Different Types of Septic Systems

July 13 2020

Different Types of Septic Systems

The installation of the septic system is the sole responsibility of the homeowner, and that is why it’s critical to understand the available different types of systems.

However, when it’s time to install or replace the septic system in your property, there are different factors that should be considered which include soil type, topography, household size, proximity to plants or water bodies, weather condition and local regulations.

Basically, every homeowner needs to know that there are two septic system types:

  • The conventional and
  • The alternative systems

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank is a watertight underground chamber designed and constructed to receive domestic wastewater. It is designed to allow anaerobic processes to act on the solids so they could settle at the bottom while the liquids and lighter solids stay afloat and eventually discharges at the drain field for further treatment.

If you’re a starter or a homeowner considering upgrading the septic system in their property, Septic Blue is committed to helping you make an informed decision. Here are different types of septic systems.

The conventional system

This is also known as the basic or standard system and it consists of the septic tank and the drain field (a subsurface wastewater infiltration system.

The conventional system is designed to hold the wastewater from your home and to use the anaerobic process to separate the solids and water. After some time, gravity moves the wastewater into the drain field for further treatment.

Alternative septic systems

If you have a high water table that could affect the installation and functions of the septic tank or you have varied terrain and other architectural constraints in your property. Then it's better to consider the alternative septic systems including:

The aerobic treatment unit (ATU)

This system is designed to add more oxygen to the treatment tank to break down organic matter. The addition of oxygen increases natural bacterial activity in the system making the process to be faster and discharges water with minimal pathogens.

This system can be used as an alternative to the conventional system where the water table is too high or where there is an unstable soil condition.

The recirculating sand filter system

This system is also suitable for locations that are close to water bodies, or it can be used when minimal soil is not available for the effluent treatment.

The system is designed to receive wastewater from the septic tank which is pumped or recirculates twice through the filters made of different types of sand materials. The wastewater can then be discharged to the drain field

The mound system

Installed as an option where there is shallow bedrock, soil depth, or high groundwater. It has a pump chamber where the wastewater is pumped from a collecting tank to the sand mound before discharging to the soil. This system could be expensive and requires a lot of operational time.

Are you still confused about the right type of septic system that will be right for your property?

Call experts at Septic Blue to help you choose the perfect septic system

Apart from the ones mentioned in this article, there are different types of septic systems out there. However, you need a professional from Septic Blue to help you make the right decision that will be efficient, affordable, and will meet your specific need.