER SEPTIC & HOLDING TANK Commercial – 6,000 Gal Cap $13,705.00 |
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Unique Septic System Digester Maintain Tanks Lines Field Cesspools Bacteria New $11.95 |
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Unique Septic System Digester Maintain Tank Lines Field Cesspools Bacteria CS Qt $139.95 |
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WATER SEPTIC & HOLDING TANK Commercial – 8,400 Gal Cap $19,204.00 |
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SJE Rhombus Tank Alert AB High Water Level Septic Alarm $85.99 |
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(3) ea Roebic K-97 32 oz Main Line Sewer & Septic Tank System Cleaner Maintainer $34.99 |
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(12) Roebic K-97 32 oz Main Line Sewer & Septic Tank System Cleaner Maintainer $109.99 |
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SJE Rhombus Tank Alert XT High Water Level Septic Alarm $139.99 |
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Unique Septic System Maintain Tanks Lines Field Cesspools Bacteria New $139.95 |
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Septic Tank Treatment 12 Month Supply SEPTIC KLEAN 3 $18.95 |
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COMMERCIAL GRADE SEPTIC TANK GREASE TRAP BACTERIA TREATMENT CLEANER RID-X HIBLOW $39.50 |
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3 ea ROEBIC K-37 32 OZ SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT CLEANER $35.99 |
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12 ea ROEBIC K-37 32 OZ SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT CLEANER $119.99 |
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Unique Septic Tank Field Rejuvenator Bacteria NEW $19.95 |
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Roebic K-37 Septic Tank Treatment 32 Ounces (1 Quart) $7.95 |
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Lot of 12 Roebic K-37 Septic Tank Treatment 32 Ounces (1 Quart) Each $94.96 |
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12 Pack R+ Septic Tank Maintenance. 1 Year Supply! $40.00 |
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ULTRA-AIR SEPTIC TANK SHAFT AERATOR AIR PUMP 13.5″ Br. $390.00 |
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ULTRA-AIR SEPTIC TANK SHAFT AERATOR AIR PUMP 12″ BR. $390.00 |
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6 Pack R+ Septic Tank Maintenance. 6 Month Supply! $16.97 |
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Quart Roebic Septic Tank Bacteria Treatment Once-a-Year NEW # K37 $13.37 |
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Rid-X Septic Tank System Treatment 10.3 oz $7.99 |
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Unique Septic System Digester Bacteria Tank Lines $11.95 |
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Septic Tank Activator–Lot of 3 (Up To 15 month supply for 500 gal. tank) $14.99 |
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SEPTIC TANK SIM/TECH EFFLUENT FILTER 4″, FREE SHIPPING $55.00 |
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MEADOW SPRINGS ECO-YEAST SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE 04020 $11.99 |
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Watts Premier 531130 Filter-Pure UF-3 3-Stage Water Filtration System $115.01 Watts Advanced 3-Stage Water Filtration System provides your family with clean, safe, great tasting water. This system utilizes high performance sediment prefilter, lead and Chemical reducing carbon block followed by our advanced technology Ultra Filtration Membrane filter. System is WQA Tested and Certified for the reduction of chlorine taste and odor, lead, chemicals including herbicides, pestic… |
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Waste King 9980 Legend Series 1 HP Continuous Feed Operation Waste Disposer $364.00 … |
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Sweetfilter Washing Machine Filter Lint Trap Can Double The Life of Septic Tank Systems $19.95 Discharge water from a washing machine is laced with enough lint, hair, and non-biodegradable fibers to carpet your living room once a year. When it drains into a utility sink, the debris clogs the drainpipes and can destroy your septic tank leach field and treatment system. Our polyester bag traps lint before it enters the drain by fastening it over the end of the washer discharge hose. Replace i… |
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The Nights Of Touchcandy Part 1 $5.32 … |
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Marcia / Touched 7 Inch Vinyl 7 inch vinyl record, 45 rpm of Marcia / Touched by Touch Candy on the Septic Tank Records label…. |
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Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank $50.00 Produced by her husband Joe Hamilton who had also produced her variety series, Carol Burnett is Dorothy Benson, wife of advertising worker Jim (Charles Grodin), mother of three and would-be murder mystery writer, who instigates the family move from living in New York City to suburban Darkhaven Manners. Based on the novel by Erma Bombeck… |
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Whirlpool W10135699 Affresh High Efficiency Washer Cleaner, 3-Tablets $5.93 If your clothes have started to smell not so fresh, it could be that your washer just isn’t clean. Over time, dirt, grime and oils build up and don’t come off in the washing cycles. Some of this odor cauing bacteria stays in the fabrics of your clothing! Affresh washer cleaner removes and prevents odor-causing residue that can occur in all brands of washers. While bleach only kills odor-causing ba… |
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InSinkErator BIO-CG Evolution Septic Assist Bio Charge Replacement Cartridge, 16-Ounces $10.19 Bio-Charge, SPD-1 Disposer Replacement Cartridge, Super Concentrated, Equals 4 Bottles Of Other Septic Treatments, Last 4 Months, Citrus Scent To Help Control Odors, Breaks Down Soap & Grease Film In Drain Pipes…. |
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Worm Dung Farmer $1.99 … |
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Staten Island $2.99 … |
This entry was posted on Saturday, September 11th, 2004 at 7:00 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.