Which of the following is NOT a main component of a septic system?

A septic system primarily consists of several key components that work together to treat and manage wastewater from a home. The main components include the septic tank, which collects and holds the sewage; the drain field, sometimes referred to as the leach field, which allows treated effluent to disperse into the soil; and the soil absorption field, which is integral for filtering and further treating the wastewater as it percolates through the soil.

The water heater, on the other hand, is not a component of a septic system. Its role is to heat water for household use, making it unrelated to the process of wastewater management. This distinction is crucial for understanding how septic systems function and where each component fits within the overall system. Knowing that the water heater is not involved in the treatment or management of wastewater helps in identifying the key elements that need to be inspected or maintained in a septic system.