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As with most things, there are many options to choose from when it comes to septic systems! Whether you are looking to install a new septic system for your home, replace an old one, learn which type is already installed for your home, or just become more informed about the different types of septic systems out there, this article should benefit you greatly. We’ll dive into each type of septic system in turn, giving an overview and examining the pros and cons of each!
A conventional septic system is what you would typically find installed in a modern home. At its most basic level, a conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a drain field (more commonly called a "leach field"). Waste is broken down in the septic tank by bacteria, and the liquid separates from the solids, which settle to the bottom. The liquid then flows out of the septic tank and into the drain field and is safely absorbed back into the ground.
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A chamber septic system is very similar to a conventional septic system. Both types use a septic tank. However, the main difference is found in the construction of the leach field. Whereas a conventional system uses a lateral line system (i.e., a network of perforated PVC pipes that allow water to filter into the surrounding soil), a chamber system uses larger chambers (normally larger sized pipes) that are buried under the ground. Also, while a conventional system uses gravel around the PVC pipes of the leach field, a chamber system is gravel-less. In a chamber system, water from the septic tank flows into several chambers, where it comes into contact with the surrounding soil and is treated by microbes near the soil. After this, like a conventional system, a chamber system allows the wastewater to disperse safely into the ground.
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Like the previous two septic systems, a drip distribution septic system continues to use a normal septic tank. However, instead of lateral lines or chambers, a drip distribution system uses pipes that allow only a small amount of liquid from the septic tank to disperse into the ground at a given time, meaning that water is distributed more evenly.
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The aerobic system (commonly referred to as aerobic septic systems) is the first example on our list that does not use a traditional septic tank. Instead, this system replaces the septic tank with an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). Oxygen is infused into the ATU, which increases the activity of naturally occurring bacteria. This, in turn, increases waste breakdown and provides additional treatment for the wastewater moving out of the tank.
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A mound system again uses a septic tank; however, instead of a traditional leach field, this system builds a mound of soil over the drain field pipes rather than burying them. Water from the septic tank flows into a pump chamber which pumps wastewater up into the mound at the correct rate. After this, wastewater is treated when it flows out of the pipes in the mound and through a layer of sand, after which it disperses into the surrounding soil.
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A sand filter system functions much like a mound system in that it uses sand to filter wastewater. But with that said, instead of a mound, a recirculating sand filter system pumps wastewater from the septic tank into a sand filter compartment (normally made of concrete), which is located either above or below the ground. This sand filter compartment is (as you might have guessed) filled with sand. Wastewater is treated as it passes through the sand. It then leaves the system, passing into the drain field. Additionally, both already-filtered and new wastewater passes through another compartment—the recirculation tank—where it's further processed.
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While its name makes it sound complicated, an evapotranspiration system actually only reverses the normal way a septic drain field works. The system still uses a traditional septic tank (as most of these alternative systems do), but when wastewater passes out of the tank, it enters an evapotranspiration bed—a compartment containing sand and gravel that is entirely sealed on the bottom, preventing water from seeping into the ground. The evapotranspiration bed is covered with vegetation. Plants use the water in the bed, and any additional moisture makes its way to the surface and evaporates into the air.
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A constructed wetland septic system attempts to manually mimic the way an actual wetland functions. Wastewater moves from the septic tank into a wetland area, typically lined with a waterproof material and containing sand and gravel. The wastewater is treated by plants and microbes. Any additional wastewater is then dispersed into the ground via the drain field.
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A community system is exactly how it sounds. It consists of multiple houses (each usually possessing its own septic tank) connected to one drain field. Rural subdivisions commonly have community septic systems.
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All things considered, you should choose the type of septic system that best fits with your particular needs and desires. We hope that this article has helped you to determine what type of septic system is best for you! Keep in mind that many of these types of septic systems (not all) are improved when used in conjunction with a bacterial septic system treatment. We always recommend our product Septic System Digester for the best results!
If you have any further questions or concerns about this topic, please feel free to contact us at support@uniquemm.com. We would love to answer your questions!
