Septic systems are an important part of many properties. There are many different kinds of septic systems. Some properties need a specific kind of septic system based on location and terrain. Understanding the different types of systems can help people decide which will be the best for their property.
How A Septic System Works
If a property is not connected to a sewer system, all wastewater leaving the house or business will go into a septic system. Everything that goes down a drain is sent into a septic tank. Inside the septic tank, solids sink to the bottom of the tank. This is called sludge. Oil and grease float to the top of the wastewater; this is called scum.
The septic tank allows the wastewater, also called effluent, to leave the tank and move into a drain field to be treated. The sludge and scum stay trapped inside the tank so they do not contaminate the soil. As the wastewater moves through the drain field, the soil removes nutrients, viruses, and bacteria from the water. The water eventually goes back into the groundwater without contaminants.
Chamber System
This type of septic system is good for areas with high groundwater tables. This system has a series of connected plastic chambers in the drain field. The chambers are covered by soil. Wastewater leaves the septic tank in pipes going to the chambers. Inside the chambers, wastewater comes in contact with soil. The wastewater is treated by microbes in the soil.
Aerobic Treatment Units
An aerobic treatment unit is a good choice for a smaller property. It is also beneficial on a property that is close to a lake or pond that could be affected by wastewater nutrients. These septic systems are on a much smaller scale than a city sewage plant.
The system adds extra oxygen to the treatment tank. The extra oxygen increases the bacteria activity inside the tank, increasing the treatment level. These systems could have a pretreatment tank and a final treatment tank. The wastewater then moves into a dispersal system.
Drip Distribution Septic System
This type of septic system has extra pieces. Drip tubing is used in the drain field within the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. This system needs a large dose tank to hold wastewater after the septic tank.
The dose tank times the release of water into the drip area so too much water does not go in at one time. This system needs to be connected to electricity to work correctly. A drip system needs a higher level of maintenance.
Recirculating Sand Filter System
In a sand filter system, the wastewater goes from the septic tank into a pump tank. It is then pumped into a sand filter box. The sand filter can be built above ground or below ground.
The wastewater is pumped into the sand filter at low pressure through pipes at the top of the box. The wastewater is treated as it trickles down through the sand. It is then sent to the drain field.
Mound Septic Systems
For this system, a large mound is built for the drain field. The bottom layer is sand. The sand layer is covered with gravel and then topsoil.
When the wastewater leaves the septic tank, it goes into a pump tank. The pump tank sends the wastewater up into the mound in certain amounts. The wastewater drops through the gravel and sand, being treated on the way down. It then enters the ground under the sand layer.
Constructed Wetland System
This system copies the treatment process of a natural wetland. The wastewater exits the septic tank into a constructed wetland cell. The wetland cell usually has gravel, sand, and wetland plants. Wastewater is treated in the wetland cell and then goes into a drain field.
Evapotranspiration Septic System
This system is for dry climates with enough heat and sun. Wastewater leaves the septic tank, moving into a drain field lined with a watertight material. Once the wastewater goes into the drain field, it evaporates into the air. The wastewater does not go into the ground.
Cluster Septic System
This system might be found in a rural subdivision. Each building has its own septic tank. All of the septic tanks send wastewater to one treatment and dispersal system. The wastewater is sent out into one larger drain field nearby.
Do You Need Help With A Septic System?
There are many kinds of septic systems available. All Septic & Sewer can help you choose the best septic system for your property and install the system. So, be sure to contact All Septic & Sewer for a septic system that will work for your situation, and check them out on Facebook.